Lesson 1Early-phase strategies (engagement, assessment feedback, motivational work, safety planning)This section outlines early-phase tasks in brief protocols, like engagement, alliance building, feedback on assessments, motivation boosting, and safety planning, mindful of ambivalence, shame, and cultural sensitivity.
Structuring the first two to three sessionsDelivering collaborative assessment feedbackMotivational interviewing for ambivalence and shameSuicide, self-harm, and violence safety planningBuilding a strong working alliance quicklyLesson 2Emotion regulation modules from DBT and ACT: distress tolerance, emotion regulation skills, acceptance and values workThis section blends DBT and ACT emotion modules, covering distress tolerance, regulation skills, acceptance, and values work, customised for high-achievers battling intense emotions and rigid control.
Functional analysis of emotion dysregulation patternsDistress tolerance skills for acute crisesEmotion regulation skills for everyday triggersAcceptance and defusion for difficult thoughtsValues clarification and committed action planningLesson 3Leveraging client strengths (high cognition, motivation, perfectionism) and preventing perfectionism-driven dropoutThis section harnesses client strengths like sharp thinking, drive, and perfectionism, countering dropout via expectation setting, alliance fixes, and flexible, kind standards.
Mapping strengths and vulnerabilities of perfectionismUsing cognitive strengths in formulation and skillsSetting realistic expectations for change and paceAddressing all-or-nothing engagement patternsRepairing alliance ruptures linked to self-criticismLesson 4Middle-phase strategies: schema therapy techniques (mode work, limited reparenting, imagery rescripting) for core schemasThis section covers schema therapy mid-phase tools for core schemas, like mode work, limited reparenting, and imagery rescripting, fitted to 12-16 sessions with depth intact.
Identifying core schemas and modes collaborativelyPsychoeducation on modes and coping stylesLimited reparenting within professional boundariesImagery rescripting for formative memoriesIntegrating schema work with CBT and interpersonalLesson 5Late-phase strategies: relapse prevention, consolidation of new relational patterns, and maintenance planningThis section details late-phase plans for relapse prevention, solidifying new relational habits, and upkeep, with boosters, self-monitoring, and prep for high-risk spots.
Reviewing gains and consolidating key skillsRelapse prevention mapping and risk scenariosStrengthening new relational and identity narrativesDesigning maintenance and booster session plansCreating self-monitoring and coping plansLesson 6Middle-phase strategies: CBT techniques (cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, exposure) targeted to impostor/perfectionism anxietyThis section spotlights CBT mid-phase tactics for impostor and perfectionism anxiety, including restructuring thoughts, experiments, graded exposure, and activation for go-getters.
Case conceptualization of impostor and perfectionism cyclesCognitive restructuring of self-criticism and doubtDesigning behavioral experiments in performance domainsExposure to feared evaluation and imperfectionBehavioral activation to counter avoidance patternsLesson 7Tailoring session-by-session structure for a 12–16 session timeline with decision points for extensionThis section shows structuring 12-16 session protocols, with per-session plans, extension decision points, and balancing depth against time limits and service needs.
Macro-planning across early, middle, late phasesSession-by-session micro-structure templatesDecision points for extension or step-down careMonitoring progress to guide protocol adjustmentsDocumentation to support flexible planningLesson 8Translating formulation to goals: selecting measurable treatment goals for anxiety, emotion regulation, and relationship patternsThis section guides turning case formulations into concrete, measurable goals for anxiety, emotion control, and relationships, keeping them realistic, prioritised, and jointly set.
Deriving goals from core maintaining mechanismsPrioritizing problems within limited session dosesOperationalizing goals into measurable indicatorsCollaborative goal negotiation and expectation settingAligning goals with client values and identityLesson 9Adaptations for dropout risk and alcohol use: motivational interviewing, harm reduction, brief CBT for substance-related triggersThis section adapts for dropout and alcohol risks, weaving in motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and quick CBT for substance triggers, staying on core goals in 12-16 sessions.
Screening for alcohol use and dropout indicatorsMotivational interviewing for substance ambivalenceHarm reduction planning and safer use strategiesBrief CBT for craving and trigger managementCoordinating with external supports and referralsLesson 10Middle-phase strategies: attachment-focused and interpersonal techniques (mentalization, interpersonal restructuring, corrective relational experiences)This section explores attachment and interpersonal mid-phase strategies, like mentalisation, restructuring interactions, and corrective experiences to shift rigid patterns and boost reflection.
Assessing attachment style and interpersonal cyclesEnhancing mentalization under emotional stressInterpersonal feedback and communication coachingUsing the therapeutic relationship as a laboratoryDesigning in-session corrective relational experiences
