What is Single Session Therapy?

Therapy can feel out of reach. Between long waitlists, the cost of ongoing sessions, and the stigma of asking for help, traditional counseling doesn’t always feel like a practical first step.

There’s been a recent shift toward more accessible models that has been gaining ground. The American Counseling Association highlighted how college campuses are turning to Single Session Therapy (SST) or short-term therapy to meet students’ needs more quickly. The University of Texas at Austin has begun offering short term counseling and SST as a way for students to “talk through a concern, get support, and leave with a plan and resources” (source).

While the recent push for SST on college campuses can address urgent student needs, the model is gaining traction because of its effectiveness in reducing symptoms for adults with non-severe depression or who want to work towards specific, short-term goals. SST has shown to be powerful for motivated individuals who aren’t in crisis but want targeted support to get unstuck.

Here are some examples of where SST could be helpful:

• Navigate a pressing decision or dilemma that’s leaving you stuck.

• Tackle a single, recurring issue, like procrastination or a communication block.

• Build a strategy for an upcoming challenge, such as a difficult conversation, a life transition, or a major event.

• Problem-solve a recent life adjustment.

• Clarify next steps and figure out what kind of help or resources might actually be useful.

• Experience therapeutic support with a clear focus and a defined endpoint, reducing the pressure of an open-ended commitment.

The goal is to find clarity, whether that’s in creating a plan, finding a new perspective, or gaining a better understanding of what you need next. If focused, short-term support aligns with where you’re at right now, reach out for a brief consultation to see if SST could be a good fit for you.