A single therapy session can be enough to make a big difference in one’s life. According to experts, this targeted approach is becoming increasingly popular as people seek more accessible and affordable mental health care.
Julie Hart, from Springfield, Virginia, tried single-session counseling before the 2025 holidays. She had been struggling with a nagging problem for years and felt stuck. After just 60 minutes of session time, she felt “unstuck” and made progress in her life.
Experts say this approach is becoming more common as people face barriers to traditional therapy, such as high costs and long waiting lists. Research has shown that single-session approaches can be effective in reducing mental health difficulties across various problems, including depression and anxiety.
Psychologists Sharon Thomas and Arnold Slive emphasize the importance of a specific problem focus during these sessions. The counselor helps the client identify concrete steps to alleviate their issue, rather than trying to solve everything at once.
Single-session therapy is not meant to replace traditional therapy or medication but can be a helpful tool for those who need immediate support. Experts believe it’s an elegant solution that provides people with the tools they need when they need them most.
While some may still require traditional therapy or medication, experts agree that single-session therapy can make a positive impact on mental health.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/single-session-therapy-35f87c10746da33e090546b86fa828bb