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- Slide: 1
- Setting: CBT Group Therapy Session Therapist: (With a warm and inviting tone) "Alright, everyone, thank you for being here today. We’re going to try something different in today’s session—a role-play exercise. This will give us an opportunity to practice some of the skills we’ve been discussing, like identifying and challenging distorted thoughts, and trying out new behaviors. We’re going to focus on social anxiety today, specifically around situations where we feel nervous about being judged or embarrassed." (Turns to the client) "Would you be comfortable being our volunteer today? We’ll work together, and I’ll guide you through the role-play. Afterward, the group will have a chance to give you feedback, and we can all learn from it. What do you think?"Client:(Nods, looking a bit nervous)"Yeah, I can try."
- Therapist:"Great! Let’s set the scene. Here’s the situation we’ll be role-playing today: You’re at a work party, and you’re feeling anxious about interacting with your colleagues. You’re worried about saying something embarrassing or being judged. The anxiety is making it hard to enjoy the event, and you’re thinking of leaving early to avoid feeling uncomfortable."
- Slide: 2
- In this role-play, I’ll take on the role of a friendly colleague who’s just approached you at the party. Your task will be to practice challenging your anxious thoughts as we interact. Let’s see if we can identify some of the distorted thoughts you’re having, and then we’ll try reframing them together. The goal is for you to feel a bit more in control and comfortable."
- Slide: 3
- "Okay, I’m ready."
- Slide: 4
- "Excellent. Now, before we begin, I want you to take a moment and notice how your body feels. Do you notice any tension or nervousness? That’s totally normal. You might even feel a little discomfort, but that’s okay. You don’t have to be perfect—just try to do your best."
- Slide: 5
- Therapist (as "Colleague"):"Hey, it’s great to see you here! How have you been? You’re looking a little quiet tonight. Is everything going okay?"
- "Yeah, I'm just a little tired I guess...I’m just… not great at these kinds of things. I always feel like I don’t know what to say, or I’ll say the wrong thing and embarrass myself."
- Slide: 6
- "It sounds like you’re having a lot of anxious thoughts. You’re worried about saying the wrong thing and looking foolish, right?"
- "Yeah, I just… I always feel like people are judging me. What if they think I’m boring or weird?"
- Slide: 7
- "Got it. That’s a classic example of mind reading, where you’re assuming people will think negatively of you without actual evidence. Let’s pause here for a second. What evidence do you have that people are actually thinking you’re boring or weird?"
- "Well… I don’t know. I can’t really think of anything specific, but I just feel like I don’t fit in. Maybe I’m not saying the right things."
- Slide: 8
- "That’s understandable, but notice how you’re predicting people’s thoughts without any proof. A more balanced thought could be: 'I can’t read minds, and it’s possible they’re just focused on their own conversations.' What do you think about that?"
- "Yeah, I guess I don’t actually know what they’re thinking. They could be thinking something completely different."
- Slide: 9
- "Exactly. So, rather than assuming the worst, what would it look like to let go of that mind-reading assumption and just enjoy the conversation?"
- "I could try just focusing on the conversation itself, not worrying about how I’m being judged. I could also remind myself that people aren’t paying as much attention to me as I think."
- Slide: 10
- "Yes! And remember, even if there is an awkward moment or you don’t know what to say, it doesn’t mean the conversation is ruined. Everyone experiences awkward silences now and then. How does it feel to acknowledge that?"
- "It feels better. It’s like, not everything has to be perfect for it to be okay."
- Slide: 11
- "Exactly! Now, let’s finish the role-play. You can continue the conversation with me, and try practicing the new mindset we just discussed. Ready?"
- "Ready"
- Slide: 12
- Therapist (as "Colleague"):"So, do you have any fun plans this weekend? I’m always looking for new things to do."
- "Actually, I’m going to a local park with a friend. It should be nice, just getting out for a bit."
- "That sounds great! It’s nice to take a break and enjoy the outdoors. Thanks for sharing! I hope you have a great time."
- Slide: 13
- "Alright, well done! How did that feel for you?"
- "It was a bit easier once I started reminding myself that I don’t know what others are thinking. I felt less pressure to be perfect."
- Slide: 14
- I noticed that the client was engaging in catastrophizing—assuming the worst would happen. When you reminded them to focus on the present moment, it really seemed to help."
- Slide: 15
- "I think the mind reading distortion was a big one. It’s hard to let go of the idea that everyone is judging us. I liked how the therapist helped the client challenge that by asking, 'What evidence do you have?'"
- Slide: 16
- "Exactly. The goal is to help the client recognize these distortions, and then practice reframing them to something more realistic. How might you apply this new mindset in future social situations?"
- Slide: 17
- "I think next time, I’ll remind myself that not everyone is watching me so closely, and I don’t have to say the perfect thing to have a good conversation."
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