ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the situation where the face-to-face session is the first time that the therapist and the client have met. If the client has come to see the therapist expecting Single-Session Therapy (SST), then they can get down to business straightaway. If not, the therapist needs to determine the client's needs and see if these can be met by SST. If the therapist has the option of offering the client more therapy at the end of the session if needed, then this should be made clear at the outset. Normally, the therapist initiate the process by being active, focused and asking pertinent questions as illustrated by Hoyt et al. Solution-focused therapists often take a 'micro' approach to change that is compatible with SST. A strengths-based therapist would focus on the client's strengths and capabilities as a way of initiating the SST process.
