Single session therapy

“With Single Session Therapy patients can move quickly back into the business of life, and they are much more likely to own their solutions and changes without getting stuck in a long process of patienthood, where naturally more dependency is likely to develop.” (Talmon)

Introduction

There are compelling reasons for treating the first session of therapy as the only session. Many were outlined almost 20 years ago by Moshe Talmon, in his enlightening book, Single Session Therapy (Jossey-Bass, 1990). Subsequently, developments in the field of brief therapy have produced persuasive research findings, and articulated practice guidelines, which may be used by counsellors and other practitioners in the helping professions in the service of their clients.
Starting with Talmon’s recommendations, and by integrating proven and effective techniques from Solution Focused Brief Therapy, this one- or two-day workshop* provides a clear structure and rigorous methodology for initiating change in a client centred manner.

Contents

• Why single session therapy is effective
• The building blocks of SST
• Setting the scene and getting started
• Fostering readiness for change
• Therapist demeanour, why some are more effective than others
• Harnessing expectation and using presupposition
• Signposting: using the client’s language and metaphor
• Identifying client strengths and resources
• Looking out for pitfalls and obstacles
• Rehearsal during the session
• Anticipating and avoiding setbacks
• Energising and empowering the client
• Summarising and feedback
• Teaching the client to self-monitor.

Objectives

An understanding of SST structure and methodology

Learn to work effectively and safely in a short time frame

Understand how to maximise the naturally occurring ‘first session phenomena’

Develop a vocabulary of empowerment

Become more confident in working briefly

* One day covers the basics, two-day allows for more consolidation and practice.