Psychotherapeutic Session Outline: Anger Management
Session Duration: 55 Minutes
Session Goals
- To help the patient understand and articulate feelings of irritability and anger.
- To introduce Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to address negative thought patterns.
- To encourage self-reflection and exploration of triggers.
- To increase engagement through interaction and participation.
Session Flow
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greet the patient warmly and create a safe environment.
- Briefly outline the session's purpose and what the patient can expect.
- Assess the patient's mood and help them articulate how they're feeling.
2. Check-In (10 minutes)
- Ask the patient to share any recent experiences that have contributed to their irritability.
- Facilitate an open dialogue, allowing the patient to speak freely about their thoughts and feelings.
- Explore any recent triggers or situations that have heightened their irritability.
3. Identifying Cognitive Patterns (15 minutes)
- Introduce the concept of cognitive distortions related to anger.
- Guide the patient to recognize specific negative thoughts contributing to their feelings of irritability.
- Use examples to illustrate common cognitive distortions, such as:
- All-or-Nothing Thinking: Viewing situations in black-and-white terms.
- Personalization: Blaming oneself for external events.
- Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst in situations.
4. Developing Awareness (10 minutes)
- Encourage the patient to keep a thought diary for the week, noting:
- Situations that trigger anger or irritability.
- Thoughts that accompany these feelings.
- Physical sensations experienced during irritability (e.g., tension, headaches).
- Discuss the importance of self-awareness in managing emotions.
5. Coping Strategies and Skills Development (10 minutes)
- Introduce a few effective CBT coping techniques for managing anger and irritability, such as:
- Deep Breathing Exercises: To promote relaxation.
- Thought Stopping: Recognizing when negative thoughts arise and consciously shifting focus.
- Reframing Techniques: Challenging negative thoughts and re-framing them into a more positive perspective.
- Practice a brief deep breathing exercise together to model the technique.
6. Creating an Action Plan (5 minutes)
- Collaborate with the patient to create a simple action plan incorporating techniques discussed.
- Set realistic goals for the week, focusing on applying CBT techniques in their daily life.
- Encourage the patient to identify a specific situation where they can practice these new skills.
7. Conclusion and Feedback (5 minutes)
- Summarize the key points of the session and reiterate the importance of self-awareness and coping strategies.
- Ask the patient for feedback on the session and any thoughts they may have about applying the strategies discussed.
- Schedule the next appointment and suggest the patient reflect on their experiences until then.
Follow-Up Assignments (Optional)
- Encourage journaling feelings and thoughts related to irritability throughout the week.
- Practice deep breathing exercises daily, especially after irritability incidents.
Session Summary
This session emphasized understanding and managing irritability through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, fostering self-awareness, and developing an actionable plan for practicing new skills. Through guided discussion and practice, the patient will develop better management strategies for their anger and irritation.