FOR NICOHWILLIAM ONLY

Cognitive Theory

The cognitive-behavioral theory is the most suitable for Eliza's treatment process because it plays a central role in restructuring cognition. Eliza's negative thinking, which causes anxiety, might have played a role in her depressive condition, and therefore, cognitive modification may be necessary to alter her cognitions (Hawley et al., 2017). The theory suggests that cognitive therapy replaces unsound cognitive content with unbiased content. Moreover, cognitive therapy works by helping patients to regard their negative thoughts as just mental events. It would, therefore, help Eliza to distance herself from the negative thoughts that make her anxious. It would reduce the impact of negative emotions on her. During cognitive therapies, the therapist asks her patient to view what she thinks as a hypothesis that is not yet tested and not a reflection of reality.

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria showed that Eliza had five major depressive symptoms which included little interest or pleasure in doing usual activities, little enjoyment of social activities, slight sleeping problems, anxiety, as well as lack of identity (Schwitzer & Rubin, 2014). Cognitive behavioral therapy would be critical for Eliza to help improve the symptoms of depression. The goals or objectives of the treatment include (a) anxiety reduction. (b) Reducing her sensitivity to traumatic experiences. (c) Maintaining abstinence from alcohol and marijuana. (d) Increasing coping skills. (e) Stabilizing and adjusting to new life experiences. (f) Improving self-worth as well as relationships. (g) Mood stabilization.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) treatment plan would help reduce Eliza's anxiety problems by decreasing the excessive fearful feelings that she develops when interacting with her friends, who often take advantage of her. Eliza would be guided on how to normalize her emotions by recognizing the behaviors or pattern of thoughts that trigger anxiety (Segal & Teasdale, 2018). CBT would help Eliza to manage any maladaptive beliefs that negatively affect her emotions, thereby interfering with her mood. CBT would also be critical in assessing Eliza's way of thinking and try to modify it to avoid erroneous beliefs (Thompson et al., 2018).

Cognitive therapy can be as effective as antidepressants in the treatment of mild as well as moderate depression, which is the case of Eliza. However, when a combination of antidepressants and cognitive therapy is used, the course of treatment can be shortened by reducing depressive symptoms such as low self-esteem and loss of energy (Segal & Teasdale, 2018). Cognitive therapy would help Eliza start feeling and thinking better. Cognitive therapy may be the most suitable alternative treatment method for depression since it is able to influence an individual's mood, which is associated with most depressive symptoms.

Eliza had some traumatic experiences in high school, where her friends teased her. These experiences may have played a part in her condition. Cognitive therapy helps patients to come over traumatic experiences by changing their perception towards those activities (Thompson et al., 2018). Besides, Eliza has had problems making new friends after separating with her high school friends. Her depressive condition has instilled fear in hear since she doesn't recognize her worth. CBT would modify Eliza's dysfunctional feelings, emotions, and behaviors to help her understand the feelings and thoughts that affect her behavior.

The counselor would direct that Eliza be monitored to ensure that she stays away from substance use since it can affect her recovery. Research shows that depression patients may get into substance abuse to manage their condition. Depression patients abuse substances to get away from the negative thoughts and feelings that they experience. It would also be critical to advise Eliza about the importance of abiding by the rules and regulations of any institution to avoid punishments can affect the feelings and thoughts of an individual. Possession and consumption of alcohol are illegal in Eliza's college.

Conclusion

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a widely used method used in the treatment of depression. Although almost everyone has negative feelings and thoughts, depression is caused by extreme negative thoughts. Cognitive therapy is, therefore, critical because it helps patients avoid excessive negative emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It helps them to overcome thoughts that take over their body and interfere with their view of reality. Cognitive therapy for depression acts is an effective way of diffusing negative thoughts, and when used over a period of time can change how individuals suffering from depression see things.

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. doi: org/10.1016/j.beth.2016.09.003

Schwitzer, A. M., & Rubin, L. C. (2014). Diagnosis and treatment planning skills: A popular culture approach (2nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications. ISBN-13: 9781483349763 

Segal, Z. V., & Teasdale, J. (2018). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. New York: Guilford Publications.

Thompson, K., Schwartzman, D., D'Iuso, D., Dobson, K. S., & Drapeau, M. (2018). Client and Therapist Interpersonal Behavior in Cognitive Therapy for Depression. Canadian Journal of Counselling & Psychotherapy/Revue Canadienne de Counseling et de Psychothérapie, 52(3), 3, 229-249.