aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	30
Patient mood	Stressed
Patient condition	Not specific
Relevant challenges	Nothing in particular
Therapeutic technique	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Use coping techniques	No particular
Patient engagement	Neutral or indifferent
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	No particular
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan

Length

Total Duration: 30 minutes

Session Goals

• Reduce immediate stress levels.
• Foster a more positive engagement towards therapy.
• Introduce basic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) concepts.

Session Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greeting and Setting the Tone

  • Welcome the patient warmly to create a safe environment.
  • Acknowledge their feelings of stress and encourage them to express any thoughts or concerns at the start.

• Brief Overview

  • Explain the session’s purpose and what to expect, focusing on understanding their stress and exploring cognitive patterns.

2. Understanding Stress (10 minutes)

• Exploration of Stressors

  • Ask open-ended questions about what the patient feels contributes to their stress.
  • Examples:
    • “Can you describe what has been making you feel stressed lately?”
    • “How does this stress affect your daily life?”

• Identifying Cognitive Patterns

  • Introduce basic CBT concepts, emphasizing how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected.
  • Encourage the patient to identify any negative thought patterns associated with their stress.
    • Example: “When you feel stressed, what thoughts go through your mind?”

3. CBT Techniques (10 minutes)

• Thought Record Exercise

  • Introduce a simplified thought record to help the patient track their stressful thoughts and feelings.
  • Explain the components:
    • Situation: What happened?
    • Thoughts: What were you thinking?
    • Feelings: How did you feel?
    • Behavior: How did you react?

• Practice Together

  • Guide the patient through filling out a thought record for a recent stressful situation.
  • Discuss the impact of their thoughts on their emotions and responses.

4. Coping Strategies (5 minutes)

• Introduce Basic Coping Techniques

  • Discuss simple strategies such as deep breathing or visualization to manage immediate stress.
  • Encourage them to practice these techniques during stressful moments.
    • Example: “Let’s try a quick deep-breathing exercise together.”

• Action Steps

  • Encourage the patient to commit to practicing one CBT-based technique or coping strategy before the next session.

5. Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

• Summary of Session

  • Recap key points discussed: stressors, cognitive patterns, thought record exercise, and coping techniques.

• Feedback and Homework

  • Ask for the patient’s feedback on the session.
    • “How do you feel about the techniques we discussed today?”
  • Encourage them to jot down their thoughts in the thought record before the next session.

• Close With Encouragement

  • Reinforce their effort and willingness to engage in the process.
  • Schedule the next session and express optimism about their journey toward managing stress.

Additional Notes

• Engagement Strategy: Throughout the session, employ reflective listening to maintain a neutral but supportive posture, aiming to enhance patient engagement.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust the session focus based on the patient's responses and evolving needs during the discussion.

By following this structured approach, the session aims to create a foundation of CBT skills while addressing the immediate stress the patient feels, all within a supportive and collaborative environment.