ession therapy show benefits has implications for the structure of the initial therapeutic encounter as it currently stands. Specifically, he notes that the first encounter for most therapists is always that of assessment wherein background information is collected regarding the client and his/her present difficulties. In other words, the standard therapeutic model is that the first session be used for assessment and diagnostic purposes.
However, what is suggested by Talmon's findings is that at least part of the initial session should be devoted directly to dealing with the presented problems. In other words, the initial session should be aimed at providing some therapeutic service rather than simply at diagnosis and assessment. Given the foregoing, Talmon ends the chapter with the recommendation that therapists develop the skills necessary to have effective single session therapy. These skills include being aware that one session can be of therapeutic value, planning the session, and developing strategies to maximize its potential.
This chapter is logically presented with plenty of documentation, both current and historical. The conclusions reached follow from the postulates and assumptions listed in the beginning. It is a convincing argument for SST.
Chapter Two: The First Phone Call: Presession Screening
In Talmon's view, SST beings with the initial telephone contact between the client and the therapist. Through this initial conversation, the therapist can take several actions necessary to making the actual session maximally therapeutic.
First, the phone call can be used to obtain pertinent information. Second, through the call the therapist can determine whether the client should be seen quickly or scheduled for a routine appointment two to three weeks in the future.
Within 24 hours of this first telephone conversation, the client should be called again. Doing so is courteous; moreover, the secon...