aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	50
Patient mood	Anxious
Patient condition	Anger Management
Relevant challenges	Substance use
Therapeutic technique	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Use coping techniques	No particular
Patient engagement	Insightful and reflective
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	No particular
Needed behavioural change	Reduce avoidance behaviors
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan

Session Overview

• Length: 50 minutes
• Patient Mood: Anxious
• Main Condition: Anger Management
• Key Issues to Address: Substance use
• Therapeutic Technique: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Patient Engagement: Insightful and reflective
• Behavioral Change Needed: Reduce avoidance behaviors

Session Objectives

1. Understand the connection between anxiety, anger, and substance use.
2. Identify triggers for anger and anxiety.
3. Develop strategies to reduce avoidance behaviors associated with these triggers.
4. Introduce CBT techniques to challenge maladaptive thoughts.

Session Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greeting and Check-in: Begin the session with a warm welcome and inquire about the patient's week. Focus on any instances of anxiety, anger, or substance use that occurred.
• Session Goals: Share the objectives for today’s session to ensure alignment and build rapport.

Exploring Anxiety and Anger (10 minutes)

• Discussion: Encourage the patient to articulate their feelings of anxiety and how these relate to their experiences of anger.
• Identify Connections: Use reflective listening to help the patient recognize how their anxiety and anger are interlinked and how substance use may act as a coping mechanism.

Trigger Identification (10 minutes)

• Explore Triggers: Facilitate a discussion on specific situations, thoughts, or feelings that lead to feelings of anger and anxiety.
  • Guiding Questions:
    • "Can you recall a specific situation over the past week where you felt particularly angry or anxious?"
    • "What thoughts were running through your mind during that time?"
• Journaling: Ask the patient to keep a brief diary of these instances until the next session, noting down situations, feelings, and subsequent actions.

CBT Technique Introduction (15 minutes)

• Cognitive Restructuring:
  • Thought Identification: Guide the patient to identify automatic negative thoughts related to anger and anxiety.
  • Challenge Negative Thoughts: Use the following prompts:
    • "What evidence supports or contradicts this thought?"
    • "What would you tell a friend in the same situation?"
• Reframing Exercise: Encourage the patient to develop alternative, more adaptive thoughts regarding their triggers.

Reducing Avoidance Behaviors (5 minutes)

• Behavioral Activation: Discuss specific avoidance behaviors the patient may engage in when feeling anxious or angry and brainstorm alternative actions.
  • Set Small Goals: Create a plan for the week with small, manageable steps to confront one avoidance behavior.

Closing (5 minutes)

• Summarize Key Takeaways: Review the insights gained during the session and reinforce the importance of addressing triggers and reframing thoughts.
• Assign Homework: Encourage the patient to keep a journal of their experiences and be mindful of avoidance behaviors to discuss in the next session.
• End on a Positive Note: Express confidence in the patient’s ability to apply the skills discussed and remind them of the progress already made.

Additional Notes for Therapist

• Stay attuned to the patient's emotional state throughout the session.
• Be prepared to modify the session flow based on patient engagement and responses.
• Foster a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere to encourage open dialogue on substance use and its impact on anger and anxiety.

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Engage the patient actively, reinforcing their insightful and reflective nature, and help them draw upon their strengths to overcome challenges related to anger management and substance use.