Single Session Therapy (SST)
Sometimes we don't need months of therapy. Sometimes we need a focused conversation that helps us make sense of what's happening, reconnect with our strengths, and identify a way forward.
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Single Session Therapy (SST) is a structured approach that aims to make the most of a single therapeutic conversation. Rather than assuming therapy will continue over weeks or months, we work together as if this session could be enough to help you take the next meaningful step. Further sessions remain available if needed.
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Research (Talmon, 2021) has found that a single session is the most common length of psychotherapy attended by clients, and many people report gaining what they needed from that one conversation. SST builds on this understanding by focusing on what feels most important right now and helping you leave with greater clarity, direction, and practical next steps.
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During our session we will focus on the issue that matters most to you. Together we will explore what has already helped, identify your existing strengths and sources of support, and consider what small but meaningful changes would show that things are moving in the right direction.
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Single Session Therapy may be helpful if you are -Â
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Feeling stuck with a particular issue
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Facing a difficult decision
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Going through a life change
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Looking for clarity or perspective
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Wanting support with a specific concern
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Returning to therapy to focus on one particular area
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The aim is not to solve everything in one session. The aim is to help you move forward with greater confidence, understanding, and a clear sense of what comes next.
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Booking and What Happens Next
Once you have booked your Single Session Therapy appointment, I will ask for some basic information and send you a therapy agreement to review and sign. No consultation call is required.
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You will also receive a short pre-session questionnaire designed to help you reflect on what feels most important to focus on. To allow sufficient time for me to prepare, I ask that the completed questionnaire is submitted at least 72 hours before your appointment.
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Single Session Therapy is designed to make the most of a focused therapeutic conversation. While further sessions are available if needed (dependent on availability at the time), the intention is to approach each session as though it may be the only one required at this time.
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Following the session, you will be encouraged to spend some time reflecting on what you have learned, putting any agreed actions into practice, and noticing what changes occur. Rather than automatically booking further therapy, I invite clients to allow time for the impact of the session to unfold before deciding whether additional support would be helpful. If further sessions are needed, these can be arranged at a later date.
References
Talmon, M. (2012). When Less is More-Lessons from 25 Years of Attempting to Maximize the Effect of Each (and Often Only) Therapeutic Encounter. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy.