Psychodynamic Case Study Maggie's Depression

The most effective therapeutic approach for Maggie’s depression is cognitive therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because studies have shown it to be as effective as antidepressents in treating depression. Studies have also shown it to be effective at reducing relapses in patients after therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is different from other therapies because it is short, taking only five to ten months for most mental problems and often requiring only 10 to 20 sessions. The focus and method of CBT is also different. CBT is a more short-term approach than psychodynamic (psychoanalysis) therapies. Other types of therapies may require several years for discovery and treatment. CBT involves changing thinking patterns and focuses

Psychodynamic therapy is based on the belief that a person is depressed because of unresolved, unconscious conflicts that occur during childhood. Humanistic therapy helps individuals understand their feelings, gain a sense of meaning in life, and reach self-actualization. Behavioral therapy is based on the idea that maladaptive behavior is learned, and thus adaptive behavior can also be learned. The goal is to teach new behaviors to minimize or eliminate problems, rather than focusing on the unconscious mind. Cognitive therapy or CBT seeks to modify negative thought patterns in order to change moods and behaviors. It’s based on the belief that negative moods and behaviors are the result of current dysfunctional thoughts or beliefs. According to this case study, Maggie has very high standards for herself and is very self-critical. She also struggles with significant feelings of worthlessness and shame due to her inability to perform as well as she always has in the past. It seems that Maggie is suffering from dysfunctional thinking which is also affecting her mood and behavior towards her coworkers and husband. So it appears that CBT is the best approach to her depression. Maggie needs help identifying and changing her dysfunctional thinking which will change her mood and

Although many people respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy, experts point out that the type of person likely to get the most benefit from it is someone who is motivated, sees themselves as able to control events that happen around them, and has the capacity for introspection. Cognitive behavioral therapy introduces patients to a set of skills and principles that they can apply whenever they need to, and that’ll last them for the rest of their lives. CBT can significantly reduce the symptoms of many mental disorders and clinical trials have shown this. When patients are followed up two years after therapy has ended, many studies have shown a marked advantage for CBT. For example, just twelve sessions of CBT can be as helpful in treating depression as taking medication throughout the two years after therapy. This research suggests that CBT helps bring about a real change that goes beyond just feeling better while in therapy. Maggie can get the most benefit from CBT if she remains motivated throughout treatment. The support of Maggie’s husband and close friends can also assist with her treatment by helping to remind and encourage Maggie to complete all essential parts of her treatment such as attending every therapy session, taking psychiatric medications if she is prescribed, and completing homework assignments. Maggie’s husband can also