Single Session Therapy
Think about it like an appointment required walk-in clinic. In a nutshell, it’s coming in for a single session of therapy with no commitment to return. Some people find that one session of therapy is all that they are looking for. Single Session Therapy is not about focusing on the roots of things and past history, but what would be most useful for you today and in that session. Single Session Therapy focuses on how to make the most of the client’s innate ability to help themselves—presenting insights into bolstering the client’s existing strengths, restoring autonomy and confidence, and offering solutions and next steps that the patient can implement immediately. We have counselors and psychologists who offer Single Session Therapy.
Why Would someone choose Single Session Therapy?
Many individuals, couples and families avoid getting the help they need due to barriers such as time constraints, being unsure about committing to therapy, cost, stigma. Single Session Therapy allows you to see what therapy is like and to try different therapists. It can be particularly useful for clients who might have particular reservations about the traditional and extended forms of psychotherapy, or those who feel that just want to bounce some ideas off a non-biased third party or share about a difficult life situation with a non-judgmental professional.
Who is Single Session Therapy best for?
Single Session Therapy can be of benefit to anyone – it can be particularly useful for clients who might have particular reservations about the traditional and extended forms of psychotherapy, and/or those who feel they just want to bounce some ideas off a nonbiased third party mental health professional. The main goal of Single Session Therapy is to empower people by giving them the tools to help themselves. Issues that are suitable for Single Session Therapy treatment include decision-making, life transitions, break-ups, relationship challenges, and more. Single Session Therapy is not recommended for chronic mental health problems, prolonged self-exploration, or persistent/habitual issues. It is not a substitute for ongoing therapy or a quick fix for bigger issues.
No commute, no waiting rooms—just real support from the comfort of home.
SINGLE SESSION THERAPY FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Single Session Therapy.
Single Session Therapy
In a nutshell, it’s coming in for one session of therapy with no commitment to return. Some people find that one session of therapy is all that they are looking for. Single Session Therapy is not about focusing on the roots of things and past history, but what would be most useful for you today and in that session. Single Session Therapy focuses on how to make the most of the client’s innate ability to help themselves—presenting insights into bolstering the client’s existing strengths, restoring autonomy and confidence, and offering solutions and next steps that the patient can implement immediately.
The Single Session Therapy approach is not new. Examples go back to Freud and beyond, but it was really researched and developed by therapy centers in Australia, the USA, and Canada who started publishing their findings in the early ’90s. Since then, studies have shown that – with the focus and structure of a single session, and the help of a supportive and empathetic therapist – the majority of clients benefited and many thought that it was sufficient for their needs at that time.
This is a common question and totally fine to do. You just call in and see what our availability is like that week. If you are a returning Single Session Therapy client, just let scheduling know and they will let you know current options.
Research points out that when a problem is very urgent and painful, people are motivated to change quickly. It can also be useful to someone who wants to check out what therapy is like.
Data supporting the single-session treatment has come from a variety of studies. One recent study included “200 patients who had consulted a therapist just once at a California prepaid medical plan were called several months later; 78 percent said they had got what they wanted out of that single session and felt better about the problem.” – New York Times
Read this article from Oprah for more about “What is Single Session Therapy.”
Talmon, M., (1990), Single- Session Therapy: Maximizing the Effect of the First (and Often Only) Therapeutic Encounter, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
Young, J., Ryecroft, P., Single Session Therapy: Capturing the Moment, Psychotherapy in Australia, Vol. 4 No. 1 November 1997.
Meet the team
The therapists below offer Single Session Therapy.
Not sure about who to pick? We can help!
Client testimonials
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