STRUCTURE OF THE FIRST THERAPY SESSION

Objective: That the therapy process is UNDERSTANDABLE.

Most patients feel more comfortable when they know what to expect from therapy and
understand their and the therapist's responsibilities .

When the therapist explains the structure of the sessions and then respects the modality
explained, the patient's understanding increases.

OBJECTIVES AND STRUCTURE OF THE INITIAL SESSION

First, the results of the initial evaluation must be reviewed.

Goals:

1. Create trust and rapport.

2. Initiate the patient in cognitive therapy.
3. Instruct the patient regarding their disorder, the COGNITIVE MODEL and the
therapy process.
4. Normalize the patient's difficulties and instill hope .
5. Find out (if necessary correct) the patient's expectations regarding the therapy.
6. Gather additional information about the patient's difficulties.
7. Use this information to develop a list of goals.

RECOMMENDED STRUCTURE FOR THE FIRST SESSION

1.- Establish a plan (and explain the reasons for doing so).

2.- Control mood, using objective scores.

3.- Review the problem that arises and update the state it is in (since the evaluation).

4.- Identify problems and establish objectives.

5.- Instruct the patient about the cognitive model.

6.- Find out the patient's expectations regarding the therapy.

7.- Instruct the patient about his disorder.

8.- Set tasks for the home.

9.- Make a synthesis.

10.- Obtain feedback from the patient.