aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	30
Patient mood	Depressed
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: Depression - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Duration: 30 minutes
Patient Mood: Depressed
Engagement Level: Neutral or indifferent

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Session Objectives

1. Increase Awareness: Help the patient become more aware of negative thought patterns.
2. Introduce CBT Techniques: Familiarize the patient with cognitive restructuring.
3. Encourage Expression: Facilitate a safe space for the patient to articulate feelings and thoughts.

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Session Breakdown

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greeting: Welcome the patient warmly to help them feel at ease.

• Check-In: Ask how the week has been for them, focusing on any changes in mood or thoughts.

  Example Question: “How have you been feeling since our last session?”

2. Exploration of Mood and Thoughts (10 minutes)

• Mood Assessment: Ask the patient to describe their current mood in more detail.

  Example Prompt: “Can you tell me more about what you’ve been feeling recently?”

• Thought Monitoring:

  • Introduce the concept of automatic thoughts.

  • Ask the patient to reflect on any recurring negative thoughts they may have experienced.

    Example Exercise: “Can you recall any specific thoughts that seem to contribute to how you’re feeling?”

3. Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (10 minutes)

• Cognitive Restructuring:

  • Explain the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

  • Introduce cognitive distortions (e.g., all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization).

    Example Engagement: “Let’s identify if any of your thoughts might fit into those categories.”

• Practical Exercise:

  • Provide a worksheet for the patient to identify one negative thought and reframe it into a more balanced thought.

    Example Homework: “Choose one thought from our discussion and work on reframing it in a more positive or realistic way.”

4. Wrap-Up and Homework Assignment (5 minutes)

• Summarization: Recap the session’s key points, reinforcing the importance of monitoring thoughts as a step toward managing mood.

  Example Statement: “Today, we explored how your thoughts can impact how you feel, and how we can reframe those thoughts.”

• Assign Homework:

  • Encourage the patient to practice identifying and reframing at least one negative thought daily.

    Example Assignment: “For the week, I’d like you to jot down any negative thoughts you notice and try to reframe them.”

• Next Steps: Schedule the next appointment and invite any final questions.

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End of Session

• Ensure the patient leaves with a clear understanding of what was discussed and an actionable step to work on before the next session.
• Remind the patient of the importance of reaching out if they feel overwhelmed or have any immediate concerns.