Psychotherapeutic Session Outline for Patient with Social Anxiety Disorder
Session Duration: 50 Minutes
Objective
- Address the patient's feelings of numbness and low self-esteem.
- Utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to challenge negative thoughts.
- Encourage assertive behavior to improve self-esteem and overall engagement in social situations.
Session Structure
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Welcome the Patient: Greet the patient warmly and create a safe space for discussion.
- Brief Check-in: Ask how they’ve been feeling since the last session, focusing on their mood and any experiences with social interactions.
2. Identify and Explore Negative Thoughts (10 minutes)
- Thoughts Reflection:
- Encourage the patient to share any current negative thoughts, specifically those related to social situations and self-worth.
- Focus on the mindset: "I will never get better."
- Thought Journaling: Ask the patient to write down these negative thoughts for further exploration.
3. Thought Challenging (15 minutes)
- Cognitive Distortions: Introduce common cognitive distortions (e.g., catastrophizing, overgeneralization).
- Challenge Negative Thoughts:
- Ask the patient guiding questions to help them challenge their negative thoughts:
- What evidence do you have that supports this thought?
- What evidence contradicts it?
- How would you advise a friend who thinks this way?
- Reframe Negative Thoughts: Work collaboratively with the patient to reframe their negative thoughts. For example:
- "I will never get better" could be reframed to "I may face challenges, but I am making progress."
4. Skill Development: Assertiveness Training (10 minutes)
- Introduce Assertiveness: Discuss what assertiveness means and its importance in social interactions.
- Practice Scenarios: Engage the patient in role-playing scenarios where they practice responding assertively.
- Feedback and Reflection: Provide feedback on their responses and encourage self-reflection on how they felt during the practice.
5. Coping Techniques and Homework Assignment (8 minutes)
- Coping Techniques: Share effective coping techniques for when the patient feels anxious or overwhelmed (deep breathing, mindfulness).
- Homework Assignment:
- Reframe Negatives: Ask the patient to continue the thought journal and reframe at least three negative thoughts from their week.
- Practice Assertiveness: Encourage them to identify one situation each week where they can practice assertiveness (e.g., expressing a preference to a friend).
6. Wrap Up (2 minutes)
- Summary of Session: Review key points discussed during the session and the importance of reframing and assertiveness practice.
- Check-in for Questions: Ask if the patient has any questions or concerns before concluding the session.
- Encouragement: Reinforce the idea that progress is a journey and acknowledge any steps the patient has taken towards improvement.
7. Closing (2 minutes)
- End on a Positive Note: Thank the patient for their participation and cooperation.
- Set Next Appointment: Confirm the date and time for the following session to maintain continuity and support.
Summary
This therapy session aims to address the pervasive feelings of numbness and low self-esteem associated with Social Anxiety Disorder. By utilizing CBT techniques and focusing on thought challenging, the patient is encouraged to recognize and reframe negative beliefs while practicing assertiveness to foster better social interactions. The session is structured to be participative and empowering, providing practical assignments to help the patient continue their growth between sessions.