Why Single Session Therapy Works
There has been growing interest in Single Session Therapy (SST), particularly as mental health practitioners respond to increased demand, long waiting lists, and the challenges many clients face in accessing care. While it can seem surprising that one session might make a meaningful difference, both clinical practice and research literature show that SST can be highly effective when delivered with clear intention, focus, and a respectful understanding of people’s strengths.
SST works not because it tries to compress longer term therapy into a shorter format, but because it draws on something fundamental: when people feel heard, supported, and given space to think, change can begin immediately.
A Focused, Collaborative Approach
One of the reasons single session therapy works is the clarity it brings. Rather than exploring every aspect of a person’s life, the therapist and client work together to choose a single, meaningful session goal. This creates a sense of direction and helps keep the session grounded in what matters most today.
In practice, an SST session is often shaped by elements of solution focused brief therapy, behavioural activation, and single session thinking. The conversation remains present-oriented and hopeful, helping clients identify what they want instead of the problem, what has helped them before, and what strengths they can draw on now.
Professionals who use SST frequently describe how quickly a therapeutic alliance can form when the focus is clear and the therapist approaches the work with curiosity, respect, and confidence in the client’s capacity for meaningful change.
What the Research Tells Us
Across systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and ongoing evaluation within mental health services, several patterns stand out:
- Many clients experience measurable improvements in mental wellbeing after just one session.
- SST is effective for adult common mental disorders, including anxiety, stress, and situational crises.
- A large proportion of clients do not require further support, though follow up sessions remain available if needed.
- SST is well-suited to outpatient mental health services, school settings, and community programs.
SST is not a replacement for longer term therapy, nor is it designed only for crisis work. Instead, it offers an efficient approach to helping people move forward when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin.
Why One Session Can Create Change
When we treat each session as if it might be the only session, something shifts. Conversations become more intentional. Clients often leave with a concrete plan, a sense of self-efficacy, and a clearer understanding of what they can do next.
In many ways, SST reminds us that people already carry ideas, resources, and strengths that can be activated with the right support. A single, well-held conversation can offer perspective, relief, or direction, and sometimes that is enough.
If you would like to explore this way of working further, Compass Seminars offers training in Single Session Therapy SST, supporting practitioners to integrate this thoughtful, responsive approach into their practice.