Alike is 17 years old, queer, African American, and female identified who came to seek psychotherapy because she has been feeling depressed and homesick since she moved to California for school. She has expressed having trouble getting out of bed, nervous about meeting new people, isolated and considering withdrawing from school and moving back home to NYC. Alike history is troublesome in attempts to work towards identifying and changing the thought and behavior pattern of her. The goal in psychotherapy is for Alike to formulate and learn new skills to assist in coping or problem solving for challenges in the future. The major components for a successful psychotherapy is the relationship between the client and clinician. It will be a lie if …show more content…
Becoming aware of this behavior and thought has shed light on what is important and appropriate for Alike livelihood. Her purpose of seeking therapy is to help her in the process of healing and reframing the idea of leaving school and rebuilding a social life. From a psychoanalytical perspective which dictates behavior determined by your past experiences explains the unconscious state of mine that people are unaware of. Murran, (2007) contemporary psychoanalytic concepts resonated most because of the process of organizing our thoughts. The first concept, of self explaining ways of organizing thoughts in different way to empathize with people different circumstances. Second concept is the binaries (perpetrator-victim) and the therapeutic stance in which the clinicians attempts to maintain attunement between the client and therapist experience. The third concept, suggest the involvement of enactments which transpire in the event of a client and therapist react and previous behavior or pattern that is unaware or not realize are perceived as crucial intersubjective and interpersonal structures that change is likely to occur. In regard to Alike my social identities influenced my countertransference reaction which could have easily guided this therapy in an unproductive manner taking into consideration of my reactions made me aware of the true purpose of Alike seeking psychotherapy. In our dialogue during our sessions I attempt to not focus on my needs, but rather the needs of my
Hud-Aleem, Raushanah, and Jacqueline Countryman. "Biracial Identity Development and Recommendations in Therapy." Psychiatry (Edgmont). Matrix Medical Communications. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
She was rejecting towards her children’s emotions, not giving them the emotional support they needed. Maggie now has disdain for her mother, whereas Milo still seemed hopeful for his Mother’s love and support. People who have lack of social support are more likely to be vulnerable to major depressive disorder, (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2014). The twin’s mother’s behavior clearly worsened the twin’s problems with depression during her visit. Excessive reassurance seeking can result when one experiences social rejection, especially if the person experiences the rejection frequently, (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2014). The interpersonal difficulties that their mother caused as children follow them into adulthood, (Barbour, n.d.). This becomes a cycle, the interpersonal difficulties that have become chronic continue to worsen depression and continuing the interpersonal difficulties, (Barbour, n.d.). This is Beck’s cognitive theory at play here. Early experiences form dysfunctional beliefs, critical incidents activate these beliefs, and the negative thoughts become automatic, (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2014). Social support is a critical variable in depression, (Barbour, n.d.). This is because the extent a person likes someone is directly correlated with how much one is willing to help and support that person, (Barbour, n.d.). Milo and
The client stated that she came to therapy because she has been feeling really lonely and feeling as though that she is not enough since the death of her father. After the death of her father, her mother did not pay her any attention; she understood that her mother was grieving, especially when her grandfather passed a year later. I stated that the frequent death that surrounded her mother, seem to have caused her mother to distance herself from her. She responded “yes, and it even gotten worse when my mom started to date and eventually marry my stepfather”. She mentioned that once her little sister was born, she became jealous and envious. I emphasized with her by stating that she must have felt as though her little sister was going to take the attention that she sought from her mother. After confirming that her mother paid more attention to her sister and stepfather, she mentioned that during this time she began to cut herself in places that no one would notice. The pain did not take the feeling away, but she wanted to know that if she could still feel pain after the thought of losing everything. However, the only person who paid her any attention during this time, was her grandmother. Her grandmother showed her the love that her mother nor “father figure” never showed her. I stated, “the love that your grandmother showed was not the love you were
In conclusion, after reading this essay you should be better able to help your friends and loved ones with the problems they may face through the use of psycho therapy. You should be able to pick one or more of the four types of therapy and choose one that is right for you and your personality, combined with the situation you are faced with. Who knows, you might even become famous for your talents someday.
The psychotherapies that I most support are a hybrid of two therapies, Carl Rogers’ nondirective Person/Client-Centered Approach and Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Approach. To put it simply, I call it the Person-Centered Cognitive Approach to psychotherapy. A collaboration of these two approaches is what I feel to be the most effective way to help clients achieve homeostasis and growth. I believe the client/therapist relationship is important, and this is why I support the Roger’s Person-Centered therapy and feel it is effective. If the client/therapist relationship is agreeable the atmosphere of the therapeutic relationship will allow for the client to open up, trust the therapist, and allow them to aid the client to move in a constructive direction (Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Beck’s Cognitive Therapy also puts great emphasis on a collaborative therapeutic relation, but the reason I support this approach opposed to behavioral approaches is because it says we are what we think (Corsini & Wedding, 2008), and in order for us to be able to change we have to become aware and evaluate our thoughts (Rosner, 2012).
A gestalt typically has two or more parts that are combined together to be perceived as one. In gestalt therapy, self-awareness is important for the client to comprehend. It helps them achieve personal growth and also helps them develop their full potential. Gestalt counseling is a humanistic, process-oriented therapy that integrates dialogue and field theory (Lewin, 1951). Many gestalt therapist believe that self-actualization cannot fully be achieved if negative thought patterns and behaviors intrude their daily lives. A gestalt therapist focuses on five key concepts when counselling a client. The five concepts are respect, experience, creativity, responsibility, and relationship. In a session, the client is treated with upmost respect and warmness so that he or she will be open to talk. When speaking to a client, a therapist may put emphasis on reliving past experiences to come into terms with root conflictions that are the cause of their problems. Therapist also use various creative and flexible techniques to help a client to feel safe to talk. An emphasis on social responsibility is enforced by the therapist to the client. This emphasis on social responsibility helps the client to view the world as a whole rather than focusing on only their own factors in life. Having good relationships with other people is vital for the well-being of a client. A gestalt therapists acknowledges that their client has achieved whole well-being when the client has a good relationship with themselves and others (Counselling Directory, p.3). Typical methods and techniques for a client’s therapeutic process includes role play, the “open-chair” technique, authentic dialogue, dream interpretation, and attention to body language. Gestalt therapy values each client's unique context and diversity variables and strives to understand the client's experience from his or her perspective (Resnick,
Identifying the ego defenses manifested by Steve during therapy was beneficial in ultimately setting realistic goals in effort meet him at his level of readiness, therefore, solidifying the therapeutic alliance with an involuntary client. Steve had been isolating himself from his peers for an extended period of time. The reason for isolation was his thoughts about the perception other students had about special education recipients. In Goldstein (1995), “Sometimes the mechanism of isolation is referred to as isolation of affect, for there is a repression of the feelings associated with particular content or the idea connected with certain affects” (p. 78).
The rapport and friendship built throughout this movie is vital to the success of the therapy exhibited here. This is a great example of Gestalt therapeutic approach and helps to identify most of the techniques incorporated. The techniques and ways of gently confronting but pushing a client all the way through are very beneficial to each viewer of this film.
The second stage in the psychodynamic therapy process is, the transference stage. In this stage the development of treatment is set and now it is the patient’s time to let their feelings out. The patient expresses those feelings, emotions, fears, and desires to the therapist without having to worry about censorship. The feelings and behavior of the patient become more pronounced and become a vital part of the treatment itself. During this stage the therapist could experience and better understand of the patient’s past and how it impacted their behavior in the
The latter will include peer feedback, instructor feedback, and self-criticism. This paper will conclude with a brief discussion of the future direction of therapy were I to remain a therapist. Presenting Problem Both Michelle and Katy came to therapy with complaints of an increasing frequency of arguments. These arguments began almost a year ago and, as time passed, have become more emotionally intense. Michelle reported that during these arguments, she often cries.
This concept shares some common features with the concept of countertransference in psychoanalysis to some degree. In the therapy, the clients’ reactions and the
Clients are encouraged to face the facts about oneself, and learn that in order for others to accept them, they must learn to love and appreciate themselves. Gestalt therapy would help Joan realize that she needs to focus on the now and her current relationship with Hal, as her disapproving relationships in the past are not an important factor in the mending of her current relationship. Furthermore, Gestalt Therapy is a strong form of counseling in how it is personally tailored to each individual, making it applicable across cultures. However, this could cause difficulties in Joan. She seems to contribute much of her self worth as a human to the acceptance she receives from her relationships. It could be a strength, by teaching her how to become more self reliant and self accepting, but it could also be difficult to start with as she is so reliant on others opinions. It’s level of creativity can emphasize nonverbal behaviors, such as with the exaggeration exercise. By exaggerating movements or gestures, it intensifies the feelings the client associates with that gesture. Gestalt Therapy also has its limitations. It can be hard for clients that are not able to think abstractly to do some of the exercises of Gestalt. Such as empty chair or role playing. Therapists can also, if not careful, abuse their power. Some of the techniques used can be forceful and therapists that have not been
Toseland & Rivas (2009) expressed how the psychodynamic theory focuses primarily on the individual, group members act out in the group unresolved conflicts from early life experiences (p.59). The group focused on past life experiences while exploring the cognitive moral reasoning behind their actions and how to cope positively from the injustices that occurred. As we divulged into heavy topics some group members enforced defense mechanisms that had formed earlier in their lives. Thus, the Social Worker and I had to link group members past behaviors to their current ones to help them solve conflict and hinderances in their behavior and positive way of thinking. Overall, the members of the group progressed tremendously from their negative coping behaviors. The treatment group has increased their self-confidence on their ability to persevere after enduring trauma and substance abuse issues. They have also gained a deeper respect for one another, and created a positive social support group outside of the treatment group
Three interrelated attitude of the therapist are central to the success of person-centered therapy, this include: congruence; unconditional positive regard; and empathy (Corey, 2010). Congruence represents the openness and geniuses of the therapists. Therapists who function this way does not hind behind a professional façade, and are willing to share significant emotional reactions with their clients. Unconditional positive regards refers to the therapist accepting the client totally as she or he is without disapproving particular behaviors, believes, feelings or characteristics. Therapists convey this message by their wiliness to listen without being judging, or directive. The therapist who creates a nonthreatening context allows the clients to explore and share their true feelings without fear of being judged. Empathy is the third necessary component of a therapist’s attitude. The therapist should try to see through client’s point to view, and show understanding and sensitivity to client’s feeling throughout the therapy session. When these three attitudes are conveyed by a therapist, according the Rogers, the client can freely express themselves without afraid of being
Susanna’s disorder can be analyzed from all psychological perspectives. The psychodynamic perspective is a school of thought that focuses on how helping behavior springs from unconscious drives and conflicts. Susanna’s conflict from years ago with her family will continue to affect her behavior until it is resolved. The social cultural point of view is a school of thought that focuses on how thinking or behavior changes in different situations or as a result of cultural influences. Behavior seen in this disorder has been connected with adolescents and young adults with identity problems whether it be social pressures, anxiety provoking choices, or conflicts about sexual identity. Susanna’s behavior drastically changed when she was around Lisa.