Single Session Therapy (SST)

What is Single Session Therapy (SST)?

Single Session Therapy is exactly that: one single session of therapy. It is a thoughtfully structured and specific offering, with a lot of research underpinning its effectiveness. It is basically a goal-oriented conversation that focusses on 1) a solution to the issue you bring to the session and 2) on your strengths and resources.  Together we ensure we stay on track during our time together, and this means that I might ask your permission to interrupt you if I think we are deviating from the focus.   

In Single Session Therapy, my intention is to help you to walk away from the session with the specific help you are looking for. Further help is available should you need or request it and we can discuss that help at the end of the session.

Is SST Therapy for Me?

SST is for you if:

  • you are not interested in committing to a longer therapy process but would like some help with a specific issue;
  • you are feeling stuck with a particular behavioural or emotional issue and are looking for a way to get unstuck;
  • you would like to be helped now (no waiting list);
  • you want a practical, solution-based approach to your immediate issue.

It’s not for you if:

  • you seek ongoing therapy to address your (ongoing) problems or patterns;
  • you don’t think you have a problem but your partner/boss/family member does.

For which Issues might SST be helpful?

SST can help you address similar issues that can be addressed in other forms of therapy. The difference is that in SST, we will work in a focussed way on the specific issue you have chosen to discuss with me, and there is no intake process. Here are some examples:

  • You need help making a decision;
  • you want help taking some action;
  • you want clarity on a dilemma you are facing;
  • you want to explore a fear or barrier;
  • you want help clarifying your purpose or next step with something.

Do I Prepare for SST?

Prior to our appointment, I will send you a pre-session questionnaire. This is intended to help you prepare for the session so that our time together is most helpful and impactful. Completing the questionnaire is optional.

What’s involved?

We start with a 20 minute initial conversation to clarify SST and any questions you have. Should you decide to go ahead, we take the following steps:

  • I will send you an agreement to sign. When I receive this, we will make an appointment.
  • Prior to the session I will send you a questionnaire to help you prepare to get the most out of our session (see above).
  • At the start of our session, I will help you to clarify what you want to take away from the session. We will then agree on a focus, which is usually the issue for which you seek help. It is my responsibility to help us both keep to this focus. I will then help you to discover a potential solution to the problem and possibly invite you to rehearse it in the session to see if it is right for you. If so, I will help you to develop a plan to implement after the session.
  • At the end of the session, we will discuss the next steps. 

How long does a single session last?

A single session lasts up to 60 minutes. If you feel you have been helped before we reach 60 minutes, we can discuss next steps.

Package price for SST

The package price is GBP 125 This includes the initial telephone call, the pre-questionnaire preparation and the single session of 60 minutes.