Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Case Studies

Janet is a thirty-year-old divorced woman with three children who is currently struggling with a major depressive episode. The depression first emerged when her now ex-husband David asked for a divorce a little over a year ago, but has become much worse lately. The divorce caused Janet to experience financial pressures, a drop in self-confidence, and a feeling of being overwhelmed by her children and her life. She reports experiencing a depressed mood, melancholia, anhedonia, weight gain, decreased concentration and decreased motivation. She blames herself for her situation, and constantly ruminates on her divorce, as well as her lack of social ties. Janet initially came to counseling in order to help her son, Adam, who is having trouble sleeping. From a cognitive-behavioral viewpoint, Janet’s cognitions have caused her to behave in ways that resulted in her being withdrawn from society. Janet sees the world through a negative cognitive triad: she has a negative view of herself, the world, and little hope for the future. Janet reacted to these feelings by becoming …show more content…
To identify them, I will have her keep a record of the negative automatic thoughts she experiences throughout the day. Then, once they are identified, we can work on challenging them and understanding how they are affecting her behaviors. After that, specific behavioral goals can be determined that would serve to increase the number of positive reinforcers in her life. Because she used to enjoy reading, one goal may be to join a book club, so that she reengages in social events and returns to an old, calming hobby. By recognizing and combating negative thoughts, engaging in hobbies that used to be fulfilling, and increasing social interactions and positive reinforcers, hopefully Janet’s symptoms will be reduced and her quality of life will