Has it always been this way?

Answer: Freud devised the analytic hour, as he felt that this was both a convenient time unit for charging a set fee and also, about the maximum time he was able to give someone his utmost, undivided attention and concentration. The analytic "hour" is traditionally 50 minutes long to facilitate the analyst jotting down a few notes after each session, go to the bath room, have a cup of coffee, clear one's head before the next client etc. Psychologists generally agree that attention and concentration begin to wane after 20 minutes or so but can with practice, be refocused. This goes for for the client as well as the therapist.

Answer provided by David White

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