CBT Techniques: The Red Yellow Green Strategy and Timeout Therapy

CBT Techniques: The Red Yellow Green Strategy and Timeout Therapy | Brand New Podcast Episode 210: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Session: iTunes | Podcasts | Schizophrenia Raw by Jonathan Harnisch:  Thursday, July 16, 2015 | Summary: We discussed a number of different issues: First I reported that I, at times, run through my supplies of water, soda, etc., faster than expected. My therapist thinks this may be something we can easily take note of and alter in terms of how much is stored for my convenience over the weekends. Second, we discussed the "red, yellow, green" strategy. Sounds like red and green are pretty straightforward, but the yellow gets a little more complicated. My psychologist mentioned that he could communicate to my caregiver that when I am in yellow, she should let me initiate and lead the interactions. In other words, she shouldn't ask to hang out when I am in yellow. And she may say "hello", etc., but not expect a response when I am in yellow. My doctor explains that when I am in yellow there can be some pressure for me still to "perform" interpersonally and the whole point of the color-coded system is to take this pressure off of me! Of course, if I myself, initiate hanging out, or pleasantries with my caregiver, she can certainly take me up on it. The other side of the coin is that my caregiver won't be "showing she cares" if I am in yellow and don't initiate pleasantries, however. Simply because she is trying to respect my space. Third, regarding Annie, our attack dog, my therapist mentioned that it may be a good idea to see if she can be trained to not threaten you over the next few weeks. If, on the other hand, she is unable to behave herself, and continues to make me feel uncomfortable we should discuss other options. Forth, my cognitive behavioral therapist mentioned that these other options may include sending our dog to a different home, but I may want to cease from mentioning having her killed. It may have been a figure of speech, but unfortunately my wife took it seriously. Otherwise, I think I continue and my doctor agrees that I utilize my “time-outs,” etc., well, and my doctor encourages me to keep it up! Great therapy session!