aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	30
Patient mood	Overwhelmed
Patient condition	Not specific
Relevant challenges	Nothing in particular
Therapeutic technique	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Use coping techniques	No particular
Patient engagement	Calm and relaxed
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	Everything is my fault
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan: Overwhelmed Mood

Session Length: 30 Minutes

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Session Objectives

• To help the patient understand their feelings of overwhelm.
• To challenge the belief that "everything is my fault."
• To introduce coping strategies using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques.

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Session Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greeting and Establish Comfort:
  • Welcome the patient warmly and ensure they feel comfortable in the space.
• Purpose of the Session:
  • Briefly explain the focus on their feelings of being overwhelmed and the goal to explore these feelings through CBT.

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2. Understanding Feelings of Overwhelm (10 minutes)

• Exploration of Emotions:

  • Ask open-ended questions about when they first started feeling overwhelmed.
  • Explore contexts or triggers that heighten this feeling.

• Recognize Patterns:

  • Help the patient identify thoughts that accompany their feelings of being overwhelmed.
  • Guide them to see if there are specific situations that consistently lead to this feeling.

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3. Challenging Negative Beliefs (10 minutes)

• Identify Cognitive Distortions:

  • Discuss the phrase "everything is my fault."
  • Use CBT techniques to help the patient articulate evidence for and against this belief.

• Reframing Thought Patterns:

  • Encourage the patient to generate alternative, more balanced thoughts.
  • Utilize "thought record" worksheets to catalog negative vs. alternative thoughts.

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4. Coping Techniques & Closure (5 minutes)

• Introduce Simple Coping Strategies:

  • Discuss breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques that can be used when feelings of overwhelm arise.
  • Suggest practical coping tools, such as journaling or creating a 'worry box' to manage overwhelming thoughts.

• Session Summary:

  • Recap the key points discussed and encourage the patient to take note of any new insights.
  • Confirm the patient's understanding and willingness to practice the introduced techniques.

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Aftercare and Follow-Up

• Homework (Optional):

  • If comfortable, encourage the patient to keep a log of times they felt overwhelmed and any alternative thoughts they were able to generate.

• Plan for Next Session:

  • Suggest reviewing the patient’s coping strategies and thoughts and inviting deeper exploration into specific triggers during follow-up sessions.

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Conclusion

This session is designed to provide the patient with a deeper understanding of their feelings and empower them to mitigate their sense of being overwhelmed through cognitive restructuring and effective coping strategies. It aligns closely with CBT principles and promotes patient engagement through discussion and reflection.