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	If I do not succeed, I am a failure
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Stress

Session Overview

Duration: 30 minutes
Focus Mood: Stressed
Main Condition: Not specific
Patient Engagement: Neutral/Indifferent
Mindset to Address: "If I do not succeed, I am a failure."

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Objectives

1. To help the patient recognize and challenge the belief that failure equates to their self-worth.
2. To introduce cognitive restructuring as a technique to manage stress.
3. To encourage patient participation and engagement through guided conversation.

Session Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greeting & Setting the Tone:

  • Welcome the patient and establish a comfortable environment.
  • Briefly outline the session's structure and reason for focusing on stress and maladaptive beliefs.

  Example Questions:

  • "How have you been feeling since our last session?"
  • "Is there anything specific on your mind today that you would like to discuss?"

2. Identifying Thoughts and Emotions (10 minutes)

• Thought Records:

  • Ask the patient to identify recent situations that triggered stress.
  • Discuss feelings associated with these situations.
  • Introduce the concept of automatic thoughts.

  Example Exercise:

  • Write down a recent stressful moment.
  • Identify the thoughts that were present and the emotions experienced.

  Questions to Explore:

  • "What was the situation that caused you stress?"
  • "What thoughts went through your mind during that moment?"

3. Cognitive Restructuring (10 minutes)

• Challenging Beliefs:

  • Introduce the belief: "If I do not succeed, I am a failure."
  • Guide the patient through evaluating this belief:
    • Ask them to provide evidence for and against this belief.
    • Explore alternative thoughts.

  Example Discussion:

  • "Can you think of times when you've not succeeded but still felt valuable?"

  New Perspective:

  • Help the patient to reframe their thoughts to something more constructive, e.g., "Failure is a part of learning and does not define my worth."

4. Coping Strategies and Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Developing Action Steps:

  • Discuss simple coping strategies the patient can use in daily life (e.g., mindfulness practices, breathing exercises).

  Example Exercise:

  • Practice a brief deep-breathing exercise together to help manage immediate stress in the moment.

• Wrap-up:

  • Recap key points discussed in the session.
  • Encourage the patient to practice identifying and challenging negative beliefs in their daily lives.

  Feedback Request:

  • "How do you feel about the strategies we discussed today? Do you think they might help you?"

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Follow-Up

• Schedule the next appointment to continue working on cognitive restructuring and stress management.
• Assign homework: Encourage the patient to keep a thought record for the next week focusing on instances where they notice the belief that failure equals worthlessness.

Session Notes

• Be mindful to remain supportive and validate the patient's feelings throughout the process.
• Use encouraging and open-ended questions to foster engagement during discussions.

Maintain a flexible approach, adapting to the patient’s readiness and engagement level during conversations.