Psychotherapeutic Session Plan
Duration: 50 Minutes
Patient Mood: Depressed
Main Condition: Depression
Primary Issue: Sleep Problems
Technique: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Engagement Level: Neutral or Indifferent
Assignment: None Specific
Session Objectives
- Increase awareness of sleep patterns and how depression is affecting them.
- Identify negative thought patterns surrounding sleep and daily functioning.
- Develop coping strategies for managing sleep issues and depressive symptoms.
- Encourage engagement in the therapeutic process.
Session Structure
1. Introduction and Rapport Building (5 Minutes)
- Greet the patient warmly and invite them to settle in.
- Briefly review the patient's experiences since the last session and any changes in mood or sleep.
- Use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue, e.g., “How have you been feeling this week?” or “What’s been on your mind lately?”
2. Exploration of Sleep Issues (10 Minutes)
- Ask the patient to describe their current sleep patterns. Encourage them to keep track of the following:
- Time they go to bed and wake up.
- Duration and quality of sleep.
- Discuss any thoughts or feelings they associate with their sleep difficulties.
- Normalize the experience of sleep issues while encouraging them to articulate how these affect their mood and daily life.
3. Identifying Negative Thought Patterns (15 Minutes)
- Introduce the concept of cognitive distortions and how they relate to depressive thoughts and sleep issues.
- Collaborate with the patient to identify any negative thoughts they may have about sleep, e.g., "I’ll never sleep well again," or "I can’t function without a good night’s sleep."
- Use Socratic questioning to challenge and reframe these thoughts, e.g.:
- “What evidence do you have that sleeping poorly will ruin your day?”
- “Have there been times when you’ve functioned reasonably well despite not sleeping perfectly?”
4. Coping Strategies and Sleep Hygiene (15 Minutes)
- Discuss the importance of good sleep hygiene practices. Explore potential personalized changes in their routine. Topics may include:
- Establishing a consistent sleep schedule.
- Creating a relaxing pre-sleep environment (e.g., reducing screens, dimming lights).
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake before bed.
- Encourage gentle cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage anxiety around sleep, such as:
- Practicing relaxation techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation).
- Keeping a worry journal to offload anxious thoughts before bed.
5. Engagement and Feedback (5 Minutes)
- Ask for the patient's feedback on the session. Use prompts like:
- “What did you find helpful today?”
- “Are there specific strategies you're interested in trying?”
- Address any reluctance or ambivalence toward suggested strategies, reinforcing that engagement can lead to further improvements.
6. Closure and Next Steps (5 Minutes)
- Summarize key points discussed during the session, emphasizing their strengths and the small steps they can take related to sleep improvement.
- Schedule the next appointment and encourage the patient to bring any thoughts or feelings they’d like to address.
- End on a positive note, reminding them of their resilience and the value of the therapeutic process: “You are taking an important step toward feeling better by addressing these challenges.”
Note: Throughout the session, maintain an open, empathetic, and non-judgmental tone. Building trust and rapport will be crucial in helping the patient transition from neutrality to a more engaged stance in future sessions.