Psychology case
Monica Bormetti: a psychoeducational handout on performance anxiety.
Monica Bormetti
Digital wellbeing psychologist, TEDx speaker
BEFORE · the non-expert's prompt
“I have a client who gets very anxious before speaking in public and panics. Can you write me a motivational text and a set of tips to give him, to make his fear go away and convince him that everything will be fine?”
What was missingThe method to follow and what not to say. The request asks for toxic positivity and «fluff-coach» advice, which is ineffective or counterproductive with panic.
AFTER · the professional's prompt
Act as my assistant in preparing psychoeducational materials. I am working on a case of performance anxiety (social anxiety/public speaking) and I use a cognitive-behavioural approach. Prepare a draft handout for the patient focused on normalising the physiological arousal response.
- Do not use generic reassuring or dismissive phrases (avoid expressions such as 'everything will be fine' or 'you mustn't be afraid').
- Explain the 'fight or flight' response using the metaphor of an alarm system, highlighting that anxiety is a protective signal, not a sign of weakness.
- Suggest 2 self-monitoring questions to distinguish between perceived danger and real danger.
Use language that is validating, accessible and focused on tolerating uncertainty.
Act as my assistant in preparing psychoeducational materials. I am working on a case of performance anxiety (social anxiety/public speaking) and I use a cognitive-behavioural approach. Prepare a draft handout for the patient focused on normalising the physiological arousal response. Requirements: 1. Do not use generic reassuring or dismissive phrases (avoid expressions such as 'everything will be fine' or 'you mustn't be afraid'). 2. Explain the 'fight or flight' response using the metaphor of an alarm system, highlighting that anxiety is a protective signal, not a sign of weakness. 3. Suggest 2 self-monitoring questions to distinguish between perceived danger and real danger. Use language that is validating, accessible and focused on tolerating uncertainty.