The Use of Time Limits in Brief Psychotherapy: A Comparison of Six-Session, Twelve-Session, and Unlimited Treatment with Families

Abstract

This study compared the relative effectiveness of two durations of time-limited psychotherapy with time-unlimited treatment and a waiting list control group. Thirty-seven families applying for treatment at a child guidance clinic were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions: (a) time-limited therapy of 6 sessions within 8 weeks; (b) time-limited therapy of 12 sessions within 16 weeks: (c) time-unlimited therapy; and (d) a waiting list control group in which families waited approximately four months before beginning treatment. Outcome was assessed from multiple sources: parents, child, therapist, family interaction ratings, and missed and canceled sessions. Analysis of data provided some evidence that families who received treatment fared better than those on the waiting list. There were no consistent differences between 6-session, 12-session, and unlimited therapy. A model is proposed for the further investigation of time-limited treatment.