Single session therapy in pediatric healthcare: the value of adopting a strengths-based approach for families living with neurological disorders

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients with neurological disorders often require lifelong management of symptoms and behaviours that can result in enduring emotional burden, stress and impacted health-related quality of life. Single session therapy (SST) draws upon patients’ existing skills and knowledge and has emerged as a therapeutic approach to address pediatric patient and family needs in a timely manner. This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of SST for pediatric patients with neurological disorders and their families, considering self-efficacy, distress, anxiety, therapeutic alliance and client satisfaction, as well as perceptions of whether SST met their pressing needs. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design included quantitative data collection via five standardized questionnaires across three time points and qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed independently and then integrated. RESULTS: The study comprised of 135 participants, including patients, parents and siblings across diverse neurological conditions. Scores of self-efficacy and anxiety in children, and distress and anxiety in adults, improved significantly after the SST. Notably, changes in anxiety in adults remained significant five to seven weeks after the SST. Seventeen participants participated in 12 semi-structured interviews. Participants described that SST (1) was a missing piece in ongoing clinical care, (2) illuminated existing strengths and resilience, and (3) effected a lasting impact beyond the single session. CONCLUSIONS: SST may be a promising initial, strengths-based treatment to support the short-term and potentially long-term needs of pediatric patients with neurological disorders and their families by emphasizing existing strengths, supporting therapeutic alliance and cultivating hope. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13034-022-00495-6.