aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	30
Patient mood	Depressed
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 Outline

Duration: 30 minutes
Patient Mood: Depressed
Main Condition: Not specified
Engagement Level: Neutral/Indifferent
Technique Applied: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

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Session Objectives

• To explore the patient's feelings of depression and identify negative thought patterns.
• To enhance the patient’s understanding of how thoughts influence feelings and behavior.
• To encourage the patient’s active participation, even when they feel indifferent.

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Session Structure

Opening (5 minutes)

• Welcome the Patient:
  Greet the patient warmly, creating a safe and comfortable environment.

• Check-In:
  Ask the patient how they have been since the last session, paying attention to any changes in mood or daily activities.

Exploration of Mood (10 minutes)

• Identify Current Feelings:
  Prompt the patient to describe their current mood. Use open-ended questions like:

  • "Can you tell me more about what has been feeling difficult lately?"
  • "What thoughts usually accompany your feelings of sadness?"

• Cognitive Awareness Exercise:
  Guide the patient through identifying specific negative thoughts. Use phrases such as:

  • "What thoughts come to mind when you feel sad?"
  • "How do you think these thoughts impact your mood?"

Cognitive Restructuring (10 minutes)

• Challenge Negative Thoughts:
  Help the patient identify cognitive distortions (e.g., all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing).
  Ask questions like:

  • "Is there evidence to support that thought?"
  • "What might you say to a friend who expressed a similar thought?"

• Introduce Reframing Techniques:
  Encourage the patient to reframe negative thoughts into more balanced ones. For example:

  • Change “I will always feel this way” to “I may feel this way now, but it can change.”

Conclusion and Takeaways (5 minutes)

• Summarize Key Points:
  Recap what was discussed regarding feelings and thought patterns. Reinforce any insights gained during the session.

• Introduce Homework (if applicable):
  Suggest the patient keep a thought journal for the next week, noting any negative thoughts and potential reframes.

• Set Goals for Next Session:
  Ask the patient to think about a small goal they might want to achieve before the next meeting, related to their engagement or daily activities.

Closing

• Reassure and Support:
  Remind the patient they are not alone in this process and that change takes time. Encourage them to reach out if they feel overwhelmed.

• Schedule Next Session:
  Confirm the time for the next appointment, ensuring continuity of care.

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Notes for Therapist

• Stay attuned to the patient's level of engagement throughout the session. If they remain indifferent, consider employing more interactive techniques or motivational interviewing approaches.
• Validate the patient's feelings without pushing for immediate change; building rapport and trust is essential in CBT.

Follow-Up

After the session, assess the effectiveness of the techniques used and plan for adjustments in future sessions based on the patient's feedback and progress.