Progress Note
Date: [Date of session]Client: [Client’s name]Therapist: [Therapist’s name]
Subjective:During today’s session, the client reported experiencing both sadness and happiness. The client mentioned feeling sadness in relation to specific life events, while also expressing moments of happiness and contentment in other areas of their life. The client appeared willing to explore and discuss these emotions further.
Objective:The client presented with a neutral mood upon arrival and throughout the session. They displayed open body language, maintaining good eye contact, and appeared engaged in the therapeutic process. The client’s affect seemed congruent with their reported emotions, displaying signs of sadness when discussing specific life events and moments of happiness when reflecting on positive aspects of their life. No signs of distress or agitation were observed during the session.
Assessment:Based on the client’s subjective report and observed affect, it is evident that they are experiencing a mix of emotions, including sadness and happiness. The client’s ability to identify and differentiate their emotions suggests a growing self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Exploring the origin and impact of these emotions will be important in understanding the client’s overall mental well-being.
Plan:In the upcoming sessions, the therapist will focus on helping the client explore and process the underlying causes of their sadness. Additionally, the therapist will work collaboratively with the client to identify and build upon the factors that contribute to their happiness. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring, emotion regulation, and mindfulness may be implemented to assist the client in managing their emotions effectively. The therapist will continue to provide a supportive and empathetic environment to facilitate the client’s emotional growth and overall mental health.
Goals for the next session:1. Explore the specific life events that contribute to the client’s sadness
2. Identify and discuss the positive aspects of the client’s life that contribute to their happiness
3. Introduce and practice coping strategies to manage and regulate the client’s emotions effectively.
Interventions used:1. Active listening and empathetic responses
2. Reflective questioning to explore the client’s emotions further
3. Psychoeducation on emotion regulation and mindfulness techniques
4. Encouraging the client to keep a journal to track their emotions between sessions.
Progress towards goals:During this session, progress was made in terms of the client gaining insight into the coexistence of sadness and happiness in their life. The client appeared motivated and open to exploring these emotions further, which suggests a readiness for growth and change. The therapist will continue to monitor the client’s progress in subsequent sessions.
Note: The above progress note is a fictional example and should not be used as a template for actual progress notes in a therapeutic setting.