CBT Therapy Session Structure

Importance of Structure

• Structure improves time efficiency for therapists.
• Helps clients understand what to expect from each session.

Session Flow

1. Therapeutic Alliance

   • Reestablish the therapeutic alliance with the client.
   • Conduct a mood check to see how the client is doing.
   • Review measures filled out by the client before the session.
   • Address any standout responses with the client immediately.

2. Bridge

   • Inquire about anything significant that occurred between sessions.
   • Connects the last session with the current one, reinforcing the therapeutic alliance.

3. Action Plan Review

   • Check on what the client did between sessions (action plan, experiment, or work).
   • Emphasizes the importance of between-session learning.
   • Failure to ask may imply the action plan wasn’t important.
   • Discuss any challenges faced by the client if they didn’t complete their work.
   • Review successful completion of tasks by the client.

4. Setting the Agenda

   • Ask the client what they would like to focus on.
   • Collaboratively set the agenda, prioritizing important items.
   • Provide suggestions if clients are unsure about agenda items.

5. Action Plan for Next Week

   • Dedicate time to set a new action plan before the session ends.
   • Ensure clients know what they will work on or experiment with after the session.

6. Session Summary

   • Ask clients for a summary of what they learned and what will be important for the coming week.
   • Reinforces learning and helps clients focus on key takeaways.

7. Feedback

   • Request feedback from clients on the session.
   • Ask about session quality and suggestions for improvement.
   • Encourages mutual growth and understanding between therapist and client.

Key Points

• The session structure supports both the therapist and client's growth.
• Feedback and summaries are critical for reinforcing learning and improving therapy.
• Agenda setting ensures that sessions are client-focused and relevant.