Table 1.

Framework of the 16 weekly sessions delivered during the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programme for depression

Session number	Session goals	Suggested structure	Suggested tools/homework
1, 2	Establish rapport Gather information about the patient's problem and develop a problem list Provide education about depression and the process of CBT	Review symptoms, course of illness and developmental history Identify the patient's main problem Educate the patient about depression and CBT Provide a summary and elicit feedback	Provide education sheets ‘What is depression?’ ‘What is CBT?’
3, 4	Case conceptualisation Set goals for treatment Begin therapy	Collaboratively set the agenda and review homework Collaboratively set treatment goals Schedule activities Provide a brief summary of case conceptualisation Assign homework, elicit feedback and check for understanding	Problem list Activity record
5, 6	Identify mood and automatic thoughts	Collaboratively set the agenda and review homework Create a dysfunctional thought record (triple column) Assign homework Elicit feedback and check for understanding	Provide education sheets ‘How to identify your moods and thoughts’
7–12	Test automatic thoughts (optional: disentangle interpersonal conflicts/problem solving) Strengthen the patient's ability to use cognitive techniques to change automatic thoughts	Collaboratively set the agenda and review homework Create a dysfunctional thought record (seven columns) (optional structure: assertive training/problem solving) Assign homework, elicit feedback and check for understanding	Provide education sheets ‘How to balance your thoughts’ Interpersonal module Problem-solving module
13, 14	Identify schemas Reinforce the use of cognitive and behavioural change techniques	Collaboratively set the agenda and review homework Create a dysfunctional thought record Discuss schemas Assign homework, elicit feedback and check for understanding	Provide education sheets ‘Rules of your mind’
15, 16	Termination Relapse prevention	Collaboratively set the agenda and review homework Review overall therapy Identify triggers for relapse and target specific schemas, utilise relapse prevention strategies Preparation for booster sessions Provide final summary and elicit feedback	Provide education sheets ‘Upon ending your therapy’