why single session therapy?
The idea that you can resolve a particular dilemma or get unstuck from a specific block right here and right now can be immensely empowering.
Single Session Therapy (SST) is typically a 60–90-minute appointment between you and a therapist, where the therapist focuses on your strengths and skills to support you with identifying and practicing things you can do here and now to resolve a specific problem. You will have an opportunity to focus on what you truly want, rather than exploring your history or theories about the root cause(s) of your circumstances. Although your problem may not magically go away by the end of a single session, you will be able to create a plan on how to move forward and increase your sense of confidence and awareness in your abilities to solve the issue.
Some of the unique benefits of SST include:
Low Cost
Traditional models of therapy suggest that the number of sessions of therapy a person needs depends on the nature of their problems. Some concerns can be addressed in a few sessions, while more complicated issues can require up to 20 sessions. Some people attend therapy on and off throughout their lifetime.
Given that a single session of private therapy in Canada can range anywhere between $50.00 to $240.00 per hour, clients can find themselves spending thousands of dollars on a course of therapy (Collie, 2019). SST recognizes this as a barrier to mental health access. It allows clients to reap the benefits of therapy at a significantly lower financial commitment. Clients have the option of adding extra sessions if they can and/or want to.
Time Efficient
SST operates from the assumptions that a single session represents an entire course of therapy, and that the client has the capacity to grow and change following just one session. It also recognizes that people may require the support of a therapist without the ability or desire to commit to therapy for a long period of time.
Evidence-Based
Research confirms SST is effective for children, adolescents, and adults, produces high rates of client satisfaction, and can offer long-lasting results (OISE CPL, 2023). Also, the World Health Organization has proposed SST as a promising model when responding to the psychosocial and mental health needs of people who have survived trauma (Lutz, n.d.).
You Are the Expert
SST is about the client’s wants and needs. It works best when a client has a particular problem in mind, as well as an idea of what they want to take away from the session (i.e., deciding about the future of a relationship).
References
Collie, M. (2019, July 15). Therapy is expensive — here’s how to make the most of your sessions - National | Globalnews.ca. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/5495155/therapy-tips/
Lutz, A. (n.d.). Single Session Therapy · Solution-Focused Therapy Institute. https://solutionfocused.net/single-session-therapy-solution-focused-brief-therapy/
OISE CPL. (2023, July). Solution Focused Single Session Therapy - OISE Continuing and Professional Learning. OISE Continuing and Professional Learning. https://cpl.oise.utoronto.ca/course/solution-focused-single-session-therapy/