Seven Principles of Single-Session Therapy

In this book, Professor Dryden describes seven key principles of single-session therapy (SST). Initially, the author discusses the nature of SST and posits that SST cannot be studied in isolation from the context in which it is applied. Next, the main characteristics of the single-session approach ("mindset") that underpins the classical practice of SST are examined. The author explains that this is not about trying to squeeze several sessions into one. SST — is a full-fledged therapeutic methodology that offers its own process of psychological change, and the author explores it in detail. One of the frequently asked questions about SST is whether it is really possible to form productive therapeutic relationships within a single session. Professor Dryden demonstrates that this is quite possible, asserting that effective SST is based on the development and maintenance of a good working alliance, and describing the main features of such an alliance. The author emphasizes that effective SST practice is based, on the one hand, on the generally accepted understanding of the classical single-session approach, and on the other — on the individual contributions of therapists to SST, based on their views of the most effective approaches to solving psychological problems. As an illustration, Professor Dryden shares his contribution to the practice of SST and his own working methods.