A 27-year-old female with a history of substance abuse, Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
which is characterized by depression and PTSD secondary to rape presents for individual therapy
states "I just don't feel like myself, I have had better days, ever since they said my father has
cancer, I am having bad dreams and wake up screaming." Client medication and history is
reviewed. Safety concerns addressed and emotional support given. The Client reports successful
treatment for PTSD 5 years ago with individual psychotherapy and she has been attending
support groups since then to support others. Stress management encouraged exploring triggers.
Therapeutic Approach
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a cutting-edge approach is focused on the current scientific
advancements in psychological studies. This works for anxiety, depression and several other
issues in the head. Several cognitive behavioral therapy approaches are available, but they all
seek to alter self-defeating feelings, conflicting emotions and counterproductive behavior
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The following cognitive behavior interventions are
some of CBT's most common strategies for improving thought, attitude and behavior (Boland &
Keller, 2002).
In this case, I utilized Exposure. Exposure is a method in cognitive behavior therapy that helps
people tackle what they fear regularly. In reference to DeRubeis, Gelfand, Tang and Simons
(1999) anxiety leads to avoiding of problems at hand. Unfortunately, suppressing worries is what
makes you scared and nervous. Exposure is one of the most effective psychological therapies.
CBT Therapy is a type of cognitive and behavioral therapy that helps you identify specific
negative thought behaviors and behavioral reactions in stressful and difficult circumstances
(Lejuez, Hopko & Hopko, 2001).
You and the care provider will discuss and identify situations within your life that can lead to or
worsen your depression during each session. It is therefore possible to identify and address any
of your distorted perceptions and current thinking patterns.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Boland RJ, Keller MB. (2002). Course and outcome of depression. In: Gotlib IH, Hammen CL,
editors. Handbook of depression. New York: Guilford, 2002: pp. 43–60
DeRubeis RJ, Gelfand LA, Tang TZ, Simons AD. (1999). Medication versus cognitive behavior
therapy for severely depressed outpatients: Mega-analysis of four randomized comparisons. Am
J Psychiatry 1999; 156: 1007–1013.
Lejuez CW, Hopko DR, Hopko SD. (2001). A brief behavioral activation treatment for
depression. Behav Modif 2001; 25: 255–286.
