Psychotherapeutic Session Plan
Session Overview
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Technique: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Patient Mood: Stressed
- Patient Engagement: Hopeful and optimistic
Objectives
- Address Negative Mindsets: Challenge the belief that "people will always reject me."
- Use Cognitive Restructuring: Help the patient identify and reframe negative thoughts about rejection.
- Enhance Coping Skills: Encourage adaptive thinking and behavioral responses to stress.
Session Agenda
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin the session with a warm and welcoming tone.
- Briefly recap the patient’s previous session to connect with their ongoing journey.
- Establish a safe environment for sharing.
2. Mood Check-In (5 minutes)
- Ask the patient how they have been since the last session.
- Explore specific factors contributing to their stress.
- Validate their feelings and emphasize the hopefulness they indicated.
3. Discussion on Negative Mindset (10 minutes)
- Identify Thoughts: Ask the patient to describe instances where they felt rejected or anticipate rejection.
- Challenging the Belief:
- Use Socratic questioning to challenge the belief:
- "What evidence do you have that people will always reject you?"
- "Can you recall times when you felt accepted or valued?"
- Reframing: Encourage the patient to reframe negative thoughts into more balanced and realistic perspectives.
4. Cognitive Restructuring Exercise (5 minutes)
- Guide the patient through an exercise to write down the negative belief and then generate alternative, positive thoughts.
- Example format:
- Negative Thought: "People will always reject me."
- Alternative Thought: "Sometimes I feel rejected, but many people have shown kindness and acceptance toward me."
5. Coping Strategies (3 minutes)
- Discuss simple coping strategies to manage stress:
- Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing exercises to help decrease immediate feelings of stress.
- Mindfulness Practices: Briefly touch upon the importance of grounding techniques when feeling overwhelmed.
6. Conclusion and Homework Assignment (2 minutes)
- Summarize key points discussed in the session.
- Encourage Reflection: Ask the patient to keep a journal of thoughts, focusing on instances of acceptance, to reinforce positive experiences and counteract the belief of inevitable rejection.
- Schedule the next appointment and express optimism for their progress.
7. Wrap-Up (Remaining Time)
- Allow room for any last-minute questions or reflections from the patient.
- End the session with affirmations of their capabilities and strengths, leaving them feeling motivated and hopeful.
Notes for Therapist
- Remain attentive and adaptive to the patient’s responses throughout the session.
- Use empathy and encouragement to reinforce the patient’s hopefulness and resilience.
- Document the session's notes, focusing on insights gained and progress made for future reference.
This structured session plan is designed to help the patient navigate their stress by addressing cognitive distortions while reinforcing their optimistic outlook.