Anorexia Nervosa Case Paper

The client, Vanessa, is a Caucasian 22-year-old who identifies as female. She has two older sisters and is the youngest in the family. At home, in California, she lives with her mother, who struggles with body image. The presence of a father figure in Vanessa’s life in unknown. The nature of Vanessa’s issues originated from her negative home environment, manifesting themselves in the form of anorexia nervosa and excessive exercising. Vanessa’s issues began with her mother’s unhealthy perceptions of herself. Vanessa lived under a microscope driven by her mother’s illness. She was constantly scrutinized for her appearance, food choices, and physical image at home, often having her body compared to her sisters’. This environment made Vanessa very self-conscious of her body and instilled the need for her to measure up to her mother’s standards. Vanessa’s mother projected her own unhealthy body image expectations onto her daughter. Vanessa’s eating habits worsened when she started college four years ago. It is important to note that while Vanessa lives independently from the source of negativity (her mother), she takes it upon herself to continue the body shaming. Regulating her own diet was a way for Vanessa to prove herself and feel empowered, responsible, and good …show more content…
She knows that the feelings and resulting actions are not her own and she does not truly want them, but she struggles with her body image regardless. This confusion and betrayal feel even more heightened coming from someone who is supposed to do nothing but love and support her unconditionally. Person Centered Therapy will benefit Vanessa, because she will finally receive unconditional positive regard from someone; however, there is a potential problem. She may become too attached to her therapist, since he/she may be the first person to show this kind of