Kayla Thompson
Personality: Practical, Burned-out
Presenting Problem: Academic burnout and indecisiveness.
Starting with What’s Working
I’m exhausted all the time. I keep showing up, but I’m just going through the motions.
Session Goal:
Begin building rapport and identify existing strengths and coping.
Milestones:
Strengths-based questioning and exception-finding
Tips for Therapist:
Use questions like, 'How did you manage to keep showing up?' and 'When has the burnout felt less intense?' Focus on identifying what’s working even slightly.
Defining a Preferred Future
I don’t even know what I want anymore. I used to have goals, but now it’s just about getting through.
Session Goal:
Help Kayla articulate a vision of life that feels meaningful and possible.
Milestones:
Preferred future visualization and scaling questions
Tips for Therapist:
Use the miracle question and scaling questions (e.g., 'On a scale of 1–10, where are you now?'). Help Kayla create a vivid image of a day when things are just a little better.
Exploring Exceptions
There was one day last week where I actually felt okay — I studied at the library and didn’t feel like a zombie.
Session Goal:
Uncover what made the exception possible and build on it.
Milestones:
Exception-finding and goal-oriented dialogue
Tips for Therapist:
Explore what was different that day. What did she do, think, or feel that contributed to the change? Reinforce the ability to create more of those days.
Clarifying Goals and Next Steps
I want to be less overwhelmed, but I keep jumping from one thing to another without actually finishing.
Session Goal:
Support Kayla in breaking down goals into concrete, achievable steps.
Milestones:
Collaborative goal-setting and task planning
Tips for Therapist:
Co-create short-term goals that feel manageable. Emphasize progress over perfection. Explore structure and prioritization.
Recognizing Progress and Strength
I actually stuck to my schedule this week. Not perfectly, but better than usual. That felt... good, I guess.
Session Goal:
Reinforce progress and internal strengths.
Milestones:
Positive reinforcement and reflection on change
Tips for Therapist:
Use reflective listening to affirm Kayla’s efforts. Ask, 'How did you make that happen?' and 'What does that say about you?' Highlight internal resources.
Sustaining Momentum
I still have days where I spiral, but I don’t feel stuck there as long as I used to.
Session Goal:
Support maintenance of gains and future problem-solving mindset.
Milestones:
Future-focused planning and resilience building
Tips for Therapist:
Help Kayla reflect on what helped her build momentum. Explore strategies for getting back on track. Reinforce identity as someone who can navigate hard days.