Keep in Mind That Your Client Has Probably Attempted to Solve Their Problem Before. Look for What Has Worked, Even a Little
Abstract
When a client seeks single-session help from you for a problem with which they are struggling or stuck, it is almost certain that they have made previous attempts to address the issue. Given this, you have a choice. You can either help them address the issue in the session without knowing anything about these past attempts, or you can find out about them. Some therapists might argue that since the client still has the problem, these past attempts have proven unsuccessful, and therefore, there is little to be gained by looking backwards.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Counseling
Therapy
and Family Dynamics
Counseling Practices and Supervision
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 69–70
- Publication date
- 10 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter