Psychotherapeutic Session Plan
Duration: 30 minutes
Patient Mood: Stressed
Main Condition: Not specific
Key Issues: None specific
Technique Applied: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Current Engagement Level: Resistant or hesitant
Session Outline
1. Introduction and Rapport Building (5 minutes)
- Greet the Patient: Begin with a warm, friendly greeting.
- Establish Comfort: Ask how they are feeling today, validating any feelings of stress they may express.
- Set Intentions: Briefly explain the purpose of today’s session, emphasizing that it's a safe space for them to explore their thoughts.
2. Exploration of Stress (10 minutes)
- Identify Stressors: Gently ask the patient to share what they think is contributing to their feelings of stress. Use open-ended questions, such as:
- "Can you describe what's been on your mind lately?"
- "What situations or thoughts make you feel the most stressed?"
- Validate Responses: Acknowledge their feelings without judgment, showing empathy.
- Cognitive Distortions: Introduce common cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing or all-or-nothing thinking, and explore if they can relate to any of these in their thought patterns.
3. Cognitive Restructuring (10 minutes)
- Teach Cognitive Restructuring: Explain that CBT involves changing unhelpful thoughts that contribute to stress.
- Identify Negative Thoughts: Ask the patient to identify one or two negative thoughts they frequently experience.
- Challenge the Thoughts: Collaboratively work with the patient to:
- Consider evidence for and against these thoughts.
- Explore alternative, more balanced thoughts.
- Encourage Self-Recognition: Assist the patient in recognizing when they are falling into cognitive distortions and how to reframe them.
4. Develop Coping Strategies (5 minutes)
- Introduce Simple Coping Techniques: Although no specific techniques were requested, provide a couple of easy practices they can try:
- Breathing Exercises: Guide them through a simple deep breathing exercise.
- Mindfulness Approach: Suggest they take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or grounding techniques to help reduce stress.
- Create a Stress Management Plan: Work together to develop a brief action plan that includes when and how they can implement these strategies.
5. Closing and Next Steps (5 minutes)
- Summarize the Session: Recap the key points discussed and reinforce the importance of nurturing a positive mindset.
- Invite Feedback: Encourage the patient to share their feelings about the session and any hesitations they may still have.
- Schedule Follow-up: Discuss the possibility of continuing with CBT in subsequent sessions to build upon today's work.
Note: Throughout the session, maintain a supportive and non-judgmental tone to facilitate engagement and minimize resistance. Adapt the conversation flow based on the patient's responses and comfort level.