aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	30
Patient mood	Depressed
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	I will never get better
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan (30 Minutes)

Session Overview

Duration: 30 Minutes
Focus: Depressive Mood
Technique: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Patient Engagement: Anxious/Nervous
Mindset Addressed: "I will never get better"

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Session Goals

1. Increase Patient Engagement: Foster a safe space for the patient to express feelings.
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Identify and reframe the thought "I will never get better."
3. Introduce Coping Strategies: Equip the patient with tools to manage anxiety and depressive thoughts.

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Session Structure

1. Introduction (5 Minutes)

• Warm Welcome: Greet the patient warmly and create a comfortable environment.
• Check-in: Ask the patient how they've been feeling since the last session, focusing on any recent experiences that might relate to their mood.

2. Exploring Negative Thoughts (10 Minutes)

• Identifying Thought Patterns:

  • Ask the patient: “What thoughts come to mind when you think about your mood?”
  • Encourage them to articulate their feelings and thoughts, especially the belief that "I will never get better."

• Using the CBT Thought Record:

  • Introduce a simplified thought record. Prompt the patient to list:
    • Situation: When did this thought occur?
    • Mood: What did they feel at that moment?
    • Thought: Specific negative thoughts (e.g., “I will never get better”).
    • Evidence For and Against: Help them explore evidence supporting and contradicting this mindset.

3. Challenging Negative Thoughts (10 Minutes)

• Cognitive Restructuring:

  • Guide the patient to evaluate the validity of their belief:
    • Ask: “What evidence do you have that suggests you will not improve?”
    • Explore counter-evidence: “Have there been any moments, big or small, when you felt better? Can we name them?”

• Reframing Exercise:

  • Work together to reframe the thought. For instance, change "I will never get better" to "I can work towards feeling better, one step at a time."
  • Affirm the idea that improvement is possible, even if gradual.

4. Coping Strategies (3 Minutes)

• Breathing Techniques:

  • Introduce a simple deep-breathing exercise to reduce anxiety.
  • Example: Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat this cycle.

• Mindfulness Practice:

  • Encourage the patient to practice mindfulness by focusing on their present experience rather than future fears.
  • Suggest they spend a few minutes daily observing their thoughts without judgment.

5. Conclusion and Homework (2 Minutes)

• Summarize the Session:

  • Recap the key takeaways: the thought record, the reframing exercise, and the coping strategies.

• Homework Assignment:

  • Ask the patient to keep a thought journal for the week, noting negative thoughts and reframing them. They should also practice breathing techniques daily.

• Encouragement:

  • Reassure the patient that therapy is a journey and that incremental change is both valid and valuable.

6. Closing (1 Minute)

• Express Appreciation: Thank the patient for their openness and effort.
• Schedule Next Session: Confirm their next appointment and encourage them to reach out if they need support before then.

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Key Takeaways for the Patient

• It's possible to challenge and change negative thoughts.
• Engaging in mindfulness and deep breathing can help manage anxiety.
• Progress in therapy is gradual and should be celebrated in small steps.

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This structured therapeutic session aims to create a supportive environment where the patient can confront negative beliefs and begin to see the possibility of change.