Role Play: Behaviour Therapy

Coping with Workload Challenges

Introduction to the Issue

• Kathleen expresses difficulty managing her job due to excessive workload, which is affecting her ability to leave work on time.

• She mentions that she is supposed to work from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM but often ends up working later, causing stress in her personal life.

Impact on Personal Life

• Kathleen has two teenage boys who rely on her for transportation after school, and being late causes tension at home.

• The accumulation of work leads to delays in preparing dinner for her husband, further escalating stress levels.

Work Environment Dynamics

• Kathleen works in a doctor's surgery where she is assigned tasks by multiple doctors instead of just one, complicating her workload.

• She feels unable to refuse additional tasks from the other doctors, leading to an overwhelming amount of work.

Seeking Solutions

• The discussion shifts towards finding ways for Kathleen to address these issues with her boss effectively.

• A role-play exercise is suggested as a method for Kathleen to practice how she might approach the conversation about her workload.

Role Play Preparation

• They discuss the best time for Kathleen to speak with her boss; early morning is suggested as it may be less hectic.

• An opening line for the conversation is crafted: asking if it's a good time to talk allows flexibility in scheduling.

Conducting the Role Play

• During the role play, Kathleen practices introducing her concerns about workload and its impact on her schedule.

• Her simulated conversation reveals that while she enjoys the job, she struggles with expectations set by multiple supervisors.

Reflection and Next Steps

• After completing the role play, Kathleen feels more confident about addressing her concerns but acknowledges that real-life responses may differ.

• The importance of having a clear opening statement during such discussions is emphasized as a confidence booster.

Relaxation Techniques and Follow-Up

• Suggestions are made for relaxation exercises that can help manage anxiety related to confrontation and workload pressures.

• A follow-up meeting is proposed in one week where they will review relaxation techniques and possibly conduct another role play.