aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	60
Patient mood	Nervous
Patient condition	Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Relevant challenges	Trauma and PTSD
Therapeutic technique	Any
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	The patient has extreme vaginismus due to circumcision done in a very traumatic way during childhood EMDR is being used

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan

Duration: 60 Minutes
Patient Mood: Nervous
Main Condition: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Issues to Address: Trauma related to extreme vaginismus due to childhood circumcision
Technique to Apply: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Current Engagement: Neutral or indifferent

Session Outline

1. Opening and Establishing Rapport (10 minutes)

• Welcome the Patient: Greet the patient warmly and establish a safe environment.
• Check-In: Start with a brief check-in to acknowledge the patient's current mood and emotions.
• Set the Tone: Reiterate that the session aims to support healing and processing trauma.

2. Explaining EMDR (5 minutes)

• Overview of EMDR: Briefly explain the EMDR technique and its purpose in processing traumatic memories.
• Engagement in the Process: Emphasize the collaborative nature of the therapy, encouraging the patient to express any concerns or thoughts about the EMDR process.

3. Target Identification (15 minutes)

• Identify Specific Traumas: Collaboratively identify specific traumatic memories that cause distress, particularly related to vaginismus and circumcision.
• Use of Scaling: Introduce the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) to help the patient rate their emotional distress associated with specific memories.

4. EMDR Processing (20 minutes)

• Staging the EMDR:

  • Bilateral Stimulation: Begin the EMDR process using bilateral stimulation techniques (e.g., tapping or auditory tones).
  • Focus on Memory: Ask the patient to focus on the identified memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation.

• Processing Phase: Encourage the patient to let any thoughts, feelings, or images come up without judgment during the EMDR processing. Monitor the patient’s responses and provide support as needed.

5. Install a Positive Belief (5 minutes)

• Positive Cognition: Once the distress around the memory has decreased, guide the patient to identify and install a positive belief related to their trauma (e.g., “I am in control” or “I am safe now”).
• Future Template: Briefly discuss how these positive beliefs can be integrated into future experiences, especially those involving intimacy and trust.

6. Closing and Grounding Techniques (5 minutes)

• Grounding: Conclude the session with grounding techniques to help the patient return to the present moment. This could include deep breathing exercises or guided imagery focusing on safety and comfort.
• Check-in on Distress Levels: Reassess SUDS to observe any changes in emotional distress.
• Summarize the Session: Highlight key points of progress and any insights gained during the session.

7. Homework Assignment (Optional) (5 minutes)

• Journaling: Encourage the patient to journal about any thoughts or feelings that arise after the session, particularly related to their traumatic experiences or the positive beliefs they are trying to foster.
• Self-Care: Suggest that they engage in self-care activities that help them feel safe and supported (e.g., taking a walk, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness).

Conclusion

In concluding the session, reinforce the importance of self-compassion in their healing journey and remind them that it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Schedule the next session, encouraging the patient to bring any additional thoughts or feelings they wish to explore further.

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This session plan adopts a structured yet flexible approach, allowing for patient agency while focusing on trauma resolution through EMDR, specifically tailored for the patient’s unique experiences.