Case study example for use in teaching, aiming to demonstrate some of the triggers, thoughts, feelings and responses linked with problematic low mood. This section here represents the first 14 minutes of an initial therapy session, but in order to try and outline the vicious cycle, it moves faster than an average session might. The video features an actor playing the character of Lucy, but the dialogue is not scripted, and as such represents a natural therapeutic exchange. I myself am a qualified Clinical Psychologist, but would definitely not suggest that this is a perfect example of therapy!
This video was produced as a collaboration between the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University (Ricardo Barker).
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:19 Meeting Lucy and the GP referral
1:00 How things are at the moment
2:10 Onset: exam stress and family difficulties
3:40 High standards and self-criticism
5:40 Withdrawal: staying in bed and missing lectures
7:40 Eliciting the thoughts behind the avoidance
9:20 Separating thoughts from feelings
11:30 Physical symptoms and sleep
12:30 Completing the vicious cycle
Help shape the next therapy demonstrations:
I’m making new therapy-demonstration videos. Please share your requests by 22 August 2026:
Continue learning:
Another CBT first-session demonstration for depression:
First CBT session for social anxiety:
CBT first sessions and formulation playlist:
CBT techniques demonstrated:
These videos are educational resources and are not a substitute for professional training, supervision or individual psychological advice.
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