aidemia--modules-session_ideas_request	Provide some idea(s) for a psychotherapeutic session -
What length (min)	40
Patient mood	Stressed
Patient condition	Panic Disorder
Relevant challenges	Self-esteem issues
Therapeutic technique	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Use coping techniques	Practicing self-compassion
Patient engagement	Positive and engaged
Patient assignment	Nothing specific
Specific mindset	No particular
Needed behavioural change	No particular
Any other preferences

Psychotherapeutic Session Plan

Session Length: 40 Minutes

Patient Mood: Stressed
Main Condition: Panic Disorder
Focus Issues: Self-Esteem
Applied Technique: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Coping Technique: Practicing Self-Compassion

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I. Session Objectives

1. Address Stress: Understand the triggers and manifestations of the patient's current stress.
2. Explore Panic Disorder: Discuss the specific fears and feelings associated with panic attacks.
3. Build Self-Esteem: Introduce cognitive restructuring techniques to challenge negative self-talk.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Encourage the patient to treat themselves with kindness and understanding.
5. Develop Coping Strategies: Identify tools for managing panic and stress.

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II. Agenda Overview

• Introduction (5 minutes)
• Panic Disorder Exploration (10 minutes)
• Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (15 minutes)
• Practicing Self-Compassion (5 minutes)
• Wrap-Up and Homework Assignment (5 minutes)

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III. Session Details

A. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greeting and Rapport Building:
  • Begin with a warm welcome and check-in on how the patient has been feeling since the last session.
  • Ask about their week and any instances related to their panic attacks or stress levels.

B. Panic Disorder Exploration (10 minutes)

• Identify Triggers:

  • Encourage the patient to share recent episodes of panic, including thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations experienced.

• Normalize Experiences:

  • Validate the patient’s feelings and experiences to reduce anxiety about their panic disorder.

• Understanding Panic Attacks:

  • Discuss the cycle of panic to help the patient see how their thoughts contribute to their feelings.

C. Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (15 minutes)

• Cognitive Restructuring:

  • Guide the patient to identify negative thoughts related to self-esteem.
  • Challenge these thoughts by examining the evidence for and against them.

• Reframing Techniques:

  • Teach the patient to reframe negative thoughts into more positive, realistic alternatives. For example, transforming "I will fail" into "I can handle challenges as they come."

• Behavioral Activation:

  • Encourage small steps toward goals that can enhance self-esteem. Discuss potential activities or challenges the patient can undertake.

D. Practicing Self-Compassion (5 minutes)

• Introduce Self-Compassion:

  • Explain the concept of self-compassion as treating oneself with the same care and kindness one would offer a friend.

• Self-Compassion Exercise:

  • Guide the patient through a short self-compassion exercise, such as a loving-kindness meditation or writing a compassionate letter to themselves.

E. Wrap-Up and Homework Assignment (5 minutes)

• Summarize Key Points:

  • Recap the session and highlight the insights gained about panic disorder and self-esteem.

• Homework Assignment:

  • Ask the patient to practice daily self-compassion exercises and to keep a journal of their thoughts, particularly focusing on how they challenge negative beliefs learned during the session.

• Closing:

  • Schedule the next appointment and encourage the patient to reach out with any questions or insights throughout the week.

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IV. Follow-Up Considerations

• Monitor patient progress regarding self-compassion and cognitive restructuring.
• Adjust techniques and homework assignments based on the patient’s engagement and feedback in future sessions.

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This structured session plan allows for an integrated approach to managing panic disorder while fostering self-esteem and resilience through self-compassion.