I think just letting someone air out how they feel is the best route. No need for suggestions at this early stage. The whole area needs to be explored first. How can suggestions be made before all of the info is gathered. "How are you feeling?", "Where is that coming from?" "How does it feel when that happens"?, etc. Explore, explore, explore!

Like you don't already know that your thoughts are distorted! Why else would you be in therapy?!