Single-Session Therapy (SST)

Windy Dryden is in part-time clinical and consultative practice and is an international authority on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. He is Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. He has worked in psychotherapy for more than 40 years and is the author of over 225 books.

Contents Preface Part 1: The Nature and Foundations of SST What is SST? The development of SST What SST is not Even a brief encounter can be therapeutic The expandable nature of therapy length The modal number of therapy sessions internationally is one, and the majority of people who attend for one session are satisfied It is difficult to predict, with accuracy, how many therapy sessions a client will attend What is a drop-out? Intermittent therapy through the life cycle Sooner is better and less is more Human beings can help themselves quickly under specific circumstances The choice of SST is the clients, but sometimes such choice may be limited Three key themes: Mindset, time and client empowerment An SST-informed attitude to clinical work The diverse nature of SST The goals of SST SST challenges established beliefs about therapy and change The length of SST Different approaches to SST Part 2: The Assumptions of SST Client-centred and client-driven Reciprocity in openness and feedback Future-oriented, but present and past sensitive Readiness Strengths-based Resources-based Complex problems do not always require complex solutions A journey begins with the first few steps Part 3: Facilitative Conditions for SST Intentionality Expect change Clarity Effective session structure Effective goal-setting The therapists use of expertise rather than being the expert Helpful attitudes for SST therapists Characteristics of good SST therapists SST: The dos SST: The donts A conducive environment for SST The pluralistic nature of SST Characteristics of good SST clients Part 4: Criteria for SST The client criteria question Therapist indications and contra-indications for SST Service indications and contra-indications for SST Part 5: Getting SST Off on the Right Foot Respond effectively to the persons very first contact Prepare for the face-to-face session: I. Getting relevant information Prepare for the face-to-face session: II. Tipping the balance towards change Prepare for the face-to-face session III. How do you think I can best help you? Suggest possible tasks between the pre-session contact and the session Consider sending an email summary Realise that the pre-session contact may be sufficient Part 6: Getting the Most from the Session Agree or review parameters Be mindful of the working alliance in SST Begin the session: I. Focus on tasks and activities carried out by the client between the pre-session contact and the face-to-face Begin the session: II. When there has been no prior contact between therapist and client Focus on a problem that can be solved, not one that cant be solved Create and maintain a working focus Help clients deal with adversity, if possible Negotiate a goal Understand how clients unwittingly maintain their problems and use this understanding to help them solve these problems What to change: I. Individual-focused change What to change: II. Environment-focused change Focus on and use pivot chords Agree markers for change Notice and encourage change Focus on the second response not the first Look for exceptions Look for instances of the goal already happening Encourage the client to do more of what works or might work and less of what doesnt work Make an emotional impact Utilise the clients strengths and resources Utilise the clients role model Utilise topophilia in SST The use of stories and parables Use humour Use paradox Use the friend technique The use of chairwork in SST Convert meaning into a useful and memorable phrase Educate when cli