aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	30
Patient mood	Irritable
Patient condition	Not specific
Relevant challenges	Nothing in particular
Therapeutic technique	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Use coping techniques	No particular
Patient engagement	Resistant or hesitant
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	I cannot trust anyone
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan (30 Minutes)

Patient Profile

• Mood: Irritable
• Main Condition: Not specific
• Issues to Address: None in particular
• Current Engagement: Resistant or hesitant
• Mindset to Address: "I cannot trust anyone."

Goals for the Session

1. Create a Safe Space: Establish trust and a comfortable environment to facilitate open communication.
2. Introduce Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Principles: Teach basic CBT concepts that can help in managing irritability.
3. Encourage Self-Reflection: Help the patient explore feelings and thoughts contributing to their irritability.
4. Discuss Trust Issues: Identify why the patient feels they cannot trust anyone and how it affects their mood.

---

Session Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greet the patient warmly and make small talk to ease the tension.
• Explain the purpose of today's session, highlighting the focus on understanding their irritability and exploring trust issues.

2. Establish Safety and Trust (5 minutes)

• Normalize their feelings of irritability without judgment.
• Reiterate confidentiality and your role as a supportive guide.
• Use open-ended questions to encourage the patient to share their experiences:
  • "Can you tell me about what irritates you the most these days?"

3. Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (10 minutes)

• Briefly explain the CBT model (thoughts, feelings, behaviors).
• Discuss how irritability can stem from negative thoughts.
• Introduce the concept of cognitive distortions (e.g., all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization) and ask:
  • "Have you noticed any patterns in your thinking that might be contributing to your mood?"

4. Explore the Mindset: "I Cannot Trust Anyone" (5 minutes)

• Acknowledge and validate the patient's feelings regarding trust.
• Encourage them to share specific experiences that led to this belief.
• Introduce the idea of gradual exposure to trust—building small pockets of trust in safe environments:
  • "What small steps do you think you could take to start building trust with someone?"

5. Summarize and Plan Next Steps (3 minutes)

• Recap what was discussed: irritability, trust issues, and CBT principles.
• Encourage a small commitment: “For the next week, can you try to notice if any specific thoughts trigger your irritability?”
• Let the patient know you’ll check in on this in the next session.

6. Conclusion (2 minutes)

• Thank the patient for sharing and acknowledge their efforts to engage.
• Reinforce your availability for support and encourage them to reach out if they experience any overwhelming feelings.

---

Homework/Follow-up

• Ask the patient to keep a "thought diary" for the next week, noting any situations that trigger their irritability, and the thoughts and feelings associated with these moments to discuss in the next session.

---

Final Notes

• Flexibility: Stay adaptable during the session based on the patient's responses and willingness to participate.
• Empathy: Maintain an empathetic stance, especially when discussing sensitive topics like trust and emotional experiences.