Typically, a therapy session lasts about 50 minutes. Patients also spend approximately 5-10 minutes filling out short questionnaires that help the therapist to know how they are feeling that day, and to get feedback on how well the sessions are progressing. All told, the patient spends about an hour per session.
Most patients attend sessions once per week.
Depending on the schedules of the patient and therapist, these sessions can be held on the same day and time each week in a consistent fashion, or the session times may vary. The Center for Cognitive Therapy attempts to be as flexible as possible, so that patients get the consistent, regular care that they expect. Conversely, if a patient feels that it is time to taper off the sessions, he or she may choose to schedule sessions every other week. Additionally, some patients choose to meet less frequently for financial reasons. The Center for Cognitive Therapy allows for this arrangement, in order for patients to receive treatment without incurring undue financial stress.