Psychotherapeutic Session Plan
Session Overview
Duration: 30 minutes
Patient Mood: Overwhelmed
Main Condition: Not specific
Current Patient Engagement: Neutral or indifferent
Technique: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Goals of the Session
- To help the patient identify triggers for their overwhelmed feelings.
- To introduce basic cognitive behavioral techniques to shift their perspective.
- To encourage engagement and reflection on their emotional state.
Session Structure
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greeting and Check-In:
Begin the session with a warm greeting. Ask the patient how they have been feeling recently.
Example prompt: “What has been on your mind since our last session?”
- Establishing Rapport:
Acknowledge their feelings of being overwhelmed without judgment. Convey empathy and understanding.
2. Identification of Triggers (10 minutes)
- Exploring Feelings:
Encourage the patient to describe what "overwhelmed" means to them.
Prompt: “Can you tell me more about what makes you feel overwhelmed?”
- Trigger Assessment:
Help the patient identify specific situations, thoughts, or events that contribute to their overwhelming feelings.
Prompt: “Are there particular times or events when you notice these feelings become stronger?”
3. Cognitive Restructuring (10 minutes)
- Introduction to CBT Techniques:
Explain how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors.
Example: “Sometimes, our thoughts can make situations seem bigger or more threatening than they really are.”
- Challenging Negative Thoughts:
Work with the patient to identify negative thoughts related to feeling overwhelmed and help them reframe those thoughts into more manageable ones.
Technique: Ask them to recall a recent overwhelming situation.
Example prompt: “What were you thinking at that moment? How could we transform that into a more balanced thought?”
4. Coping Strategies (5 minutes)
- Practical Techniques:
Introduce simple coping strategies that can help reduce feelings of overwhelm, such as:
- Deep Breathing: Guide the patient through a brief deep-breathing exercise.
- Mindfulness Moment: Encourage them to observe their surroundings for a minute to ground themselves.
- Encouragement of Daily Practice:
Suggest implementing these techniques into their daily routine and encourage them to notice any shifts in their feelings.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Recap of the Session:
Summarize the main points discussed and the tools introduced during the session.
- Feedback Request:
Ask the patient how they feel about the techniques and discussion from the session.
Prompt: “What stood out to you today? Do you feel comfortable trying these techniques?”
- Next Steps:
Encourage them to practice the coping strategies, and schedule the next session, maintaining an open dialogue about their experience.
Closing Statement
Express gratitude for their openness during the session. Reinforce that feeling overwhelmed is common and that they have tools at their disposal to help manage these feelings.
End of Session Plan