Disorders And Treatments Paperthis Assignment Will Require You To Sele ✓ Solved

Disorders and Treatments Paper This assignment will require you to select a psychological disorder and pair it with a form of psychotherapy that has demonstrable success. You will also create a therapy session transcript that shows successful application of therapeutic communication skills. In your work as a mental health provider, you will be called upon to identify, interpret, and successfully apply evidence-based therapies. The transcript exercise provides you the opportunity to demonstrate competence in applying basic therapeutic communication skills you learned and practiced in Units 3 and 4, and at least one technique of the approach you selected to assist your fictional client. This assignment also provides practice in matching therapies to client concerns—which will you will do again in Unit 10—while at the same time incorporating theories of multicultural therapies.

Instructions For this 9–12 page assignment, you will choose a psychological disorder from the following DSM-5 categories: · Depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, OR · Substance-related and addictive disorders. You will then choose an approach to psychotherapy that has a proven track record. You will also create a therapy session transcript. In that imaginary session, you will explain to the client the type of therapy you would like to use (See 10.1 Informed Consent to Therapy, and 4.02, Discussing the Limits of Confidentiality in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Link in the Resources) as well as demonstrating the therapeutic communication skills of reflection (thoughts and affect), empathic statements, and open-ended questions.

The first 5–6 pages of the paper should describe the client's demography and presenting concern; it should then provide an academically-based reason for your choice of therapeutic approach to use with the client. The final 3–4 pages will be the transcript of a fictional client. EXAMPLE OF IDENTIFICATION OF SKILL SET WITHIN TRANSCRIPT [Excerpt of middle of a session] Therapist: Hi, how are things going today? [open-ended question] Client: Everyone hates me. Therapist: Can you tell me more....who is "everyone"? [open-ended question] Client: My dad is always on my butt to mow the yard, my mom yells at me about my bedroom. She wants it to look like no one sleeps there, and none of my friends are talking to me at school.

Therapist: I want to make sure I understand correctly, right now your friends are not being so friendly, and your mom and dad are mostly interested in their house and yard. [paraphrase] Client: EXACTLY! Did they have me just so I could provide free labor? Therapist: Feeling used can weaken the best of relationships. [empathic statement] Can you tell me when you noticed that your friends stopped talking to you? [open ended question, clarifying question] To successfully complete this assignment, you must meet the following requirements: · Written communication: Written communication is grammatically correct and free of errors that detract from the overall message. Writing should be consistent with graduate level scholarship. · APA formatting: Title page, main body, references should be formatted according to APA (6th Edition) style and formatting. · Number of resources: Minimum of 6–7 resources. · Length of paper: 9–12 typed double-spaced pages to include 3–4 page session transcript, title page, and references.

No abstract or table of contents is required. Do not exceed 12 pages for the entire project, title page through reference page. · Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt Resources · Disorders and Treatments Paper Scoring Guide .

Paper for above instructions

Introduction

Mental health disorders, specifically depressive disorders, have become increasingly prevalent in the contemporary world. Among these, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most debilitating afflictions, characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and various physical and emotional difficulties (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The World Health Organization (2019) emphasizes that depression is a leading cause of disability globally, underscoring the importance of effective treatment methodologies. This paper will delve into Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in relation to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a psychotherapy approach commonly used with demonstrable success in treating depressive disorders. A fictional therapy session transcript will subsequently illustrate an applied CBT session, exhibiting foundational therapeutic communication skills.

Demographic Profile of the Client

The client, “Sarah”, is a 28-year-old Caucasian female, who works full-time as a graphic designer. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Sarah presents with feelings of unhappiness, fatigue, and an inability to concentrate on her work. She has been experiencing these feelings intermittently for over a year but reports a significant escalation in their intensity over the past three months. She describes her mood as “heavy,” stating that she finds little joy in activities she used to enjoy, such as painting and hiking.
Sarah also reports significant self-criticism, expressing feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy in both her personal and professional spheres. She has withdrawn socially, preferring to stay home rather than meet with friends and family. Additionally, she has noted fluctuations in her sleep patterns, ranging from insomnia to excessive sleeping, and a notable reduction in appetite leading to weight loss. Sarah’s family history indicates that her mother also struggled with depression.
During the session, Sarah mentioned having considered seeking help approximately six months ago, but she felt overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed. The primary concern for Sarah is her low mood and diminishing functionality in daily activities, which has raised her anxiety about job security and her relationships.

Rationale for Choice of Therapeutic Approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely accepted form of psychotherapy for treating Major Depressive Disorder, supported by numerous studies demonstrating its effectiveness (Hofmann et al., 2012; Cuijpers et al., 2016). CBT primarily focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, suggesting that negative thought patterns can perpetuate depressive symptoms. This approach empowers clients to identify irrational thinking, challenge those thoughts, and replace them with healthier alternatives.
Research indicates that CBT not only alleviates symptoms of MDD but also teaches clients effective coping mechanisms for future challenges (Butler et al., 2006). Moreover, CBT can be tailored to address cultural sensitivities and unique client backgrounds, making it an appropriate choice for Sarah. This adaptability aligns well with her background as a creative individual who may benefit from an engaging method of therapy that allows for self-expression and experimentation with new perspectives.

Multicultural Considerations

Cultural competence is essential in psychological treatment. Knowing that Sarah is of Caucasian descent, her treatment through CBT must remain aware of her social context and familial expectations surrounding mental health. Prior studies suggest that stigma around seeking mental health treatment may vary across cultures, affecting individuals' willingness to engage with mental health services (Dunn et al., 2019). Ensuring that the therapeutic environment is open, affirming, and non-judgmental thus becomes paramount in establishing a genuine therapeutic alliance with Sarah, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes.

Therapy Session Transcript

[Setting: A comfortable and private therapy room. Sarah sits on a couch, while the therapist takes a chair across from her.]

Therapist:

Hi Sarah, how are you feeling today? [open-ended question]

Sarah:

Honestly, I’m feeling a bit low. It’s just been a tough time for me lately.

Therapist:

I hear you. It sounds like things have been difficult for you recently. Can you tell me more about what’s been bringing you down? [empathic statement, open-ended question]

Sarah:

I just don’t feel like myself anymore. I used to love painting and going out with friends, but now I just want to stay in bed. [affect reflection]

Therapist:

Staying in bed feels like it’s become your go-to, and you miss the moments you used to enjoy. [reflection of affect] What do you think has changed?

Sarah:

I think it started when I began feeling overwhelmed at work. It feels impossible to keep up with everything.

Therapist:

Feeling overwhelmed can be really challenging, especially at work. [empathic statement] What specific thoughts come to your mind when you feel overwhelmed? [open-ended question]

Sarah:

I just keep thinking that I’m not good enough. Like, everyone can see that I’m failing. [paraphrase]

Therapist:

It sounds like you might be grappling with some harsh self-evaluations. [empathic statement] If you allowed yourself to challenge those thoughts, what might that look like? [open-ended question]

Sarah:

I guess I could try to remind myself that I’ve succeeded in the past. But it’s just so hard to believe that when I feel this way.

Therapist:

Belief in oneself can waver during tough times. [reflection] One strategy we could use is to keep a journal of your accomplishments, however small they may seem. Would that be something you’d be willing to try? [open-ended question]

Sarah:

That sounds manageable. I can try that.

Therapist:

That’s great to hear! Journaling is a helpful tool. Let’s think also about ways to gradually reintroduce activities you used to enjoy, like painting. What would that look like for you? [open-ended question]

Sarah:

I think starting small would help. Maybe just a few minutes a day.

Therapist:

Starting small can often be the key to regaining momentum. [summarizing] To ensure we develop a robust plan moving forward, how do you feel about our approach today? [open-ended question]

Sarah:

It's been good. I really appreciate that you listen.

Therapist:

I’m glad to hear that. It's important to create a space where you feel heard and understood. We’ll continue this journey together, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. [empowering statement]

Conclusion

The intersection of major depressive disorders and efficacious therapeutic interventions is crucial for fostering a path toward recovery. This paper explored Major Depressive Disorder through the lens of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, emphasizing the importance of therapeutic communication skills throughout the healing process. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’s evidence-based effectiveness aligns well with the unique experiences of the fictitious client, Sarah, offering her strategies to challenge negative thought patterns and re-engage with life’s joys. Furthermore, by embracing cultural considerations while building therapeutic rapport, therapists can enhance the outcomes of their interventions in treating depression.

References

- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
- Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(6), 173-191.
- Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., & van Straten, A. (2016). The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 202, 511-522.
- Dunn, K. M., Guckin, d. C., & Jolley, D. J. (2019). The role of stigma in depression and mental health: A narrative review. Bipolar Disorders, 21(3), 269-270.
- Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A meta-analytic review. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
- World Health Organization. (2019). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
Note: This assignment provides a fictional scenario meant to fulfill the educational requirements of the task while ensuring the discussion on therapy techniques and skills.