Psychotherapeutic Session Plan
Duration
60 minutes
Patient Profile
- Mood: Sad
- Main Condition: Self-Esteem Issues
- Issues to Address: Communication Difficulties
- Engagement Level: Anxious/Nervous
- Mindsets to Address: "I have to be perfect."
- Needed Behavioral Change: Improve Communication Skills
Therapeutic Technique
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a focus on Thought Challenging
Session Outline
1. Introduction and Rapport Building (5 minutes)
- Greeting and Check-in: Begin with a warm greeting. Ask the patient how they have been since the last session.
- Establish Comfort: Validate feelings of sadness and anxiety. Normalize these feelings by discussing their commonality and importance in exploring the self-esteem and communication issues.
2. Exploration of Current Thoughts and Feelings (10 minutes)
- Guided Discussion: Open a dialogue about the patient's current feelings:
- "What thoughts come to your mind when you feel sad?"
- "Can you share a recent situation where you felt your communication difficulties impacted you?"
- Validate Emotions: Validate their experiences and feelings related to self-esteem and communication.
3. Identifying Negative Thought Patterns (10 minutes)
- Thought Reflection:
- Ask the patient to identify specific negative thoughts they experience, particularly around the belief of needing to be perfect.
- Use gentle probing questions to encourage reflection:
- "What do you tell yourself when you feel you have not communicated well?"
4. Thought Challenging Techniques (15 minutes)
- Cognitive Restructuring:
- Guide the patient through the process of challenging their negative thoughts:
- Identify evidence for and against the belief of needing to be perfect.
- Explore past situations where their perceptions did not align with reality.
- Introduce the ABC Model (Activating event, Belief, Consequence) to analyze their thought patterns:
- Ask them to articulate an example using this model for clarity.
5. Skill Development (15 minutes)
- Communication Skills Practice:
- Introduce basic communication techniques (active listening, assertive expression).
- Role-playing exercises where they practice expressing thoughts and feelings without the pressure of being perfect.
- Provide feedback during role-play to build confidence and self-esteem.
6. Coping Techniques and Homework Assignment (5 minutes)
- Coping Strategies:
- Discuss specific coping techniques that can be used in real-life scenarios, such as deep breathing or self-affirmations.
- Assignment:
- Encourage the patient to practice communication techniques in a safe setting (with friends or family) and reflect on their feelings afterward.
7. Session Closure (5 minutes)
- Review Key Insights: Summarize the main points discussed in the session, emphasizing progress made in identifying and challenging harmful thoughts.
- Encouragement: Offer encouragement for gradual change. Reinforce the idea that it’s okay to not be perfect.
- Schedule Next Session: Set a date for the next appointment.
Follow-Up Notes
- Assess patient compliance with homework assignments in the next session.
- Continue to explore deeper underlying beliefs if necessary, while monitoring their progress in communication and self-esteem.
Therapist Signature: ____
Date: ____
Patient ID: ____
This session plan is intended to provide a structured yet flexible framework for addressing the patient's needs while promoting engagement and fostering skills for better communication and self-esteem.