ABSTRACT
The couple may start the session on the ride over to the appointment. They may talk about what they want to discuss in the session. They may break into an argument in the car. They may hash over an event that has occurred that day. Minuchin and Nichols (1998) recount a lead-in to a session in which the couple was 25 minutes late. The Lead-in period has a characteristic that is similar to the Leaving period. It seems outside of the therapy session itself, therefore leaving an opening for 'real world' concerns and interactions. The Lead-in is a time of possibility. The Lead-in may include couple interactions well before the session, on the way to the session, sitting in the waiting room, first interacting with the therapist, entering the office, and settling into the session. Situations such as a partner being late, a partner asking you a personal question, and handling payment are discussed.
