Having more than one therapist at a time is a concept known as concurrent therapy. While it may seem unusual, there are some valid reasons why someone might choose to work with two therapists simultaneously. However, there are also important considerations to keep in mind before pursuing this route.
Why might someone see two therapists?
Here are some of the common reasons someone might choose to work with two therapists at the same time:
- Getting different perspectives – Each therapist may offer a unique approach, insight or specialty. For example, one may provide talk therapy while the other does EMDR or somatic work.
- Dividing up goals – You may want to work with one therapist on career issues and another for relationship problems.
- Back-up support – Having a second therapist provides continuity in case one is unavailable due to vacation, illness, etc.
- Transitioning therapists – Overlapping the old and new therapist for a period of time can ease the transition.
- Comfort level – One therapist may be preferred for certain sensitive topics.
- Time constraints – Seeing two therapists may offer more available appointments.
Potential benefits of concurrent therapy
There are some advantages that can come with engaging in concurrent therapy:
- Getting a diversity of perspectives and approaches
- Having support tailored to specific goals or topics
- Continuity of care if one therapist is absent
- Potentially faster progress or resolution of issues
- More available appointments
The opportunity to get input from multiple trained professionals can provide broader insights into oneself and one’s issues. For some, dividing up therapeutic goals between two therapists may feel more efficient and targeted. The combination of approaches may potentially catalyze breakthroughs and growth.
Potential downsides of concurrent therapy
However, there are also some important considerations and potential drawbacks to keep in mind with concurrent therapy:
- Increased cost of seeing two therapists
- Possibility of receiving conflicting guidance
- Splitting transference between two therapists
- Potential breach of confidentiality if therapists confer
- Less coherent narrative across both treatment courses
- Can be logistically complex to schedule and attend two sets of appointments
Working with two therapists essentially doubles the financial cost of therapy. It also runs the risk of confusion if the therapists differ significantly in their approaches or advice. Transference may be split between two therapists, disrupting the therapeutic relationship. Confidentiality is compromised if the therapists communicate with each other about your treatment. Scheduling can also become more complicated.
Is it ethical for therapists to treat the same client?
Most professional organizations establish guidelines around concurrent therapy to protect clients as well as set standards among therapists. Here are some of the common stances on the ethics:
- Therapists should not treat the same client without informed consent
- Overlapping care should be time limited for transition purposes
- Concurrent long-term therapy is not considered best practice
- If a referral is made, communication between therapists should be limited
- Conferring requires the client’s expressed, written permission
- Each therapist should be aware they are “co-therapists” but not collaborate
While concurrent therapy is not prohibited, it typically falls outside normal practice. Therapists are expected to explain potential issues and limitations. Ongoing long-term concurrent therapy is often discouraged. Communication between therapists should be minimal and confidential.
How do you choose between two therapists?
If you are debating between two therapists or considering transitioning from one to another, here are some factors to consider:
- Comfort level – Do you feel safe, respected and able to be open?
- Approach – Does it align with your preferences and needs?
- Specialization – Does their expertise match your therapeutic goals?
- Availability – Are they able to meet for sessions consistently?
- Office location – Is it feasible to regularly attend appointments?
- Cost – Is their fee affordable for your budget and insurance?
Comfort and rapport are essential in order to feel secure opening up emotionally. Compare the therapists’ approaches and credentials to your specific therapeutic goals. Practical factors like scheduling, location and cost also come into play when choosing.
Tips for splitting time between therapists
If you decide to work with two therapists, here are some tips that can optimize the divided therapy time:
- Define the purpose for each therapist – Be clear on intended goals for each
- Limit length of concurrent therapy – Avoid long-term divided therapy
- Communicate openly about the set-up – Disclose you have two therapists
- Avoid scheduling overlaps – Leave enough space between appointments
- Track progress with each – Note insights gained uniquely from each
- Adjust if needed – Stop concurrent therapy if feeling overwhelmed or confused
Being transparent and intentional about the reasons for seeking concurrent therapy can give focus to each therapy relationship. Limiting overlap appointments and tracking unique progress with each therapist helps reduce conflicts. If feeling imbalanced or progress stalls, reassess whether concurrent therapy remains beneficial.
Questions to ask about concurrent therapy
If considering working with two therapists, here are some questions to explore:
- What need would the second therapist fulfill?
- What would I work on with each therapist?
- How long would I aim to overlap appointments?
- How will confidentiality be handled between therapists?
- How will I avoid scheduling conflicts and confusion?
- How will I track progress with each therapist uniquely?
- How will I determine if this set-up ceases to be beneficial?
Examining the rationale and logistics ahead of time can illuminate potential pitfalls. Establish how long the concurrent therapy should continue before re-evaluating. Determine how you will compartmentalize the work with each and gauge effectiveness. Answering these questions can help decide if seeing two therapists is the right move.
Alternatives to seeing two therapists
If working with two therapists simultaneously does not seem feasible or appropriate, here are some alternative options to consider:
- Integrative therapy – One therapist who uses a blend of approaches
- Group therapy – Sharing with others also in therapy
- Life coaching – Guidance for practical goals related to work, relationships, etc.
- Peer support groups – Connecting with others experiencing similar challenges
- Larger therapy clinic – Access to multiple professionals in one setting
Seeing a therapist who integrates different techniques or modalities can provide a diversity of skills and tools within a coherent therapeutic relationship. Group therapy exposes you to multiple perspectives. Peer support groups or life coaching may supplement therapy for targeted goals. Researching clinics with a range of specialty services opens up options while maintaining continuity.
Questions therapists may ask about concurrent therapy
If you decide to engage in concurrent therapy, your therapists will likely have questions to ensure it is ethical and productive. Here are some questions to expect:
- What is your motivation for seeking a second therapist?
- How long do you intend to see both of us?
- What specific issues or goals will you be addressing with each of us?
- How will you avoid scheduling overlaps or conflicts between sessions?
- Do I have your consent to confer with your other therapist if needed?
- How will we monitor if this remains beneficial for you or not?
Preparing answers to these questions ahead of time demonstrates you have thoughtfully considered the implications of divided therapy time. It also reassures therapists that there are ethical boundaries in place to avoid conflicts. Being able to articulate your motivations and goals for each therapist will give them clarity on their defined roles.
Conclusion
Concurrent therapy with two different therapists may seem unconventional but can be beneficial for some people in certain circumstances. The diversity of perspectives and dividing up of goals between two therapists can provide advantages. However, there are also ethical considerations around confidentiality, transference and best practices. Concurrent therapy requires thoughtfulness to mitigate potential confusion, scheduling conflicts and higher costs. Defining the purpose and setting limitations for divided therapy time is key to determining if the arrangement makes sense or if alternatives may be preferable.