Dear Cali Chica;

The following is the “Treatment Plan” A (I will refer to my former therapist as A, from now on) handed to me March 2011 after a few sessions, (first was free and a few hours long). I think it is a good idea for you to see what a good therapist does, how scientifically he went about therapy. I will not type all in the treatment plan. NOTES:

Treatment Plan

Client: Anita..

Diagnosis:

Axis 1…

Axis 2…

Long-Term Goals

1. Develop and use coping skills to deal with mood swings.

2. Develop the ability to control impulsive behavior.

3. Replace “black and white” thinking with the ability to tolerate ambiguity and complexity in people and issues.

4. Develop and use anger management skills.

5. Learn and use better interpersonal skills.

6. Stop self-damaging behaviors..

Strategies

– Determine what situations trigger anger, fear, suspicion, depression, anxiety, etc.

– Identify the dysfunctional or negative thinking behind the negative feelings, and challenge/ replace them with more realistic and healthy thoughts.

– Understand the connection between what happened in the past, and what is happening now when emotions become intense.

– Build motivation to stop self-defeating, impulsive behaviors.

– Replace destructive (to self or others), impulsive habits w/ healthy coping methods

– Teach assertiveness in communication

– Identify ways to find fulfillment and satisfaction

– See qualified physician to evaluate if medications are advisable.

What the Work Will Look Like

– Committing to ending suicidal threats, replaced with other ways of solving problem ad dealing with intense negative emotions.

– Journaling and Thought Records to track what’s behind the negative feelings in the moment.

– Mood logs, examining evidence, role playing.

– Discuss the past and how it seems to invade the present.

– Look at benefits and costs of behaviors you’ve used to protect yourself from intense bad feelings.

– Learn to monitor and recognize when these feelings arise, and use distraction techniques early in the experience (delaying reactions, relaxation, breathing, exercise,…)

– Learn new ways to talk, act, and think when emotions (especially suspicion or anger) becomes intense.

– Learn and use communication skills to deal with those emotions (speaking and written exercises w/ (husband), in session and at home)

– Experiment with activities that might be fun, relaxing and personally meaningful

– Get additional support via phone and additional meetings