question archive CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Case Conceptualization Case conceptualization refers to the process in which we make sense of a client's presenting concerns in the context of a theoretical framework
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Case Conceptualization Case conceptualization refers to the process in which we make sense of a client's presenting concerns in the context of a theoretical framework
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CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Case Conceptualization Case conceptualization refers to the process in which we make sense of a client's presenting concerns in the context of a theoretical framework. In other words, it refers to how we explain or understand the client's symptoms, personality characteristics, cognitions, feelings, and behaviors in light of a particular theory or integration of theories. Such understanding should lead to the formulation of therapeutic goals and intervention strategies. At this stage you will conceptualize a client's case from one theoretical orientation at a time. The content of the conceptualization of the same case will differ according to the various theories depending on the aspect of human experiencing that each theory emphasizes. Below is a brief description of data from an intake form of a client. Based on this, assume a case conceptualization of Ruth using Existential Therapy outlined as follows: I. Approach of therapist according to theory II. Therapeutic Goals III. Intervention/Treatment Strategies I. Background Data Mike is a 20 year-old who reports to you that he feels depressed and is experiencing a significant amount of stress about school, noting that he'll "probably flunk out." He spends much of his day in his dorm room playing video games and has a hard time identifying what, if anything, is enjoyable in a typical day. He rarely attends class and has avoided reaching out to his professors to try to salvage his grades this semester. Mike has always been a self-described shy person and has had a very small and cohesive group of friends from elementary through high school. Notably, his level of stress significantly amplified when he began college. You learn that when meeting new people, he has a hard time concentrating on the interaction because he is busy worrying about what they will think of him - he assumes they will find him "dumb," "boring," or a "loser." When he loses his concentration, he stutters, is at a loss for words, and starts to sweat, which only serves to make him feel more uneasy. After the interaction, he replays the conversation over and over again, focusing on the "stupid" things he said. Similarly, he has a long-standing history of being uncomfortable with authority figures and has had a hard time raising his hand in class and approaching teachers. Since starting college, he has been isolating more, turning down invitations from his roommate to go eat or hang out, ignoring his cell phone when it rings, and habitually skipping class. His concerns about how others view him are what drive him to engage in these avoidance behaviors. After conducting your assessment, you give the patient feedback that you believe he has social anxiety disorder, which should be the primary treatment target. You explain that you see his fear of negative evaluation, and his thoughts and behaviors surrounding social situations, as driving his increasing sense of hopelessness, isolation, and worthlessness. SYMPTOMS • Anxiety • Depression • Ruminations • Social Anxiety
