Mental health workforce shortages combined with increased demand for services have required mental health professionals and organizations to devise innovative service delivery strategies. In emergencies and crises, the inability to offer multiple session treatment and follow-up for mental health often makes Single Session Therapy the only option. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, an evidenced-based pragmatic approach, is an ideal method to use in Single Session Therapy.
About Single Session Therapy
Solution-Focused Single Session therapy provides an evidenced-based, trauma-informed practice that can be implemented in crisis situations. The absence of intake, triage, waiting list or assessment is key to the accessibility of single session services. Single Session Therapy has potential applications as used in emergency triage, EMS, crisis call centers, emergency settings, and where access to care can be poor.
About Solution-Focused Single Session Therapy
Solution-Focused Single Session Therapy requires the clinician to view every interaction as an intervention. Solution-Focused Single Session Therapy is intended to be pragmatic and based on the clients’ presenting concerns focusing on what the client has already done to cope and what the client wants, rather than exploring history or theories about root causes. The goal is for the client to leave with a plan and know they have the skills and resources available to move forward in a good enough way.
How can Solution-Focused Brief Therapy be applied to Single Session Therapy?
The following is a practice exercise to help guide clinicians through a solution-focused single-session interview. This exercise is a learning opportunity to practice some solution-focused techniques and questions within single-session therapy.
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Future-Oriented and Strengths-Based:
SFBT emphasizes what the client wants to achieve and their existing strengths, rather than dwelling on the past or perceived problems.
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Goal Setting:
In SST, SFBT practitioners help clients articulate a clear, specific, and achievable goal for the session, even within the constraints of a single meeting.
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Exception Questions:
Therapists guide clients to identify times when the problem was less severe or absent, highlighting their existing resources and coping mechanisms.
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Scaling Questions:
Using a 0-10 scale, clients can assess their progress, identify areas needing improvement, and track their movement towards their goals.
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Compliments and Positive Reinforcement:
SFBT practitioners offer genuine compliments and positive feedback, boosting the client’s confidence and motivation to implement change.
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Developing Action Plans:
The session concludes with the development of concrete, actionable steps that the client can take to work towards their desired outcome.
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Pragmatic Approach:
In SST, the focus is on being practical and solution-oriented, addressing the client’s immediate concerns and providing them with tools to move forward according to Solution-Focused Therapy Institute.
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Brief Assessment:
The assessment phase is streamlined to quickly identify the client’s goals and resources, minimizing time spent on detailed history taking.
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Focus on Client’s Competence:
SFBT assumes that clients possess the resources and abilities to solve their problems, making it suitable for brief interventions where building new skills isn’t the primary focus.
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“Leading from One Step Behind”:
The therapist guides the session while allowing the client to make their own decisions and judgments.
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Cost-Effectiveness:
SFBT’s brief nature makes it a cost-effective option for clients and healthcare systems.
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Client Satisfaction:
Clients often report high levels of satisfaction with SFBT due to its positive, solution-focused approach.
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Potential for Long-Lasting Results:
Even with a single session, SFBT can empower clients to make positive changes in their lives.
By adapting the core principles of SFBT, practitioners can effectively utilize its strengths in a single-session format to help clients identify their goals, access their resources, and create a plan for positive change.
