Today‘s article aims to illustrate how Single-Session Therapy (SST) can serve as an intervention method that supports general practitioners (GPs).
Part of the content presented here originates from a poster presented by the author at the International SST Symposium held in Chicago in June 2025. This contribution also follows on from the previous article, “How Single-Session Therapy Can Help Reduce the Stigma Around Seeing a Psychologist.”
The General Practitioner
The role of the general practitioner is often perceived as a key point of reference, especially in smaller communities (villages and towns) and neighborhood settings. This position is associated with trust, respect, and high expectations. At the same time, many GPs experience a sense of being overwhelmed by the large number of daily requests they receive.
People frequently seek appointments and medical investigations because they want to understand the origin of their symptoms. In many cases, however, GPs themselves recognize that some of these concerns cannot be attributed solely to organic causes but also involve psychosomatic or psychological components that are difficult to address through medication or medical tests alone. In such situations, psychological support can be extremely helpful.
How SST Can Help General Practitioners
Due to its effectiveness, efficiency, and focus on the present problem, SST can facilitate referrals to psychologists. When a GP recommends a professional who works using the SST approach, patients are often more willing to take the first step.
A common thought is: “It’s just one session. I’ll see how it goes, and then I can decide whether it was helpful and whether it makes sense to come back.” This mindset differs significantly from that associated with other therapeutic models, where several initial sessions may be devoted to getting acquainted before addressing the problem itself. SST, by contrast, provides a concrete and focused working space from the very first meeting.
An Illustrative Case
Having collaborated with several local GPs and promoted the SST approach, I would like to share the case of a man in his early thirties who was referred to me by his physician.
The patient reported several symptoms related to his heart. His GP prescribed all the necessary medical tests. The results revealed some blood pressure issues, for which a specific medication was prescribed. At the same time, the doctor suggested psychological support, hypothesizing that the symptoms were not solely linked to organic causes but also involved psychological factors.
The patient decided to contact me precisely because his GP had recommended my services in connection with Single-Session Therapy. Initially, he felt blocked by the idea of starting a therapeutic journey, partly due to the stigma that still surrounds the idea of “going to a psychologist.” However, the prospect of beginning with just one session made it easier for him to seek help.
Why SST Is Useful in These Contexts
SST is based on the idea that even a single session can be sufficient to facilitate meaningful change, especially when the focus is clear, shared, and centered on the individual. This approach is particularly effective when the goal is not necessarily to “start therapy,” but rather to provide a space for reflection, guidance, and support that is accessible and non-committal.
In this sense, SST can represent a valuable resource for general practitioners, enabling them to offer patients a concrete form of psychological support while reducing resistance and facilitating access to care.
Conclusions
In a context where general practitioners are increasingly faced with complex demands, collaboration with professionals who work using the SST model can provide an effective and sustainable response. Single-Session Therapy serves as a bridge between medicine and psychology, making it possible to identify distress early and offer patients an initial opportunity for support, reflection, and change.
Ester Fantoni
Psychologist
Trainee in Systemic-Strategic Brief Therapies
ICNOS Institute
Bibliography
Cannistrà F., Piccirilli F. (2018). Terapia a seduta singola. Principi e pratiche. Giunti