ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the nature of single-session therapy (SST) by discussing some of the ways in which it has been defined. It shows that while on the surface it is clear what SST is – it is a therapy that lasts for one session – actually the situation is more complex than that. SST has also been in use for far longer, although the term has its problems. Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, used to make a similar point about the word ‘rational’. SST by design occurs when the therapist and client intentionally embark on single-session therapy. SST by default occurs when a client attends one session when both therapist and client anticipate that therapy would involve a longer-term contract. Finally, SST may occur by appointment or by walk-in. In the former, the person learns about the SST service and contacts the service to make an appointment with a therapist.
