Psychotherapeutic Session Plan (30 Minutes)
Session Overview
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Patient Mood: Stressed
- Main Condition: Not specific
- Issues to Address: None particular
- Therapeutic Technique: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Patient Engagement Level: Frustrated or irritated
- Mindset to Address: "I am unlovable."
- Needed Behavioral Change: None specific
Session Outline
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Welcome the patient and create a safe, comfortable environment.
- Briefly outline the session's goals:
- To explore the source of stress.
- To introduce CBT as a tool for understanding thoughts and feelings.
- Ask the patient how they are feeling that day and encourage openness as part of the therapeutic alliance.
2. Exploring Stressors (10 minutes)
- Prompt the Patient:
- "Can you share what has been on your mind recently that feels particularly stressful?"
- Active Listening:
- Validate the patient's feelings by acknowledging their stress and showing empathy.
- Identify Cognitive Distortions:
- Use reflective questions to help them identify any negative thought patterns contributing to their stress. For instance:
- “What thoughts come to mind when you feel stressed?”
- "How do these thoughts make you feel?”
3. Challenging Negative Thoughts (10 minutes)
- Introduce the Cognitive Restructuring Technique:
- Explain that CBT involves recognizing and challenging unhelpful thoughts.
- Examine the Thought “I am unlovable”:
- Encourage the patient to explore evidence for and against this belief. Ask questions like:
- “What experiences make you believe this thought?”
- “Can you think of moments when you felt loved or valued?”
- Reframe the Thought:
- Help the patient to create a more balanced thought about themselves. Guide them with:
- “What could someone who loves you see in you?”
- “What qualities do you possess that are lovable?”
4. Coping Strategies (5 minutes)
- Introduce Cognitive Techniques:
- Share quick coping strategies such as mindfulness or breathing exercises to manage acute stress.
- Practice a Simple Breathing Exercise:
- Instruct the patient on a brief 5-count inhale through the nose and 5-count exhale through the mouth exercise.
- Emphasize the importance of tuning into their feelings and the present moment.
5. Closure (5 minutes)
- Summarize the Discussion:
- Recap the insights gained during the session regarding their stressors and the exploration of negative thoughts.
- Homework Assignment:
- Suggest the patient keep a thought journal for the week noting stress triggers and corresponding thoughts, along with moments of positive self-affirmation.
- Offer encouragement:
- Remind the patient that change takes time and that they are taking positive steps by attending therapy.
- End on a Positive Note:
- Suggest a positive affirmation they can use: “I am worthy of love and respect,” stressing the importance of self-kindness.
Additional Notes
- Follow-Up: Confirm next appointment and express your anticipation to hear about their progress.
- Resources: Provide reading materials on CBT for further understanding and support.
By structuring the session in this way, you create a supportive environment that encourages the patient to engage with their thoughts and feelings, while applying CBT techniques to help reframe negative self-perceptions.