Single-Session Therapy (SST) is a brief, focused approach to counseling designed to help clients make meaningful progress in just one meeting. It operates on the idea that one well-structured session can often be enough to create significant insight, relief, or change even if further sessions remain an option.
SST is goal-oriented and collaborative: the therapist and client identify a specific issue, explore it in depth, and work toward practical strategies or a shift in perspective during that single session. The approach draws on techniques from solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and narrative therapies, among others.
Issues SST Can Help With
Single-Session Therapy can be effective for a wide range of concerns, especially when the client has a clearly defined goal or problem. Common issues include:
- Stress and anxiety management
- Relationship or communication difficulties
- Decision-making and life transitions
- Coping with grief or loss
- Confidence and self-esteem issues
- Workplace or academic challenges
- Parenting or family conflicts
- Mild depressive symptoms
While SST may not be suitable for complex or chronic mental health conditions requiring ongoing care, it can provide immediate support, clarity, and direction, often empowering clients to take effective next steps on their own.