Hoping for Change: The Role of Hope in Single-Session Therapy

Single-session therapy (SST) is at the forefront of conversations about mental health services as it represents the possibility of a clinically effective solution to lengthy wait times and barriers to accessibility. However, there is a gap in the literature about what factors may be active within SST. Given the growth of SST there is a need to look more closely at the processes that influence clinical outcomes to allow clinicians to maximize the SST experience. This article posits that hope is a significant component of SST. Specifically, Snyder's Hope Theory (Snyder, 1994) may be a useful framework for SST clinicians to foster hope. The role of hope in solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and narrative therapy (NT) is explored. Intersections between Hope Theory, SST, SFBT, and NT are discussed. Case examples of the application of Hope Theory are provided. Recommendations for future research are discussed.