Psychotherapeutic Session Plan
Session Overview
- Duration: 55 minutes
- Patient Mood: Irritable
- Main Condition: Anger Management
- Techniques Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Patient Engagement: Resistant/Hesitant
- Goal: Increase participation in enjoyable activities
Session Structure
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greeting: Welcome the patient and create a safe and non-judgmental environment.
- Objective: Briefly explain the goal of the session, emphasizing collaboration and the importance of addressing irritability in a constructive manner.
2. Check-In (10 minutes)
- Mood Assessment: Ask the patient how they have been feeling recently and encourage them to express any thoughts or experiences related to their irritability.
- Discuss Recent Triggers: Gently prompt the patient to share specific situations that have led to feelings of anger or frustration.
3. Cognitive Restructuring (15 minutes)
- Identifying Thoughts: Introduce the concept of identifying negative thought patterns contributing to anger. Ask the patient to name a specific instance where they felt anger.
- Challenging Thoughts: Guide the patient in examining these thoughts. Use prompts such as:
- "What evidence do you have for this thought?"
- "How might someone else view this situation?"
- Reframing: Work with the patient to develop more constructive and compassionate interpretations of the events that triggered irritability.
4. Anger Management Techniques (10 minutes)
- Introduce Techniques: Discuss various CBT techniques for managing anger, such as:
- Breathing Exercises: Teach a simple deep-breathing technique they can practice when feeling irritable.
- Time-Out: Explain the concept of taking a break when they feel anger rising.
- Role-Play Scenarios: If the patient is open to it, simulate a situation that often leads to irritability and practice the techniques discussed.
5. Increasing Engagement in Enjoyable Activities (10 minutes)
- Explore Interests: Engage the patient in a conversation about what activities they used to enjoy or have an interest in.
- Goal Setting: Encourage the patient to set small, achievable goals for re-engaging with enjoyable activities, ensuring they understand that even small steps count.
- Create a Plan: Work together to establish a specific activity they would like to try over the next week, including scheduling it in a way that feels manageable.
6. Closing and Homework (5 minutes)
- Review Session: Summarize the strategies discussed and emphasize the importance of practicing the techniques.
- Assign Homework: Encourage the patient to keep a journal for the week, noting:
- Instances of irritability and their triggers.
- Any enjoyable activities attempted and reflections on how it felt to engage in them.
- Next Steps: Set a date for the next session and encourage them to look forward to discussing their experiences.
Final Thoughts
Ensure the patient feels supported and remind them that working through anger and irritability is a process. Validate any resistance they may feel and reinforce the importance of progress, no matter how small.