Psychotherapeutic Session Plan
Session Overview
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Patient Mood: Stressed
- Main Condition: Non-specific Trauma and PTSD
- Engagement Level: Confused or unsure
- Technique Utilized: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Goals: Prepare for a difficult conversation, reduce substance use
Session Agenda
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Objective: Establish rapport and outline the session.
- Activity: Greet the patient warmly, ensuring they feel comfortable.
- Discussion Points:
- Briefly review their current feelings and thoughts.
- Set an intention for the session: focus on stress management, upcoming conversations, and substance use.
2. Identifying Trauma Triggers (10 minutes)
- Objective: Help the patient identify specific triggers related to their PTSD.
- Activity: Use socratic questioning to guide the patient.
- Questions to explore:
- "Can you think of recent situations that have made you feel particularly stressed or anxious?"
- "What thoughts or memories come to mind when you reflect on these situations?"
3. Cognitive Restructuring (8 minutes)
- Objective: Challenge negative thought patterns that may exacerbate stress and substance use.
- Activity: Guide the patient in reframing distressing thoughts.
- Examples:
- If the patient expresses thoughts like “I’m never going to get better,” help them reframe this to “Healing is a process, and I’ve taken steps forward already.”
- Homework: Ask the patient to keep a log of negative thoughts they experience throughout the week, along with alternative, positive reframes.
4. Preparing for the Difficult Conversation (5 minutes)
- Objective: Equip the patient with strategies to approach the upcoming difficult conversation.
- Activity: Discuss the main points they wish to communicate.
- Techniques to apply:
- Role-playing to practice the conversation.
- Breathing techniques to reduce stress before the conversation.
5. Closing and Homework Assignment (2 minutes)
- Objective: Summarize the session and assign homework.
- Activity:
- Recap the key points discussed, emphasizing coping techniques and reframed thoughts.
- Assign the patient to journal about their emotions related to the difficult conversation and reflect on substance use patterns.
- Encouragement: Reaffirm that struggling is a part of the healing process and that they are not alone.
Summary
This session aims to reduce the patient's stress through cognitive restructuring techniques while preparing them for an upcoming challenging conversation. The focus on coping strategies and homework will help the patient gradually manage symptoms of trauma and PTSD while addressing substance use.
Note
Ensure the patient leaves with a sense of direction and support, adding any additional resources or referrals as necessary. Adjust the plan according to the patient's responsiveness during the session.