For some individuals, committing to regular weekly therapy may not be feasible or desirable. In my practice, I offer a single-session option for those who have a problem they want help with, or who are ambivalent about starting therapy and are looking for tangible help through a focused therapeutic conversation. Some people wonder why a clinical psychologist, who deeply values open-ended psychodynamic therapy, would offer this option. I believe that a single session can serve as a pivotal moment and, at times, is sufficient to address immediate needs. My experience across varying levels of care has shown me that brief encounters can also lead to meaningful insights and changes. I believe there is room for both approaches, and the benefits of one do not diminish the other.
A single session can help clarify various challenges, such as difficulties in decision-making, feeling stuck in a desire to change a behavior, facing dilemmas, seeking professional opinions, or gaining a better understanding of your emotions and emotional issues.
Single Session Therapy is not a new concept; many experts have explored its potential benefits and limitations. Like my ongoing psychotherapy practice, I utilize a combination of therapeutic and theoretical approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and supportive therapy. This approach is tailored to your specific issues, questions, and goals.
As an associate member of the McLean Hospital Institute of Coaching, I incorporate a coaching-informed perspective into what I call GUIDE sessions, which last 90 minutes.
The goal of a GUIDE session is for you to leave with a new perspective, a sense of hope, curiosity, and some relief, along with clearer direction. With over 25 years of experience, I strive to provide a comprehensive and therapeutic session while keeping the door open for further sessions should you wish to pursue ongoing work.
Before our session, we will schedule a brief phone call to help me tailor the focus of the GUIDE session. While short-term therapy cannot replace the deep work and sustained change that come from longer term ongoing therapy, I have found that a single meeting with an experienced therapist can provide a starting point for better understanding your problem as well as your values, mental health and wellbeing, and opportunities for relief and change.
Contact me about GUIDE sessions »
Selected References:
- Single-Session Therapy (SST), by Windy Dryden
- Short-Term Psychotherapy, by Alex Coren
- Schleider JL, Zapata JP, Rapoport A, et al. Single-Session Interventions for Mental Health Problems and Service Engagement: Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2025 May;21(1):279-303.
