Good afternoon Jimmy! As you already know, my name is Doctor Bob and I will be your therapist today. Im happy to see you again after so long! I am here to help you today and we will be using a approach called cognitive behavioral therapy. Would you first begin by telling me what is going on?

Hi Doctor Bob. Lately I have just not felt like myself, and my parents have noticed it too. This all started when a few months ago when I began to get these weird thoughts. 

Before you go any further, what kind of thoughts are you talking about Jimmy?

Most of these thoughts happen while I am sleeping and happen in my dreams. I have very scary dreams which make me think that it is actually happening when I wake up. These scary dreams also sometimes happen when I am awake and these thoughts take over my brain. 

I’m sorry to hear that Jimmy. Would you like to describe what else is making you not feel like yourself? 

Well, these thoughts have caused me to become very insecure and hate myself. I don’t even wanna leave the house anymore and I just wanna stay in my room. I also have no energy to do anything nor do I want to. 

And how long would you say this has been happening Jimmy? 

Well this behavior started happening right after I started getting these scary thoughts a few months ago and has not gone away since. 

Well Jimmy, we are going to try to fix these obsessions and compulsions. I want to start by trying to brainstorming what some strengths and limitations are in your life right now. 

All I see is bad in my life. I feel like a failure and I can’t do anything. 

Jimmy, you are not a failure at all and it is possible for you to do anything. Let's think of other people, they have limitations too, but also have strengths. You are just like them Jimmy, you have many things you can do well. 

Okay, but sometimes I do not think like that. 

Well Jimmy, this will help. Lets try this. Whenever you get a thought that you think you are a failure, think of a time you did something amazing. If this works, think of this every time or maybe switch it up. You can also ask your mom if you are amazing, I’m sure she will say something. 

That doesn’t sound too bad. However, how is this going to fix my problem of scary thoughts? 

Well Jimmy, we are going to start with this. Since this mostly happens during the night, I want you to do something that makes you happy before you go to sleep. This could be reading an exciting book, talking to someone, or even playing your favorite song. Whenever something scary happens again, try to eliminate those thoughts and think of the happy times.