Time-Limited Psychotherapy
Nine Sessions
Cost $1,750.00
Session 1: Initial Assessment and Goal Setting
Objectives:
- Build rapport and trust.
- Conduct a thorough assessment of symptoms, life history, and presenting issues.
- Identify specific triggers of anxiety and depression in professional and personal contexts.
- Set measurable, realistic goals for therapy.
Methods:
- Discuss therapeutic goals, including symptom reduction, coping skills, and life satisfaction.
Homework:
- Journaling exercise to increase awareness of anxious or depressive thoughts throughout the week.
Session 2: Psychoeducation on Anxiety, Depression, and the Role of High Expectations
Objectives:
- Educate on the cognitive, biological, and emotional aspects of anxiety and depression.
- Discuss perfectionism, self-criticism, and imposter syndrome, often prevalent in high-achieving professionals.
Methods:
- Psychoeducation on the impact of high self-expectations and societal pressures.
- Identify and challenge internalized beliefs about success and failure.
Homework:
- Self-monitor for self-critical thoughts and note the situations where they arise.
Session 3: Cognitive Restructuring of Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs)
Objectives
- Identify and challenge common negative thought patterns contributing to anxiety and depression.
- Teach cognitive restructuring techniques to replace ANTs with more balanced thoughts.
Methods:
- Introduce cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) to identify, evaluate, and change unhelpful thoughts.
- Thought records to practice catching and re-evaluating negative thoughts.
Homework:
- Continue using thought records daily to track and adjust automatic negative thoughts.
Session 4: Behavioral Activation for Depression and Improved Mood
Objectives:
- Increase engagement in meaningful activities to combat depressive symptoms.
- Develop a balanced schedule that includes rewarding and relaxing activities.
Methods:
- Activity scheduling and goal setting.
- Explore and identify activities that align with the client’s values and interests.
Homework:
- Plan and engage in at least two pleasurable or meaningful activities during the week.
Session 5: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Techniques
Objectives:
- Introduce mindfulness practices to increase present-moment awareness and reduce rumination.
- Cultivate self-compassion to reduce self-criticism and foster a kinder internal dialogue.
Methods:
- Mindfulness exercises focused on grounding and observing thoughts non-judgmentally.
- Self-compassion exercises, such as writing a compassionate letter to oneself.
Homework:
- Practice a 5-10 minute mindfulness meditation daily.
Session 6: Emotion Regulation Skills and Acceptance Strategies
Objectives:
- Teach emotion regulation strategies for managing intense feelings of anxiety or sadness.
- Practice acceptance and commitment techniques to reduce resistance to difficult emotions.
Methods:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, such as emotion labeling and distress tolerance.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to foster acceptance of emotional experiences.
Homework:
- Apply emotion regulation skills to manage specific situations that arise during the week.
Session 7: Identity Exploration and Values Clarification
Objectives
- Address identity issues, career meaning, and existential aspects contributing to anxiety and depression.
- Clarify core values and explore their connection to life and career satisfaction.
Methods:
- Values clarification exercises to define personal and professional values.
- Discussion around how values can provide guidance and meaning.
Homework:
- Reflect on daily activities and assess how they align with clarified values.
Session 8: Building Resilience and Relapse Prevention
Objectives
- Identify triggers and early warning signs of anxiety or depressive episodes.
- Develop a personalized toolkit of strategies for managing symptoms in the long term.
Methods:
- Review progress and identify coping strategies that have been most effective.
- Create a self-care and resilience plan for managing stress in professional settings.
Homework:
- Draft a relapse prevention plan outlining strategies and supports.
Session 9: Consolidation, Future Planning, and Closure
Objectives:
- Review therapeutic progress, reinforce skills, and consolidate learning.
- Create a long-term plan for continued growth and well-being.
- Discuss any additional support needed and finalize the therapeutic relationship.
Methods:
- Reflect on goal achievement and areas needing continued focus.
- Identify future personal and professional growth opportunities.
Homework:
- Write a letter to oneself about what has been learned and the personal strengths developed during therapy.