Single-Session Therapy

Windy Dryden is in clinical and consultative practice and is an international authority on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. He is Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. He has worked in psychotherapy for more than 40 years and is the author of over 225 books.

Preface

Acknowledgements

Part 1: Theory






What’s in a name



Misconceptions about SST



People have the capacity to help themselves quickly



SST is based on providing help at the point of need rather than help at the point of availability



The SST mindset



The importance of expectations in SST



SST is a fusion between what the client brings to the process and what the therapist brings to the process



SST challenges therapists’ cherished beliefs about therapy and change



What can be achieved from SST



The ‘client criteria’ question



What makes good SST therapists



For better or for worse: Context matters



The importance of the working alliance



From theory to practice I: Guidelines for good practice



From theory to practice II: What to avoid
Part 2: Practice




Overview: The process of SST



Making a decision about SST



Preparing for the session



Contracting



Getting started



Working with problems and goals

Creating and maintaining a session focus



Doing the work



Utilising client variables



Making an impact



Negotiating the solution



Practising the solution in the session



Bringing the session to a suitable end



Encouraging client reflection, digestion, action and decision



Following-through and following-up

References

Index