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
Issues to Address: None particular
Technique Applied: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Current Engagement: Neutral or indifferent

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Session Objectives

1. To help the patient identify stressors that contribute to their current mood.
2. To explore cognitive distortions the patient may have concerning their stress.
3. To develop coping strategies that the patient can deploy in times of stress.

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Session Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Welcome the patient.
• Establish a comfortable environment.
  • Ask how the patient is feeling on that day, setting a warm tone for the session.
  • If they express disinterest, validate their feelings and encourage openness.

2. Check-in on Current Feelings (5 minutes)

• Explore the patient's stress.

  • Ask open-ended questions:
    • "Can you tell me more about what’s been stressing you?"
    • "What thoughts cross your mind when you're feeling stressed?"

• Encourage the patient to articulate their feelings.

  • Listen actively and reflect back what you hear to show understanding.

3. Cognitive Distortions (10 minutes)

• Introduce Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) concepts.

  • Explain that our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors.

• Identify cognitive distortions.

  • Ask the patient to identify any negative thoughts they may have about their current situation.
  • Examples to discuss may include:
    • Catastrophizing: "What’s the worst that can happen?"
    • Black-or-white thinking: "If it’s not perfect, it’s a total failure."

• Guide the patient to challenge these distortions by asking:

  • "What evidence supports or contradicts this thought?"
  • "What would you say to a friend who had this thought?"

4. Coping Strategies (5 minutes)

• Collaboratively brainstorm coping strategies that the patient can implement when feeling stressed.

  • Techniques may include mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or physical activity.

• Suggest a simple mindfulness exercise:

  • Ask the patient to take a few deep breaths, focusing on the inhale for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for four. Repeat as needed.

5. Closing and Future Focus (5 minutes)

• Summarize key insights from the session:

  • Highlight any cognitive distortions identified and coping strategies discussed.

• Encourage participation in their mental wellness:

  • Suggest setting a small, manageable goal for the next session, such as practicing one coping strategy they learned today.

• Close the session positively, reinforcing engagement:

  • Thank the patient for their openness.
  • Remind them that it’s perfectly okay to experience stress and that addressing it is a positive step forward.

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End of Session

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Tools to Bring to Following Sessions

• Journaling materials: Encourage the patient to write down stressors and the thoughts they associate with them.
• Mindfulness resources: Recommend apps or websites with guided meditations they can use at home.

Reflection After Session

• Reflect on patient’s engagement level and adapt future sessions to increase involvement.
• Consider potential follow-up questions or topics to explore based on what was shared.

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Note: Adapt the session flow as necessary to align with patient responses and engagement. Encourage and motivate them to explore their thoughts and feelings at their comfort level.