As a sport psychologist, I’ve found that one of the most effective approaches to working with athletes is taking things one session at a time. I don’t dictate how many sessions an athlete should commit to, nor do I enforce a pre-determined number of meetings. Instead, I focus on addressing the athlete’s immediate needs in each session, leaving it up to them to decide how many sessions are necessary. This flexible approach reflects the dynamic nature of athletic performance and respects the athlete's autonomy. Interestingly, this method takes inspiration from a growing field of therapeutic practice known as *Single Session Therapy (SST)*, where the focus is on providing immediate, actionable support within one session, without the expectation of ongoing treatment unless needed. Here’s why I believe the "one at a time" approach is particularly well-suited to sport psychology.
Meeting Immediate Needs
Athletes live in a fast-paced world. Their mental, emotional, and physical needs fluctuate not only from game to game but often from one practice to the next. An athlete may feel confident and focused one week and find themselves struggling with motivation or pressure the next. By taking a session-by-session approach, I ensure that we address what’s most pressing for them in the moment. Rather than working through a rigid plan or ticking off checkboxes, the conversation centers around what the athlete is currently experiencing and how we can address those concerns right now.
This mirrors the principles of *Single Session Therapy*, which emphasizes providing clients with significant therapeutic value in just one session, focusing on their most immediate and pressing issues. In SST, the assumption is that meaningful change can occur in a single encounter, rather than requiring extended periods of therapy. Athletes often have tight schedules and busy training regimes, so this focus on immediate support can be particularly useful in helping them gain clarity and momentum without feeling tied to a long-term commitment.
Adaptability as an Asset in an Ever-Changing Season
The demands of an athletic season are constantly shifting. An athlete’s goals and stressors at the start of the season can look very different from those nearing the playoffs or after an injury. What they need from a sport psychologist in those moments can be drastically different too. For example, at the beginning of the season, an athlete might want to focus on building confidence and establishing routines. Mid-season, they might be battling fatigue or dealing with performance anxiety. By the time playoffs roll around, it could be all about mental toughness and handling the heightened pressure.
In this context, a "one at a time" approach makes perfect sense. It allows us to adapt to what the athlete needs at each stage of their journey, instead of locking into a rigid set of objectives or protocols that don’t align with their evolving challenges. Flexibility is a strength in both sport and therapy—being able to pivot as the situation demands often leads to better outcomes for the athlete.
Drawing from SST principles, each session is treated as potentially the only session the athlete may have. This mindset ensures that we maximize the impact of each meeting, focusing on immediate, practical solutions that can be implemented right away. It’s this sense of urgency and flexibility that makes the approach so effective in the unpredictable world of sports.
Empowering the Athlete
I strongly believe in empowering athletes to take ownership of their mental training and well-being. Part of that empowerment comes from giving them the freedom to decide how many sessions they want or need. Some athletes may find that one session provides them with the tools and insights they need to get back on track. Others might choose to come in regularly for check-ins or when they hit specific milestones or challenges.
The choice lies with them. By not enforcing a set number of sessions, I send the message that their needs are valid, whatever they are, and that they are in control of their mental performance journey. This autonomy fosters a sense of responsibility and investment in their own progress, which can be incredibly motivating.
Moreover, some athletes feel apprehensive about therapy, often seeing it as a long-term commitment or fearing they’ll be pressured to continue attending. The "one at a time" approach removes that barrier, allowing athletes to test the waters and experience the value of sport psychology without feeling locked into something more than they’re ready for.
This echoes SST’s philosophy of placing control in the hands of the client, giving them the power to decide if further sessions are necessary. In both SST and my approach, the client is trusted to make decisions that best serve their needs, promoting a sense of agency and self-efficacy.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
The core of the "one at a time" philosophy is quality over quantity. Every session is treated as its own complete entity, with the goal of offering something valuable and actionable in that moment. We’re not building toward some far-off endpoint; rather, we’re focusing on what can be done today to help the athlete thrive.
This approach encourages athletes to leave each session with practical strategies they can implement right away, which is crucial in the fast-moving world of sport. It also means that whether they come for one session or several, they’ll feel that their time was well spent.
Conclusion: A Tailored Approach Inspired by SST
In sport, no two games are exactly alike, and the same holds true for the mental challenges athletes face. A "one at a time" approach, inspired by the principles of *Single Session Therapy*, aligns perfectly with this reality, offering flexibility, responsiveness, and empowerment. It’s not about following a prescribed formula but rather meeting the athlete where they are, session by session, as their season and mental landscape shift.
For me, this method keeps therapy relevant, dynamic, and most importantly, centered around the athlete's immediate needs. Whether they come for one session or many, the goal is always the same: to provide support that helps them perform their best, mentally and physically, in that moment.
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