In order get the maximum clinical benefits from therapy (and save time and money), each session should be focused on the problem and potential solutions to the problem as outlined in your treatment plan. This doesn’t mean to say there is no room for serendipitous discoveries— however, it has been my experience that these discoveries happen as much during focused therapy as unfocused therapy, perhaps even more. Providing structure to therapy gives a feeling of support and safety and direction, enabling you to feel free to dig deep, express, and to allow you to explore thoughts and feelings that might otherwise be hidden, too painful, or overwhelming. 

Perhaps it could be described thus; therapy as poetry. Some of the most beautiful poetry relies on a tight structure that involves one or more of the following: rhyme, rhythm/meter, number of syllables, strict number of lines, number of verses, and so on. Think the sonnet. Think haiku. And even free-verse requires the rules and structure inherent in the grammar, words, and individual letters themselves.

Seventh Session

From the green armchair

She looks through spit-rain windows,

Sounding heart aloud

*The poet, Noa, is a former therapy patient.

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From Psych Central's website:
Zwolinski's 7 Rudiments of the Mental Health Treatment Plan | Therapy Soup (April 13, 2010)

    Last reviewed: 29 Jan 2010