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	Anxious or nervous
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	No particular
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan: 30-Minute CBT for Stress Management

Objective

To help the patient manage feelings of stress through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, fostering a sense of control and equipping them with practical coping strategies.

Session Outline

Duration: 30 Minutes

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1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greeting and Rapport Building

  • Begin with a warm welcome. Small talk may help ease the patient’s nervousness.
  • Acknowledge their feelings of stress, validating their experience.

• Session Overview

  • Briefly explain what will be covered in the session, emphasizing the use of CBT techniques to manage stress.

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2. Understanding Stress (5 minutes)

• Discussion about Stressors

  • Ask open-ended questions to help the patient identify specific stressors, even if they aren't tied to major life issues (e.g., daily pressures, work, social situations).
  • Explore how these stressors affect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

• Educating on Stress Response

  • Share a brief overview of the physiological and psychological effects of stress to normalize their experience.

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3. Cognitive Restructuring (10 minutes)

• Identifying Negative Thoughts

  • Encourage the patient to share their current negative thoughts or beliefs associated with their stress. Use prompts like:
    • “What thoughts come to mind when you feel stressed?”
  • Write these down for visual reference.

• Challenging These Thoughts

  • Collaboratively evaluate these thoughts.
    • Ask questions such as:
      • “What evidence do you have for this thought?”
      • “Is there a different way to view this situation?”
      • “What would you say to a friend who had this thought?”
  • Help the patient reframe their negative thoughts into positive or more balanced ones.

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4. Coping Strategies (5 minutes)

• Introduction to Coping Techniques

  • Discuss practical stress management techniques that can be easily incorporated into their daily life.
    • Deep breathing exercises.
    • Mindfulness and grounding techniques.
    • Short physical activity (even a quick stretch).

• Guided Practice

  • Lead a short deep breathing exercise. Instruct the patient to take deep breaths in for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat this process three times.

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5. Goal Setting & Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Setting Personal Stress Management Goals

  • Work together to establish one or two achievable goals related to stress management that the patient can work on before the next session.
  • Ensure the goals are specific, measurable, and realistic.

• Session Review & Homework

  • Recap what was discussed during the session.
  • Encourage the patient to practice the deep breathing exercises and pay attention to their thoughts for cognitive restructuring.

• Closing

  • Reassure the patient that it’s okay to seek support as they manage their stressors.
  • End on a positive note, encouraging them to reach out if they feel overwhelmed before the next session.

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Notes for the Therapist:

• Be attentive to the patient’s body language and verbal cues throughout the session, adjusting your approach accordingly to ensure they feel safe and supported.
• Document any observations about the patient’s engagement and responses to the techniques introduced.