W6-CBT Case Study Discussion

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CBT CASE STUDY DISCUSSION 5

CBT Case Study Discussion

Student Name: Luis S. Cabrera

Course Name: Theo.Prac. Contemp Psychotherapy

Course Number: NU-646-05-21PCS3

Instructor’s Name: Stephanie Gaines

Institution: Regis College

Date of Submission: 06/08/2021

CBT Case Study Discussion

The assessment findings point to depression as the primary diagnosis for this patient. As such, the treatment plan for this patient would focus mainly on treating the symptoms of depression through the use of psychotherapeutic interventions. Psychotherapy is essentially a non-pharmacological intervention that helps in the treatment of depression (Hawley et al., 2017). There are various forms of psychotherapy like CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) that could be effective for patients with depression such as Alana.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy that would help the client (Alana) in learning to recognize and identify the negative and destructive thought that result in negative emotions, feelings, and behaviors and reframing her thoughts in a positive manner that could help in improving her emotions, feelings, and behaviors (Wenzel, Dobson & Hays, 2016).

Among the cognitive-behavioral techniques that may be appropriate for this client as she explores her anger and frustration associated with stressors include; cognitive reframing, problem-solving, thought records and journaling, guided discovery, and stress reduction and relaxation techniques (Wenzel, Dobson & Hays, 2016). For instance, the use of cognitive reframing would help the client in identifying and recognizing the negative thought patterns and reframing her thoughts in a positive manner that would help in improving her emotions, behaviors, and emotions (Wenzel, Dobson & Hays, 2016). The use of this technique would help the client to learn and understand how the negative feelings and thoughts may lead to the development of maladaptive behaviors thereby resulting in self-discovery (Wenzel, Dobson & Hays, 2016). This would help the client in reframing her thoughts, which would enable her to be more productive and positive. The use of guided discovery would help in challenging the client’s beliefs and assumptions and broadening her thinking, which would help in improving her behavior (Wenzel, Dobson & Hays, 2016). Additionally, the use of stress reduction and relaxation techniques like imagery, deep breathing exercises, and muscle relaxation would help the client in minimizing her stress levels and improving her sense of control that would ultimately help her in dealing with her stressors. The use of problem-solving techniques would help the client in learning and applying the problem-solving skills that would assist her in identifying, recognizing, and solving the problems associated with life stressors (Wenzel, Dobson & Hays, 2016).

However, it would be imperative to use and apply the CBT techniques in a gender/culturally sensitive manner when addressing the client’s feelings. This would involve adapting the CBT techniques to match with the cultural/gender identity, preferences, and context of the client (Hinton & Patel, 2017). Among the main aspects that would be involved in this process include; accepting and accommodating the core cultural values and beliefs of the client, stressing the need for culturally/gender-related supports and strengths, and validating her experiences while considering the need for change (Hinton & Patel, 2017). More importantly, it would be necessary to recognize the patient’s culture and gender as potential sources of motivation and strength (Hinton & Patel, 2017). For instance, it would be necessary to customize the CBT techniques according to the cultural/gender identity, preferences, and context of the client (Hinton & Patel, 2017).

The principles from CBT may be applied to this case study in various ways that include; establish a good and therapeutic relationship with the client, stressing the need for the client’s active participation in the therapeutic process, and teaching the client on how to become her therapist (Wenzel, Dobson & Hays, 2016). The CBT principles would also be used to appropriately structure the CBT sessions and applying the appropriate techniques and strategies to change and improve the client’s mood, thinking, and behavior (Wenzel, Dobson & Hays, 2016).

References

Hawley, L. L., Padesky, C. A., Hollon, S. D., Mancuso, E., Laposa, J. M., Brozina, K., & Segal, Z. V. (2017). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression using mind over mood: CBT skill use and differential symptom alleviation. Behavior therapy, 48(1), 29-44.

Hinton, D. E., & Patel, A. (2017). Cultural adaptations of cognitive behavioral therapy. Psychiatric Clinics, 40(4), 701-714.

Wenzel, A., Dobson, K. S., & Hays, P. A. (2016). Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and strategies. American Psychological Association.