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	Neutral or indifferent
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	No particular
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan (30 Minutes)

Session Overview

This session will focus on addressing the patient's stress level using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Given the patient’s neutral or indifferent engagement, the therapist will aim to foster a more active involvement in the therapeutic process. The session will incorporate techniques that allow the patient to identify and reframe thoughts contributing to their stress.

Session Outline

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 Minutes)

• Greeting: Warmly welcome the patient to create a supportive environment.
• Review of Goals: Briefly discuss the purpose of today's session and the use of CBT in managing stress.
• Check-in: Ask the patient how they have been feeling since the last session and if anything significant has happened.

2. Understanding Stress (5 Minutes)

• Psychoeducation: Provide a brief overview of stress—its causes, effects, and how it can manifest in daily life.
• Engagement Technique: Ask the patient to identify one recent situation that made them feel stressed. Encourage them to describe the event in detail.

3. Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (10 Minutes)

• Identifying Thoughts: Introduce the concept of cognitive distortions. Ask the patient to reflect on negative thoughts they have when feeling stressed.

  • Example Cognitive Distortions:
    • Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst outcome.
    • All-or-Nothing Thinking: Seeing situations in black-or-white terms.

• Activity: Have the patient select one cognitive distortion from the examples and write down a specific stress-inducing thought related to it.

• Reframing Exercise: Guide the patient through a reframing exercise. Help them identify alternative, more balanced thoughts.

  • Example: If the thought was “I can’t handle this,” a reframed thought could be “I can manage this one step at a time.”

4. Stress Management Techniques (5 Minutes)

• Breathing Exercise: Teach the patient a simple deep-breathing technique to help them manage stress in the moment.

  • Instructions: Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale slowly for four counts. Repeat this cycle three times.

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Briefly describe this technique and its benefits, encouraging the patient to practice it at home.

5. Homework and Reflection (3 Minutes)

• Assignment: Ask the patient to keep a “Stress Diary” for the upcoming week. Instruct them to note situations that trigger stress, alongside their initial thoughts and any reframed thoughts that come to mind.

• Encouragement: Reinforce the importance of reflection and how it can help them better understand their stress triggers and responses.

6. Session Closing (2 Minutes)

• Summarization: Recap the key points discussed in the session, reinforcing the importance of cognitive reframing and relaxation techniques.
• Feedback: Encourage the patient to share any feelings or thoughts about the session.
• Next Steps: Schedule the next appointment and give a brief overview of what to expect.

Conclusion

This 30-minute session aims to help the patient understand their stress and learn practical, cognitive-behavioral strategies for managing it. By actively engaging with the patient through discussion and exercises, the therapist can promote a more dynamic therapeutic relationship, encouraging the patient to take ownership of their coping strategies.