My T either lets the previous client out of his office and then I come in from his waiting room, or if he is already alone, he opens the door and lets me in. (I don't mind if I see the other client.) We go in and sit on couches across from each other. First I give him the check, and he says thank you. Then he will look at me expectantly. Sometimes he will ask me how I am but often not. If the silence goes on a bit, he may encourage me with "I'm all ears" or "whatcha thinking?" Then I start talking and we go from there. On occasion, he has said, "What are you needing from me today?" But not often (thankfully).

Ending--the session just comes to a natural close. I let T be in charge of ending. If he wants to let us go over time, that is his choice. I don't even look at the clock. The last thing we do is make a new appointment. He asks me when I want to come in next and he checks his calendar to see if he has anything open that day. Then we get up, move toward the door, often pause to hug, and then I leave.