There has been a growing demand for therapy, especially since Covid, which has seen an increase with Counsellors offering an alternative therapeutic approach such as Single-Session Therapy (SST).
SST is a goal orientated approach, and its framework is designed to maximise therapeutic value for clients within a short timescale. If you are restricted by time or money, rather than waiting until the perfect time is right, it may make sense to get therapeutic help when you need it. Some issues may need more in-depth work than a single session can provide however, SST can generate new levels of awareness, coping skills and behavioural solutions.
During the session there is a close collaboration between the Counsellor and client to identify their most pressing issue, and from that set specific and achievable goals. There will be less time to build on the relationship therefore, it is important for clients to consider what they would like to gain from a session. Having a key focus or end goal is helpful for the session to meet a client’s needs. To aid the thought process towards setting a goal, the client could think about what it is they would like to change, or what would make the most difference in their life. These pre-session thoughts will help ensure a clear focus.
One definition for SST is that the work has a purpose and is consensual as a single therapy session (Dryden, 2019), and there is a growing body of research studies which help demonstrate this brief approach can produce beneficial outcomes for clients.
The usual length of a counselling session is 50 minutes. An SST session can vary between 75, 90, or 120 minutes, which can include a 5–10-minute break to relax and have a moment for reflection. To determine what length of session time will suit you, it is beneficial to have a 15-minute discussion with a Counsellor to help find the best course of action.
At Providence Counselling, Single Session Therapy can be offered online, by telephone or in person at Worthing, Chichester and Arundel. For more information how SST may be beneficial for your needs, please contact Providence Counselling.