What is Single Session Therapy?
What is Single Session Therapy?
Single Session Therapy (SST) is a focused, goal-oriented therapeutic approach designed to address a specific issue in just one session. SST is not about cramming everything into a single meeting, nor is it a quick fix. Instead, it’s a structured and intentional session where the therapist and client work together to achieve a meaningful outcome in a short amount of time.
The idea behind SST is that sometimes, one well-structured session can be sufficient to help someone gain clarity, make a decision, or learn a coping strategy. It’s particularly useful for individuals who may not have the time, resources, or need for ongoing therapy but still want professional guidance on a particular issue.
How Does Single Session Therapy Work?
SST typically begins with the client identifying a specific problem or goal they want to address. This could be anything from managing anxiety before a big event, coping with a sudden loss, or making a difficult decision. The therapist will then help the client define the issue in more detail and help them focus on this issue, exploring their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to it.
A key aspect of SST is the therapist’s role in facilitating the session. They use techniques that encourage the client to reflect on their situation, identify solutions, and consider new perspectives. The session is highly collaborative, with the therapist guiding the process but allowing the client to lead the way in finding their own answers. The aim of the session will be in the end to form an actionable plan that the client can use to move their problem forward.
An actionable plan may include a decision that the client wants to make, signposting, next steps the client can take towards resolving their issue, or even booking another session.
Single Session Therapy and the Existential Approach
The Existential Approach is well-suited for Single Session Therapy (SST) because of its philosophical foundations and its focus on real-life applications to the client's experience. Existential Therapy involves exploring real-life problems from different perspectives and understanding what makes sense for the client. The goal of existential therapy is to help the client clarify how they want to live their lives in a way that is both meaningful and authentic to them. In SST, when focusing on a specific issue, the Existential Therapist will:
a) help the client define the issue,
b) explore the parameters of the problem,
c) identify the possible choices the client may have and what those choices may mean for the client,
d) discuss the obstacles associated with each choice, and
e) encourage the client to take responsibility for the potential solutions.
The Existential Approach involves gently challenging the client to explore different perspectives that they may not have considered possible before. This is also the goal of SST: to help clients see different perspectives that could lead them out of a difficult phase in their lives. The focus on meaning helps clients identify potential solutions that make sense to them and align with their value system, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution. Additionally, its emphasis on personal responsibility encourages clients to make decisions that are meaningful to them and helps them navigate the anxiety of making important decisions.
SST often involves helping clients focus on immediate, pressing issues, and existential therapy’s focus on meaning can help clients find a sense of direction and purpose even in a brief interaction.
Existential therapy encourages deep self-reflection and personal insight. In a single session, this focus can help clients gain immediate insights into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Such self-reflection can lead to meaningful change or provide a new perspective, even in a brief encounter.
Is SST effective?
Research has shown that planned SST session can be as effective as longer term therapy (Baer et al., 1992; Bloom, 2001) and that that between 50 and 70% of clients show positive improvement after attending one or two sessions (Barkham et al, 2006; Cahill et al., 2003). Bloom (2001) reviewed research around SST and he found that single-session therapy can be highly effective for a variety of clients, particularly those with specific, well-defined problems. The research shows that SST often leads to significant therapeutic gains, with many clients reporting satisfaction and improvements comparable to those seen in longer-term therapy, particularly when both client and therapist are well-prepared for this focused intervention. Hansen and Lambert (2002) and Seligman (1995) reported that clients can experience significant benefits from even brief therapeutic interventions, which is the premise on which SST is based.
The Benefits of Single Session Therapy
Immediate Relief: One of the most significant advantages of SST is the immediacy of the support. Clients can address a pressing issue right away, without having to wait for weeks or months of therapy.
Psychoeducation: Clients who have experienced narcissistic abuse or have ADHD, which are areas of my expertise, can benefit from a one-off session to gain a better understanding of their issues and be directed to appropriate resources and strategies. While this type of session may not provide the depth of long term therapy, it can still be effective in offering a gentle introduction to what is happening to the client.
Cost-Effective: For individuals who may not be able to afford ongoing therapy, SST offers a more affordable option. It provides the opportunity to gain therapeutic support without the commitment of long-term sessions.
Flexibility: SST is highly adaptable. It can be used for a wide range of issues, from stress and anxiety to decision-making and problem-solving.
Empowerment: SST encourages clients to take an active role in their own healing process. By focusing on their strengths and resources, clients often leave the session feeling empowered and capable of handling future challenges.
No Long-Term Commitment: Some people hesitate to start therapy because they fear being locked into a long-term commitment. SST offers a no-pressure alternative, giving clients the support they need without ongoing obligations.
It’s important to note that SST is not suitable for more complex mental health conditions that require ongoing support, such as severe depression, chronic anxiety, or trauma. In these cases, traditional therapy models may be more appropriate.
Conclusion: The Value of Single Session Therapy
Single Session Therapy is an innovative and effective approach for those seeking immediate, targeted support. By focusing on a specific issue and working collaboratively in a structured session, clients can achieve meaningful outcomes in just one meeting. Whether you’re facing a sudden challenge or simply want to gain clarity on an issue, SST offers a powerful option for quick and effective therapeutic intervention.
References:
Baer, J. S., Marlatt, G. A., Kivlahan, D. R., Fromme, K., Larimer, M. E., & Williams, E. (1992). An experimental test of three methods of alcohol risk reduction with young adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 60(6), 974–979. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.60.6.974
Barkham, M., Connell, J., Stiles, W. B., Miles, J. N. V., Margison, F., Evans, C., & Mellor-Clark, J. (2006). Dose-effect relations and responsive regulation of treatment duration: The good enough level. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(1), 160–167. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.74.1.160
Bloom, B. L. (2001). Focused Single‐Session Psychotherapy: A Review of the Clinical and Research Literature. Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, 1(1), 75–86. https://doi.org/10.1093/brief-treatment/1.1.75
Cahill, J., Barkham, M., Hardy, G., Rees, A., Shapiro, D. A., Stiles, W. B., & Macaskill, N. (2003). Outcomes of patients completing and not completing cognitive therapy for depression. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 42(2), 133–143. https://doi.org/10.1348/014466503321903553
Hansen, N. B., & Lambert, M. J. (2002). The psychotherapy dose-response effect and its implications for treatment delivery services. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 9(3), 329-343. https://doi.org/10.1093/clipsy.9.3.329
Kim, J., Ryu, N., & Chibanda, D. (2023). Effectiveness of single-session therapy for adult common mental disorders: A systematic review. BMC Psychology, 11, Article 373. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01410-0
Seligman, M. E. P. (1995). The effectiveness of psychotherapy: The Consumer Reports study. American Psychologist, 50(12), 965-974. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.50.12.965
