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	Neutral or indifferent
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	No particular
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan

Session Length: 30 Minutes
Patient Mood: Stressed
Main Condition: Not specific
CBT Technique: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Patient Engagement: Neutral/Indifferent

---

Session Objectives

1. To help the patient explore sources of stress.
2. To identify cognitive patterns contributing to the patient's current state.
3. To introduce basic coping strategies using CBT principles.

---

Session Outline

1. Introduction and Rapport Building (5 minutes)

• Greet the patient and establish a safe and comfortable environment.
• Brief check-in: Ask the patient how they have been feeling and acknowledge their stress.

2. Exploration of Stress Sources (10 minutes)

• Prompt Questions:
  • “Can you describe what has been causing you stress lately?”
  • “Are there specific situations or thoughts that trigger your stress?”
• Active Listening: Use reflective statements to show understanding (e.g., “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed by….”).
• Validation: Let the patient know that feeling stressed is a common experience and it’s okay to talk about it.

3. Cognitive Patterns Identification (10 minutes)

• Introduce the concept of cognitive distortions:
  • “Sometimes, our thoughts can be influenced by negative patterns. Are there any recurring thoughts you’ve noticed?”
• Examples of Cognitive Distortions:
  • All-or-Nothing Thinking
  • Catastrophizing
  • Overgeneralization
• Together with the patient, identify any cognitive distortions in their thinking.
• Use a thought record to help the patient articulate their thoughts and feelings around a specific stressor.

4. Coping Strategies Introduction (5 minutes)

• Cognitive Restructuring:
  • Encourage the patient to challenge distorted thoughts.
  • Example: “If you think, ‘I can’t handle this,’ we can explore ways that you have managed similar situations before.”
• Mindfulness Exercise: Briefly guide the patient through a simple mindfulness exercise (e.g., focusing on their breath for a minute).
• Homework Assignment: Suggest keeping a “thought diary” for a week, noting stressful thoughts and their responses.

5. Conclusion and Wrap Up (5 minutes)

• Summarize the session: Reflect on the exploration of stressors and cognitive patterns identified.
• Reassure the patient that it's a process and it's normal to feel indifferent at times.
• Schedule the next session and express anticipation to continue working together.
• Encourage them to reach out if they need support before the next scheduled session.

---

Additional Notes

• Maintain a calm and supportive tone throughout the session.
• Pay attention to non-verbal cues from the patient to gauge their engagement and comfort level.
• Adapt the exercise based on the patient's responsiveness; adjust the pace if necessary.

This session plan is designed to promote self-awareness and encourage engagement in therapeutic techniques while being adaptable to the patient's mood and level of participation.