aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	30
Patient mood	Stressed
Patient condition	Not specific
Relevant challenges	Nothing in particular
Therapeutic technique	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Use coping techniques	No particular
Patient engagement	Avoidant or defensive
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	No particular
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Outline

Duration: 30 Minutes
Therapeutic Approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Patient Mood: Stressed
Patient Engagement Level: Avoidant or Defensive

Session Structure

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Objective: Establish a safe environment.
• Action:
  • Greet the patient warmly, expressing availability and understanding.
  • Invite the patient to share how they've been feeling recently.
  • Use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue without prompting defensiveness.

2. Mood Check-In (5 minutes)

• Objective: Assess current stress levels.
• Action:
  • Ask the patient to rate their stress on a scale from 1 to 10.
  • Explore the sources of their stress using gentle probing questions (e.g., "What thoughts accompany those feelings?").
  • Normalize their experience, making them feel heard and validated.

3. Cognitive Restructuring (10 minutes)

• Objective: Identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
• Action:
  • Introduce the concept of cognitive distortions (e.g., black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing).
  • Together, identify specific thoughts that arise during stressful situations.
  • Encourage the patient to write down one or two of these thoughts and challenge them by asking:
    • "What evidence do you have for this thought?"
    • "Is there an alternative way to view this situation?"
    • "How would you advise a friend in your position?"
  • Conclude this portion by discussing the impact of these thoughts on emotions and behaviors.

4. Coping Strategies Discussion (5 minutes)

• Objective: Explore practical coping techniques.
• Action:
  • Introduce a few simple coping strategies that can be utilized in stressful moments:
    • Breathing Exercises: Instruct on a simple 4-7-8 breathing technique.
    • Mindfulness Techniques: Discuss grounding techniques (e.g., focusing on the five senses).
  • Encourage the patient to choose one strategy they would be willing to practice before the next session.

5. Homework Assignment (3 minutes)

• Objective: Reinforce session content and promote engagement.
• Action:
  • Assign a simple task of keeping a stress diary for the week.
    • Suggest they record:
      • Instances of stress
      • Associated thoughts
      • Coping strategies they used
  • Highlight its purpose for gaining insights into patterns.

6. Session Closure (2 minutes)

• Objective: Wrap up positively and prepare for next steps.
• Action:
  • Recap key takeaways from the session.
  • Reassure the patient that it’s okay to feel stressed and that acknowledging these feelings is a significant first step.
  • Schedule the next appointment and encourage the patient to reflect on their experiences throughout the week.

Summary

This structured session aims to create a supportive environment while employing CBT techniques to help the patient address their stress. The gentle approach and consideration of their defensive engagement level will foster a sense of safety, encouraging progress towards managing their stress more effectively.