CBT Role-Play - Problem Solving and Decatastrophizing after Job Loss

This video features a counseling role-play in which cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, including problem solving and decastatrophizing, are used to treat alcohol use, depression, and anxiety after a job loss.

[@williamwagner827]

With CBT being such a popular form of therapy, I think Dr. Grande did a great job of displaying how this session should go. He asked probing questions regarding the clients thoughts and also met the client in her feelings. This topic of alcohol abuse and anxiety after losing a job can be tough but Dr. Grande navigated this session well.

[@joseliz8762]

When reviewing CBT in this role play, I can see how effective it is and how I can incorporate it as part of my therapy style. My impression of this role play is a positive one. I appreciated the structure of the session, as it focused on the client’s issue (job loss) and the incongruences of her thoughts. The counselor’s confrontation was done in way that challenged the client’s thinking and did “confront” her. With the counselor’s, the client was able to objectively see her thoughts and how they presented themselves in behavior. Thank you for sharing, Dr. Grande.

[@laurynmoffa]

The therapist was very educational in using the terms associated with CBT such as the "automatic thoughts," "adaptive responses," and "catastrophizing." I also noticed the therapist being very directive in challenging and confronting the client. He did an excellent job in refraining from validating the client but was still empathic and genuine. I appreciate that he focused on the worst case scenario in order for her to understand the ability to adapt and adjust. This technique allowed the client to acknowledge that her situation could be worse.

[@jessicavickers3946]

Lauryn I agree that Dr. Grande kept a good balance with directiveness and empathy. He maintained his compassion and encouraged her throughout the session but was able to point to his client where her cognitive distortions were causing unnecessary anxiety.

[@dHunter94]

Dr. Grande did a great job probing and asking appropriate questions to understand the client's situation best. Additionally, I thought it was very beneficial to help the client change her mindset regarding “not being good enough” regarding certain aspects. CBT, in my opinion, is very helpful for satisfied clients such as this one, as it allows the counselor the opportunity to guide the client toward focusing on her strengths and positive things rather than on the negative aspects. I also really appreciated the challenging Dr. Grande did in terms of the clients drinking and marital challenges she is facing as a result of losing her job. This allowed the client to hear what she is doing from the mouth of someone else and allowed it to really process and click into place in her own mind that this is something that is going to be self-destructive as opposed to beneficial given my new life circumstances.

[@amandavalentino8182]

Dr. Grande- I liked how you paraphrased and summarized the client challenges of losing her job. You allowed her to think outside of the box and look at different options until she was able to seek another full-time job. The client seemed to be closed off during the session because she was embarrassed of losing her job. By being direct with the client, the client was able to look outside of the box create her own ideas of what it would look like to apply for another job, being financially secure for her children and some of her mental health challenges. Your encourages were appropriate during the session which in return allowed to client to be open for discussion and problem solving skills for her situation.

[@tamarabakergibbons5715]

I am a big proponent of "What we tell our self is what we believe." The approaches seem like they would take some work and repetition to be effective. I can imagine how many times a friend or loved one had to talk you down, or get you out of your head to think about the problem rationally, as we do tend to go to the worst case scenario. However, I feel like this approach can open the client's eyes to strengths they may have to adapt and keeping going.

[@johnfruits3544]

This role play helped me to see how that sometimes even I can catastrophize what is happening to me. In listening to this video, it allowed me to consider some of my own internal dialogue that I need to consider. The point that Dr. G made to the client about her thinking and how it could impede her from trying to accomplish her goals resonated. Oftentimes, we (clients and ourselves) can create this negative self-talk and catastrophe of our own lives that makes you feel your spinning out of control. Agonizing over problems does not help things to improve and we must help the client to understand that which in turn will assist the client in changing their thinking for a better, more useful outcome. Using more positive thinking and looking at our issues from an "obstacle" perspective can assist us in a more comfortable view of our situation. I recently used the same verbiage that Dr. G used when he asked the client " what is the worst thing that could happen?" by asking myself that on a problem that I was having. Using that perspective allowed my mind to ease and to make decisions that would positively effect me in the long run.

[@kristiewatunya2699]

The clinician expressed empathy towards the client and appeared to really connect with the client during the session. He asked specific questions that would be main concerns if I put myself in the client’s shoes. I really like this approach, given the circumstances of the client.

[@kristinblake9294]

Dr. Grande probed the client for her thoughts specifically regarding her situation. He pointed out that she had more options than most since she may be able to get laid off and has the education to find sustainable employment. He also reminded her of the problem-solving skills that were previously discussed in sessions and using them in her current session. That is a great way to encourage a client to use the tools that they have learned in sessions; actually putting them into action. Dr. Grande was sure to include the client in her problem-solving and goals to resolve her current situation. I appreciate this role play's depiction of what CBT should look like.

[@johnchristinadarwin8477]

Dr. Grande did a great job assisting the client with reflecting her feelings about her recent job loss. The problem-solving skills helped her change her ways of thinking so she can change her behaviors. Dr. Grande also did a great job pointing out the client's inconsistent behaviors. Drinking will not allow her to progress in a positive way, including getting a new job.

[@kristinblake9294]

Christina, the problem-solving skills presented in the session moved the client from self-defeating thoughts to hope towards the future. She went from catastrophizing the situation being hopeful and focused on solutions.

[@kassietrala378]

The counselor really picked apart the clients job loss to understand all aspects at play, then asked her what other situations have caused her to feel worthless. It was a great way to lead into her discussing her behavior based on her negative thoughts on being worthless. The counselor talks her through how her bad behavior such as drinking and fighting with her husband stem back to her thoughts of worthlessness. This cycle is repeated because the negative thoughts reinforce her to negative behaviors that make her situation and worth worse. Right after discussing this the counselor had her thinking of the easiest goal she could possibly reach, allowing for the client to reframe the situation in a more favorable light!

[@ashleymogle2700]

I really like CBT because it helps to highlight some of the irrational thoughts and behaviors that the client is engaging in without saying as much. Never once, did Dr. Grande come right out and tell the client that her drinking was counterproductive or that her fears of never getting a job were silly. Instead, he prompted her to elaborate on how she thought her actions and beliefs were affecting her; therefore kind of "leading the horse to water", but still empowering the client. I also like how Dr. Grande used reason and logic to ease the clients irrational fears.

[@remygooch1393]

I really like CBT because it allows for the counselor to help the client adjust their thinking in negative situations such as this session. The client was really able to think about different scenarios, the big one being the worst-case scenario, and start becoming aware of ways to help her get through this job loss. Dr. Grande mentioned that probability and statistics were on her side about getting hired for a new job and the client also started expressing ways on her own that she could adapt to if necessary. Dr. Grande initiated this thought process for the client by asking her about what things could possibly get in the way of her seeking new employment.

[@oliviahylton9430]

Dr. Grande did a good job of really challenging the client's cognitive distortions and assisted her in seeing that her thoughts surrounding the loss of her job can significantly impact the outcome of her situation. Her schemas and automatic thoughts were evaluated throughout the session in a truly collaborative approach. It would be interesting to understand what childhood experiences shaped the schemas she currently holds and what level of change she is at in changing those core beliefs.

[@ShoreMeetsFarm]

I enjoyed this role play of CBT with a client. In this scenario, the counselor effectively assessed the client's perception of her recent job loss and other factors of her life that may have been irrational. The way in which the problems were assessed and the tools put in place as homework over the time between sessions was realistic and manageable for the client to engage with.

[@chelseareeve36]

I found that Dr. Grande perfectly embodied the more rational and thought-focused therapy of CBT in aiding the client gain more control over her thoughts. Dr. Grande appropriate emphasized with the client's difficult experience of losing employment, but asked pertinent questions to better understand the external forces (ie financial availability) contributing to her thoughts and concerns. I thought that Dr. Grande supported the client with recognizing how her reported drinking/anxiety/depression was being exacerbated by maladaptive thoughts. Asking about the "worst case scenario" and then exploring that with the client was obviously very helpful in aiding her reduce negative thoughts and focus on positive thoughts (probability).

[@ashleymegahan5966]

I felt like the counselor did an excellent job at demonstrating the techniques in cognitive therapy. The counselor utilized decatastrophizing with the client who recently lost her job. The counselor assisted the client with identifying evidence and her cognitive distortion.

[@marisamaguire8136]

Throughout the role-play presentation, I really enjoyed observing how Dr. Grande was able to work with the client to alter her mindset and reduce her negative thoughts and anxiety about losing her job. It was clear that the client was allowing her negative thoughts to catastrophize her current situation, therefore only thinking of the worst possible outcomes as if there were no solutions to the problem. By utilizing multiple strategies, such as the “what if” technique, Dr. Grande was able to work with the client to determine how she would handle the situation if she were unable to find a new job. In doing the client was able to gain a new perspective, realizing her strengths and ability to overcome her situation no matter the outcome by adapting to a new way of being that was still sustainable.

[@brittanyhoffman8068]

The client was stuck in her own thoughts and feelings about moving forward since the job loss. The client continuously mentioned the negative and lacked viewing the positives that may come from the situation. The counselor was effective in staying with the client and guiding her through a slightly healthier way of overcoming her fears that are holding her back. I enjoyed that the counselor was giving the client tips on how to diminish those negative thoughts and emotions, in that it was something very simple that she could take home and slowly work towards achieving.

[@lisanoland5134]

The part that stuck out for me the most was exploring the worst case scenario. It seemed like the catastrophizing distortions piled up for the client and made it more difficult to see any potential for a neutral or positive outcome. Going straight for the worst case scenario seemed like an effective strategy to change the overall theme, not just the individual distortions.

[@adambrowne332]

I really liked how Dr. Grande helped this client to realize her "worst case scenario". If this client was not able to find a job, the worst case scenario would be that she won't be able to work again, possibly move into a smaller house, and adapt to a simpler life. However, because it was framed in this manner, the client rethinks this "worst case scenario" and states that she has less depression and believes that she is better able to cope with it; it is "not as bad as I thought it would be" she states. By helping a client to accept the "worst case", you can help them to realize that things may not be as bad as they seem and help them to reduce anxiety, depression, etc.

[@kennedinaomi]

Dr Grande was present with the client and very attentive to the client. Dr Grande did well with helping the client work through her thoughts about losing her job and losing her husband, her house and not be able to provide for her children. Dr Grande helped the client with alternatives to her situation. CBT was incorporated very well

[@RyanPclifton]

In my opinion, i feel that CBT is one of the best forms of therapy for people with anxiety and depression especially understandable levels of these issues that come with dramatic life changes. While watching this video, i found that Dr. Grande's performance confirmed my prior ideas and opinions regarding CBT. It was cool to watch Dr. Grande challenge the client in a therapeutic manner and challenge the thoughts of the client that could be considered irrational. I also would like to be as effective in my career as Dr. Grande is in these videos at confronting clients' incongruities in thought!

[@marissabarnes4084]

I think Dr. Grande and the client provided a very educational CBT roleplay. Losing a job is a traumatic experience for the common person and can cause several automatic thoughts, stress, and cognitive distortions. Although the client was very negative at first, she seemed to work collaboratively with Dr. Grande. Her mindset changed throughout the session.

[@JamieB]

Marissa Barnes I agree, the client did seem to have a negative outlook on her situation at first. Speaking with Dr. Grande helped to bring a more balanced perspective. He pointed out that she has a Bachelor’s degree and also has her husbands income which is “more than most”. He also reminded her of how unlikely it is that she would just not work again.

[@jeffreysmart2063]

I'm bipolar 1 qnd lost my job I'm suffering. 15 years at xerox. I'm devastated and single. Dec 17 2021. This video helps a little. It's still so fresh sleeping long is difficult.

[@finn3102]

I realize it has been 9 months since you wrote this, but I know exactly how you felt the day you got the news of the layoff. A combination of an out of body experiences coupled with a punch in the gut. I just got laid off a few weeks ago and hands down one of the worst things that has ever happened in my life. Similar to your story I had been at the company for a long time, 20 years to be exact. Also, I have had life long (on & off) battles with anxiety. Now, I am scared out of my mind about future job prospects. Either not being able to find a new job in my field of work. Having to settle for minimum jobs. Worst case scenario, not being able to find any job at all, being evicted from my apartment and put out on the streets. These scenarios keep repeating themselves in my head non stop. My sleep patters are majorly out of whack and I don't have any appetite at all these days. Just wanted to let you know that there is somebody else out here going through what you went through back then. Hopefully things have turned around for you.

[@fahadalshammari6145]

Why you lost your job? Is it because bipolar?

[@JamieB]

Dr. Grande did some great probing with this client which seemed to be very effective. He was able to get her to confront her worst case scenario which was the root of her fears. The client admitted that things would be a little difficult and different, but that she would survive and adapt. He was able to recognize that she was catastrophizing and helped her by breaking her problems down.

[@deniseswindell2175]

Dr, Grande helped the client to look at her circumstance in a more realistic space and helped client to feel a sense of calm and she came to realize she was making it bigger than it was. He gave her some tools to use to work on while she was out of session. Dr. Grande was more verbal in this session with working through the clients emotions and thinking,

[@joe1579]

Interesting video, especially when Dr. Grande helped the client acknowledge how her thinking & behavior might be leading her into the role she had been filling since she had lost her job, & they began to discuss how she might adapt to the situation instead.

[@rachelnewberry1089]

It was evident that the client was catastrophizing the fact that she was laid off when she said that she would never be able to to get another job. Dr.Grande did a great job when he challenged the client's 'all-or-nothing thinking' by asking her about other coworkers who have had other jobs. He also uses the 'what-if' technique by asking the client what would happen if she didn't get a new job. This then helped the client realize, that it wouldn't be horrible if she didn't get a new job, she would just have to re-adapt. The client also seems to be blaming herself and attributing her self-worth to her being laid off. This, in turn, worsens her depression and causes her to drink as a way to cope with her feelings. Although, when the client comes to terms with what the worst-case scenario could be if she doesn't get a new job. Dr.Grande is then successful in encouraging the client to limit her alcohol consumption and depressive thoughts.

[@jackiedeleonardis1153]

The client was hyper-focused on the negatives of what if she never get a job again and they end up homeless. I liked how the counselor asked a lot of questions to try to get the client thinking in a different way about her job loss. I did like how Dr. Grande broke it down into options for her and to imagine that worst-case scenario. What is the worst thing that could happen if she was not able to find a job? She was able to find a way to see that she could adapt to that lifestyle change and that it would be survivable, it helped to decrease her depression and anxiety and she was able to leave the session in a more positive place with a new way to think about her job loss.

[@ericahammond9901]

Dr. Grande was intentional when asking the client questions to elicit insight towards her thoughts. Dr. Grande questioned the clients current behaviors and compared them to how she wants to actually behave. This question made the client see the incongruence between her currently behaviors and how her behaviors are obstructing her goals. He also pointed out the clients strengths (bachelor degree and experience) which assisted her in gaining insight towards her job lose as being an opportunity to begin something new. The client appeared to be open to gaining further awareness of her thoughts by her willingness to understand and complete the homework she was assigned at the end of the session.

[@lisapage768]

Thanks so much for this Dr. Grande! 😊👍

[@davidsoto4394]

Dr. Grande, please do a video with this same issue but do it where the actor has a criminal record and the fears of the future as a result of it.

[@qoieo589]

Thank you so much for this, Dr.

[@jessicavickers3946]

Dr. Grande's client is perhaps going through something that unfortunately is probably more common than not. I can actually completely relate to how hie client is feeling. Im always scared that Im going to get fired. Its fir sure a cognitive distortion but this video really hit home for me and actually triggered my own irrational fears, even though I know its a role play. Anyways, Dr, Grande worked with her to de-catastrophize her thinking process by disputing some of her cognitions for example when he asked her if she would need a full salary as appose to a part-time salary. He was able to identify that her thoughts were a result of a schema she has that was developed when she was a child.

[@elyshamason9813]

I really like CBT and after exploring it this semester and incorporating it into my integration paper for the population I want to serve. I like how CBT literally makes the client "think about" what they're thinking about. Sometimes, emotions surrounding an event will maximize the impact when in reality with logic behind the event it may not be as big of a negative impact as we make it out to be. On the other hand, even if it is negative how can we cope with these things?

[@animal79thecat]

ONE BIG PROBLEM with the worst case scenario: Even if you downsize house,you still got bills to pay and have to eat,right? Does she just rely on the husbands wage? What if you are on your own?

[@8bitsokomame]

So was this comment section homework or

[@jakeelwell2132]

My first guess is homework; second guess is an advanced linguistic AI experiment.

[@klanderkal]

I lost my job after 20 years!, and, ... all i want is to return. All my friends are there, and i miss the job and the activities. Im 62., what else to do ? I lost interest in life'... I now have depression and anxiety!,.. and struggle to live each day.... i lost interest in living

[@libertysprings2244]

Taking a part time job would make them feel worthless but drinking with kids to care for somehow seems acceptable? I realize its a fake roleplay but still assume some people think that way.