Exploring Client Perspectives on Narrative Single-Session Therapy

Single-session therapy (SST) proposes that one therapeutic encounter can generate meaningful change. This study examined SST informed by narrative therapy, which views life as multi-storied and supports the re-authoring of personal narratives. Three online sessions were conducted and analyzed as case studies. Participants engaged in a “revisit” process, watching session recordings and reflecting on key moments. The analysis identified five impactful narrative practices: agenda setting, externalization, re-authoring conversations, remembering conversations, and strategies to sustain therapeutic effects after the session. Participants reported increased clarity, agency, and emotional relief. Externalization and re-authoring reshaped their relationships with problems, while remembering and post-session strategies helped maintain change. The findings highlight narrative SST as a promising brief intervention within the Brazilian context.