Stress inoculation therapy

• Stage 1 - Conceptualisation

  -Therapist educates client about cause of stress.

  -Therapist works with the client to identify specific stressors and identify cognitive distortions.

  -Includes concepts like catastrophizing and negative self-talk.

  -Therapist begins to process cognitive restructuring and challenge clients thoughts about sources of stress and ability to control it.
• Stage 2- Stress acquisition and rehearsal

  -Client is taught specific skills needed to help manage the stress.

  -e.g. positive self-talk, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing.

  -Techniques are tailored to client.
• Stage 3 - Application and follow through

  -Client put into practice the new skills learnt in real life, role play/virtual.

  -Taught to view relapse as 'learning opportunity' is not failure.