Overview of Session 9: Elective Skill Topic 2, Recognizing Seemingly Irrelevant Decisions
Total Time: 1 hour
Delivery Method: CBT-focused individual therapy
Material (form is at the end of this section):
• Seemingly Irrelevant Decisions (form 9C)
Goals for This Session:
• To increase awareness of the decisionmaking process
• To recognize how certain choices increase the likelihood of a return to marijuana use
Session Outline:
1. Provide information on effects of seemingly irrelevant decisions
• Tell George’s story
2. Help the client anticipate thoughts of himself or herself as a victim
3. Discuss valuing self-reflection
• Explain that though people commonly act in an automatic way, it’s important when learning new behaviors to be aware of and reflect on decisions and actions
• Encourage the client to become aware of activities and choices
• Encourage the client to think about every choice he or she makes
4. Discuss the role of consciousness in decisionmaking
5. Introduce topic exercises
• Ask about the client’s most recent use and trace back the decisionmaking chain
• Ask about weekend plans and develop a plan to avoid risky situations
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6. Terminate treatment