Psychotherapeutic Session Plan
Session Length: 30 Minutes
Patient Mood
Main Condition
Technique
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Session Goals
- Address the patient's feelings of anxiety.
- Explore and challenge the mindset of "I am unlovable."
- Enhance patient engagement by using relatable techniques.
Session Outline
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Welcome and Establish Rapport
- Greet the patient warmly.
- Explain the session's structure and goals.
Check-In (5 Minutes)
- Explore Current Feelings
- Ask the patient how they have been feeling since the last session, focusing on any occurrences of anxiety.
- Encourage the patient to express any thoughts or feelings that arise, reinforcing the idea that it’s safe to share.
Psychoeducation on Anxiety (5 Minutes)
- Understanding Anxiety
- Briefly explain what anxiety is, including its symptoms and common triggers.
- Normalize the experience of anxiety, reinforcing that it’s a common response to stress.
Cognitive Restructuring (10 Minutes)
- Challenging Unhelpful Thoughts
- Identify Thoughts:
- Prompt the patient to share specific instances when they felt anxious, focusing on the thoughts associated with these feelings.
- Explore Core Beliefs:
- Delve into the belief of "I am unlovable." Ask questions like:
- "What evidence do you have to support this thought?"
- "Are there times you felt loved or valued?"
- Reframe Thoughts:
- Guide the patient to reframe negative thoughts into more positive or neutral statements. For example:
- Change "I am unlovable" to "I have strengths that make me lovable."
- Practice Thought Replacement:
- Encourage the patient to practice replacing unhelpful thoughts with constructive alternatives during moments of anxiety.
Coping Strategies (5 Minutes)
- Developing Practical Coping Techniques
- Discuss simple coping strategies that can help manage anxiety in daily life. Suggestions may include:
- Breathing exercises (e.g., 4-7-8 breathing technique).
- Grounding techniques (e.g., the 5-4-3-2-1 technique).
- Keeping a gratitude journal to combat feelings of unlovability by focusing on positive attributes.
Conclusion and Assignment (5 Minutes)
-
Session Wrap-Up
- Summarize what was discussed in the session, emphasizing the positive steps taken towards challenging anxiety and negative thoughts.
- Optionally assign a simple worksheet or prompt that encourages the patient to note instances where they experience feelings of inadequacy and practice reframing those thoughts during the week.
-
End of Session
- Schedule the next session and encourage the patient to reflect on what was covered. Reinforce that they are taking steps towards understanding and managing their feelings of anxiety.
Additional Notes
- Engagement Techniques:
- Use open-ended questions to encourage the patient to articulate their thoughts and feelings.
- Validate the patient’s feelings to foster a safe environment.
- Follow-Up:
- Revisit the belief "I am unlovable" in future sessions to track progress and reinforce positive changes.
The above plan is designed to provide a structured yet adaptable approach to address the patient's anxiety and mindset, facilitating deeper engagement over time.