Single Session Therapy (SST)

You don’t have a history of trauma, yet you feel that you need to talk to someone, and weekly therapy feels unnecessary. Single-session therapy offers an opportunity to hold a therapeutic conversation and focus on your desired outcome.  

What is Single Session Therapy?

Single session therapy, often abbreviated as SST, is a brief therapeutic intervention with the intention of addressing a specific issue or concern in a single, focused session. It differs from traditional long-term therapy in its time-limited nature, focusing on immediate problem-solving and empowering individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives quickly.

Typically, the first therapy session is an Intake session, which is spent reviewing paperwork, gathering information about your background, the issue(s) that brought you into therapy, and your goals.  

Your time is precious! SST has been supported by research for over thirty years. Many people entering therapy begin to notice a difference before their first session. Just by taking action on the issue, we change our relationship with the problem. Finding hope and experiencing ease is within reach with Single Session Therapy. And, when we experience improvement in one area of our lives, it leads to improvement in other areas.  

We tell ourselves stories

In other words, we give meaning to the situations and circumstances in our lives. Exploring the story with curiosity and looking for alternative perspectives helps you discover paths leading to the desired change.  

Identifying negative beliefs supporting the story, such as “I’m not enough” or “My needs don’t matter,” allows you to rewrite and change the narrative. 

Through collaboration, curiosity, and compassion, you can make sense of your story and feel empowered and strengthened in your sense of self.

We internalize and become fused to the story

The problem is the problem. When we internalize, the problem becomes our identity, in a manner of speaking. 

When we are fused, our narrative contains shoulds, musts, judgments, and other mindsets that lead to feeling stuck and distressed. 

Change feels impossible, and that crushes hope. Viewing the problem externally allows us to be objective, create distance, and grow.

We feel alone and unsupported in our story

One of the benefits of therapy is receiving positive support. When you have someone attuned to your perspective with empathy and unconditional positive regard, you feel supported in the discomfort of change.

Focusing on your strengths and applying them to your circumstances helps you to show up authentically and respect your integrity. Using your strengths increases your resilience and allows you to make more meaningful choices.

The struggle is part of the human journey. How these struggles are storied matters.

The Benefits of Single Session Therapy

1. Efficiency:

SST is designed to be brief. It allows individuals to address their concerns without the long-term commitment often associated with traditional therapy.

2. Immediate Relief:

Many people experience immediate relief after reaching out for help, knowing they are not alone. Many people experience ease after a single session of therapy. 

3. Focused Problem-Solving:

SST encourages individuals to pinpoint and work on specific issues or goals. This focused approach can lead to practical solutions and a clearer path forward.

4. Empowerment:

SST empowers individuals to take charge of their lives and make decisions. 

5. Cost-Effective:

As SST is typically shorter in duration, it can be more cost-effective than long-term therapy. 

6. Flexibility:

SST can be utilized as a standalone approach or in conjunction with other forms of therapy, depending on your needs.

Is Single Session Therapy Right for You?

While SST has many advantages, it may not be suitable for every situation or individual. It is most effective for addressing specific, well-defined issues. If you have deep-seated, long-standing concerns or trauma, a more extended form of therapy may be more appropriate.

Single Session Therapy offers a practical and results-oriented approach to addressing immediate mental health and emotional well-being concerns. It's an effective option for many. However, it's important to assess your unique needs and complete a consultation to determine if SST is the right choice for you.

FAQ

References

American Psychological Association - Brief and Single Session Therapy

Psychology Today - Single Session Therapy: What to Expect

Single Session Therapy by Walk-In or Appointment. By Michael F. Hoyt (Editor), Monte Bobele (Editor), Arnold Slive (Editor), Jeff Young (Editor), Moshe Talmon (Editor) 

Ready to Start Single Session Therapy in Fairhope, Daphne, and Eastern Shore Area?

Embark on a transformative journey towards healing and empowerment with our single session therapy – a tailored approach designed to address your specific needs and well-defined issues. Julia W Stone is committed to providing you with immediate support and practical strategies to overcome challenges, guiding you toward a brighter future. Take the first step towards positive change; invest in yourself and experience the profound impact of focused, personalized therapy in just one session. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Contact me to set up a 15-minute phone consultation and to see if Single Session Therapy is right for you

2. Get to know me Julia W Stone, your new skilled therapist.

3. Begin receiving support and start healing!

Other Counseling Services Provided at Julia W Stone

I know that we're all in different places in our lives. To be transparent, some of us are struggling with things that other people aren't affected by. In reflection of this, I offer many services. In addition to Single Session Therapy, I offer EMDR therapy and EMDR Intensive Retreats for those wanting to accelerate healing. I also provide therapy for anxiety and therapy for chronic stress. In addition, I offer Trauma Therapy and Therapy for Childhood Emotional Neglect. Check out my About Me, FAQs, and blog to learn more!