Introducing Single Session (ONEplus) Therapy

Last year, I completed my training with Professor Windy Dryden, one of the world’s leading voices in Single Session or “ONEplus” Therapy (in this article I will use these terms interchangeably).

This post is partly an introduction to ONEplus therapy, and partly an explanation of why I’ve chosen to include it in my practice. Even if you’re not thinking of booking a single session right now, you may find it useful to understand what this approach involves and whether it might be something you'd explore in future.

Why I’m Adding ONEplus Therapy to My Practice

Developing my skills in very brief psychotherapeutic interventions has been on my radar for some time now. I’ve seen a real need from many people who aren’t looking for longer term or open-ended therapy. Some of them have hit a road-block with something, and they just need a bit of timely help getting unstuck. Some need support with a brief “spike” of distress. Others aren’t able to commit to regular weekly sessions due to work schedules or finances. My training in ONEplus therapy means I can meet these needs ethically and effectively.

What are the key features of Single Session Therapy?

Fundamentally, the SST mindset trusts that a client and therapist can “roll their sleeves up” and work together in a focused way, with a view to the client getting something meaningful and helpful from a single session.There’s no assumption that further sessions will be needed.

However, more help should be offered if needed: this is why the term “Single Session” can be a bit misleading, and Windy Dryden prefers “ONEplus”. Although ONE session is seen as whole and complete in itself, the “plus” recognises that some people will choose to return for further support (either as another “Single Session”, or for a longer block of sessions).

Single Session Therapy is timely. This means that a session is offered as soon as possible (preferably within a week), so as to capitalise on the client’s “readiness” to deal with an issue. On a practical note, I am generally able to offer single sessions much more quickly than if I were waiting for a longer term space to open up.

It tends to be more tightly focused than “conventional” therapy. This means that the therapist and client will try to stay “on track” with the concern at hand, ensuring that any background information gathering is kept to the essentials. In longer term therapy, it can be really helpful to have free-ranging explorations, but in SST we steer away from “side quests” and attend only to the chosen concern.

As well as these defining characteristics, the principles of ONEplus therapy are aligned with my “usual” ways of working in ongoing therapy, which are as follows:

• Working collaboratively with clients, openly discussing goals and ways of working that are best suited to their individual needs.

• Maintaining an emphasis on dignity, respect, and building on the individual's strengths and resources.

• Drawing upon a range of therapeutic approaches in order to best respond to and respect each client’s needs, and establishing a very “human” relationship.

Overall, I would describe my ONEplus mindset as a pragmatic, empowering way of delivering therapy, with “heart”. It’s highly adaptable to all sorts of concerns such as getting “unstuck” from an emotional or behavioural problem, helping with a dilemma or decision, or having a safe space to talk about something.

FAQS

How much does it cost?

My fee is £100 for a ONEplus session. This is more than my usual fee of £70 as I take extra time to prepare before I meet you, and offer a “follow-up” email or call some time after the session.

What is the structure of a ONEplus session?

• When you contact me, we will find a mutually suitable time for a meeting, as quickly as possible (I aim for this to be within a week).

• I’ll send you a pre-session questionnaire. Completing it is optional, but many people find it helpful to do this to help prepare for and make the most of the meeting.

• The session is up to 50 minutes long, and can be in-person or online.

• During the session we will establish what a “useful outcome” would be for you. We will then explore the concern, discuss strategies, identify resources, and end with a “takeaway” or plan.

• After our session, I would invite you to take some time to “digest”. You may want to put into practice whatever you’ve taken from the session.

• I offer a brief follow-up 2-3 weeks later (usually by email, but phone/video is also possible). As well as checking how you’ve got on, we can discuss whether you’d like any further sessions.

What if I’m not sure what support I need?

Sometimes people have a clear idea of what they need before starting a session, but sometimes getting a better understanding of what they need forms the actual focus of the session, and we can work on this together.

How do I book a session?

The best way to get in touch with me is by email at edinburghmarylye@gmail.com . It's helpful if you can let me know which days/times you can do, whether you're looking for in-person or a video session, and whether you're looking for Single Session or ongoing therapy. I usually get back to new enquiries within 24 hours.