aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	30
Patient mood	Overwhelmed
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: Overwhelm and Engagement

Session Duration: 30 Minutes
Therapy Type: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Patient Mood: Overwhelmed
Patient Engagement: Neutral/Indifferent

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Session Overview

This session aims to help the patient explore feelings of overwhelm while utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. Given the patient’s indifferent engagement, the approach should encourage participation, promote self-reflection, and build a sense of safety to express emotions.

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Session Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Welcome the patient: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Set the agenda: Briefly outline what the session will entail.
• Normalize feelings: Reassure the patient that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience and it’s okay to discuss it.

2. Identifying and Exploring Thoughts (10 minutes)

• Thought Tracking Exercise:

  • Ask the patient to briefly note down any specific thoughts that contribute to their feeling of overwhelm.
  • Encourage them to share these thoughts and discuss their frequency and impact on mood.

• Cognitive Distortions:

  • Introduce common cognitive distortions that may be affecting the patient (e.g., all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing).
  • Help the patient to identify if any of these distortions resonate with their experiences.

3. Reframing Thoughts (5 minutes)

• Challenge Negative Thoughts:

  • Guide the patient in challenging the identified negative thoughts. Ask questions such as:
    • “What evidence supports this thought?”
    • “Is there an alternative perspective?”

• Create a Balanced Statement:

  • Together, create a more balanced and realistic thought to replace the negatives. For example, replace “I can't handle this” with “I can take things one step at a time.”

4. Coping Strategies and Action Plan (5 minutes)

• Introduce Basic Coping Techniques:

  • Discuss simple CBT-based strategies for managing feelings of overwhelm such as:
    • Breathing exercises: Teach the patient a simple 4-7-8 breathing technique.
    • Grounding exercises: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique (identifying five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, etc.) to help anchor them in the present moment.

• Encourage Routine:

  • Suggest creating a weekly schedule to balance tasks and relaxation, allowing space for breaks.

5. Conclusion and Feedback (5 minutes)

• Summarize key points: Recap the thoughts discussed and the strategies introduced.

• Patient feedback: Ask the patient how they felt about the techniques learned and if they found anything particularly helpful.

• Homework Assignment:

  • Suggest that the patient keeps a simple thought record or journal over the next week to track overwhelming moments and apply the techniques discussed.

• Schedule Next Session: Arrange for a follow-up and express hope for progress.

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Closing Statement

Reassure the patient that feeling overwhelmed can be managed effectively with practice and support. Encourage openness and commitment to trying the tools shared during this session. Thank them for their engagement, even if it was minimal, and highlight that taking these steps is a positive movement forward.

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Note for Therapist

Remain attentive to the patient's body language and verbal cues throughout the session. Adjust the pace and content based on engagement levels and emotional responses.