I’ve been asking myself what this is all for. I’m surrounded by belief, but I feel hollow inside.

Session Goal:

Begin exploring Nora’s identity concerns and existential questioning.

Milestones:

Open-ended inquiry, reflective listening, and presence

Tips for Therapist:

Provide space for Nora’s questions without rushing toward solutions. Use reflection to explore her inner world and affirm the courage in her asking.

I keep thinking about who I’m supposed to be. A good daughter, a good student, a good believer. But what if I’m not any of those?

Session Goal:

Help Nora explore internalized expectations and role conflict.

Milestones:

Exploring conditions of worth and facilitating authenticity

Tips for Therapist:

Use a non-directive stance. Gently challenge ‘shoulds’ and help Nora differentiate her inner voice from external expectations. Focus on congruence and self-acceptance.

There’s a guilt that comes from not feeling grateful enough. Like I’ve been given so much, but I’m still searching.

Session Goal:

Explore Nora’s relationship to gratitude, guilt, and meaning.

Milestones:

Existential reflection on meaning, freedom, and responsibility

Tips for Therapist:

Validate existential guilt as a common human experience. Help Nora reflect on her values and the gap between them and her lived experience.

Sometimes I feel like I’m floating in space. Not in a peaceful way, but like I’m unmoored.

Session Goal:

Facilitate exploration of existential isolation and the search for grounding.

Milestones:

Deep presence, tolerance of uncertainty, and metaphoric exploration

Tips for Therapist:

Let the session unfold without rushing to interpret. Invite Nora to describe her experience with detail and symbolism. Use silence meaningfully.

I keep looking for answers. But maybe part of me doesn’t want to find them. What if knowing ruins the mystery?

Session Goal:

Normalize ambivalence and uncertainty in existential growth.

Milestones:

Socratic curiosity, validation of ambiguity, and meaning-making

Tips for Therapist:

Use open exploration to affirm that ambiguity can be generative. Reinforce the value of presence over answers. Explore how Nora relates to both doubt and mystery.

I haven’t figured everything out. But I feel more honest now. More me, even if I’m still unsure.

Session Goal:

Reflect on therapy and affirm Nora’s ongoing process of becoming.

Milestones:

Integration of self-awareness, affirmation of authentic identity

Tips for Therapist:

Celebrate Nora’s increased congruence and openness. Reflect back the shifts you’ve observed. Reinforce the lifelong nature of identity and meaning-making.