Single Session Therapy (SST) is an evidence-based method designed to help people move forward in just one conversation, available precisely when needed, addressing whatever is currently at hand. Yet – One Session is introducing this method in the Netherlands. No intake, no long-term commitments, just one effective conversation with an experienced professional. While it’s not a replacement for psychotherapy, it is a valuable supplement.
We would be happy to share more about the background and research behind this method.
Challenges and obstacles are a normal part of everyone’s life.
We all need help with them from time to time. Sometimes, that help comes best from a professional with expertise in specific problems and solutions, someone without a personal stake or involvement in the situation. This way, even complex and sensitive topics can be quickly addressed.
Research shows that one good conversation at the right time is often enough.
This doesn’t mean that everything is resolved in that one conversation, but it does provide the insights, confidence, and practical ideas for someone to move forward effectively on their own. SST is designed to maximize the impact of that single session, based on the principle that one conversation can be enough, with additional help available if needed.
Each session stands alone, and no follow-up appointments are scheduled. The control over whether to seek further help lies with the individual. Simply knowing that help is available if needed can boost confidence.
What are the Principles of the SST Method?
Each session is complete
Every conversation stands entirely on its own, with a clear beginning and end. This mutual expectation ensures an active approach and strong focus. The goal is to clarify the current issue and enable the individual to move forward effectively on their own.
Focus on immediate change
The SST method concentrates on the here and now, helping clients implement small, achievable changes that have an immediate impact on their lives. The aim is to set someone in motion and help them find their own solutions, rather than leading them through a detailed, predefined path.
Flexible and client-centered
SST is a delivery method, not a specific therapeutic model or protocol, allowing sessions to be tailored to the unique needs and goals of the client. This flexibility ensures that the session aligns well with the current question and the personal solutions that fit best.
Hope and empowerment
The very approach of SST emphasizes the individual’s ability to effectively handle difficulties. We all need help sometimes, but that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you or that you need a label and an entire therapy program. The focus of the session is on personal strengths and skills and utilizing the resources in one’s environment.
Clear communication
Clear expectations from both sides are essential for an effective session. SST is not an intake or a complete therapy program in one session, nor is it a replacement for psychotherapeutic treatment. It requires an active attitude from both the professional and the client and a willingness to take personal responsibility.
One session at a time
Change is unpredictable, so you never know how much help is needed. The promise of SST is not that everything will be resolved in one session, but that help is available when needed. The fear that people will ‘knock down the door’ for more sessions is unfounded. Worldwide, the most common length of a therapy trajectory is one session, even when a longer trajectory is recommended and covered. If a more intensive trajectory is needed, this is discussed in the session, and substantive advice can be provided.
Benefits of the Single-Session Method
Immediate Accessibility
SST provides quick access to therapy and coaching exactly when it matters. This prevents the worsening of issues and capitalizes on the motivation of the moment.
Empowerment of clients
SST uses a practical approach to enhance confidence in one’s own skills and resources. This enables clients to tackle problems more independently, knowing that additional help is available if needed.
Effective and efficient
Research shows that many clients make significant and sufficient progress after just one session to continue effectively on their own. SST is an efficient method that ensures every session is impactful.
SST training for experienced professionals
We love sharing our effective way of working with experienced colleagues. Do you have a university degree in psychology or another relevant background, extensive further training, and considerable experience? Do you want to expand your practice with this new method in the Netherlands? Ilonka Hanneman and Helen van Empel offer SST training at RINO in Amsterdam and RINO Groep in Utrecht.
This training is a combination of theory and practice. In addition to understanding the background and elements of SST, you will get plenty of practice. You will use your own current issues, allowing you to truly experience what it’s like to work with this method.
You can find more information and register on the websites of RINO Amsterdam and RINO groep Utrecht.
The training at RINO is conducted in Dutch. In-company training is available on request in English or Dutch.
Reading about the SST method
If you’re interested in learning more about the Single Session Therapy (SST) method, you can find detailed information and resources on our website. Explore the background, principles, and research behind this effective approach. Whether you’re a professional looking to expand your skills or someone seeking to understand how SST can help, our resources offer valuable insights.
“Little Treatments, Big Effects” is about a new approach to mental health care. It blends recent psychology research, real stories, and hands-on activities. The book introduces single-session interventions as a solution to make mental health care more accessible and impactful. It discusses the need for change in mental health systems and how these brief, yet powerful sessions can help people worldwide.
Little Treatments, Big Effects: How to Build Meaningful Moments that Can Transform Your Mental Health
Jessica Schleider (2023)
“No Bullshit Therapy” (NBT) is ideal for therapists and counselors working with reluctant or distrustful clients. It emphasizes authenticity and straightforwardness in therapy. Many clients are hesitant about therapy, making it challenging for professionals to engage them. NBT tackles this by fostering honest, clear communication combined with warmth and care. This approach, which avoids complicated jargon and acknowledges therapy’s limitations, can enhance trust and cooperation, especially with skeptical clients. It’s a practical method for building better therapeutic relationships.
No Bullshit Therapy
How to engage people who don’t want to work with you
By Jeff Young (2023)
This book shows that a single therapy session can be not only helpful but often enough. Drawing from multiple theoretical approaches and cultural contexts, this is the book to read if you want to learn ways to help people as soon as possible – maybe even in one visit. It teaches you to be present in each and every session and offers you various ways of empowering your clients in the here and now.
The book features insights from over twenty experts, including well-known names like Ernest Rossi, Steven Andreas, Dawson Church, and many others. They all contribute their knowledge and experience to help you understand and apply this effective approach to therapy.
Capturing the Moment: Single-session therapy and walk-in services.
Edited by Talmon & Hoyt (2017)