Due 103119 Case Analysis Treatment Format Prior To Beginning
Due 103119case Analysis Treatment Formatprior To Beginning Work On
Assess the evidence-based practices implemented in this case study. In your paper, include the following. Explain the connection between each theoretical orientation used by Dr. Bank’s and the interventions utilized in the case. Describe the concept of dialectical behavior therapy, being sure to include the six main points of this type of treatment.
Explain Dr. Banks’s primary goal during the pre-treatment stage and how Dr. Banks related this to Karen in her initial therapy sessions. Describe the two formats that Dr. Banks told Karen would be part of her treatment program.
Describe the focus of the second and third stages of treatment. Assume the role of a consulting clinical or counseling psychologist on this case, and recommend at least one technology-based e-therapy tool that would be useful. Explain liability issues related to delivering e-therapy consultation, supporting your response with information from the Miller (2006), “Telehealth Issues in Consulting Psychology Practice†article. Evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment interventions implemented by Dr. Banks supporting your statements with information from the case and two to three peer-reviewed articles from the Ashford University Library, in addition to those required for this week.
Recommend three additional treatment interventions that would be appropriate in this case. Use information from the Sneed, Fertuck, Kanellopoulos, and Culang-Reinlieb (2012), “Borderline Personality Disorder†article to help support your recommendations. Justify your selections with information from the case. The Case Analysis – Treatment Format Must be 4 to 5 double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.) . Must include a separate title page with the following: Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted Must use at least two peer-reviewed sources from the Ashford University Library in addition to the article required for this week. Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Paper For Above instruction
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) presents significant challenges for mental health professionals due to its complex symptomatology and the high risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors among affected individuals. In this case study, Dr. Banks implements a series of evidence-based practices aimed at addressing the core features of BPD. This paper critically evaluates those practices, explains the theoretical underpinnings of her interventions, discusses the application of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), assesses the treatment stages, and offers technology-based recommendations and additional interventions grounded in current research literature.
Theoretical Orientations and Interventions
Dr. Banks employs an integrative theoretical approach, primarily drawing upon dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic principles. The connection between these orientations lies in their focus on emotional regulation, maladaptive thought patterns, and underlying psychological conflicts. Specifically, DBT, developed by Marsha Linehan, emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness (Linehan, 1993). The interventions aligned with Dr. Banks's use of DBT include skills training, validation strategies, and diary card tracking, all aimed at reducing emotional dysregulation and impulsivity characteristic of BPD. The integration of cognitive techniques further assists in modifying distorted thinking patterns, while psychodynamic concepts help explore underlying trauma or relational patterns contributing to the disorder.
Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach specifically designed for individuals with BPD. Its six main points include: (1) mindfulness, which teaches present-moment awareness; (2) distress tolerance, helping clients tolerate painful emotions without resorting to self-destructive behaviors; (3) emotion regulation, aimed at reducing vulnerability to negative emotions; (4) interpersonal effectiveness, promoting healthier relationship skills; (5) validation of clients’ experiences, emphasizing the importance of acceptance; and (6) behavioral change, encouraging clients to develop and maintain healthier behaviors (Linehan, 1993). The primary goal of DBT is to help clients achieve a balance between acceptance and change, reduce self-harm behaviors, and improve emotional stability.
Pre-treatment Goals and Treatment Formats
During the pre-treatment stage, Dr. Banks’s primary goal was establishing rapport, ensuring client safety, and clarifying treatment objectives. She emphasized creating a validating environment where Karen felt heard and understood. This stage also involved assessing the severity of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and establishing emergency protocols. Dr. Banks communicated that Karen’s treatment involved both individual therapy and skills training group sessions—two formats integral to DBT. The individual therapy focused on personalized goals, while the group sessions provided skills training in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Focus of Subsequent Treatment Stages
The second stage of treatment centers on reducing life-threatening behaviors and therapy-interfering behaviors, with a strong emphasis on building coping skills. The third stage shifts focus toward reducing behaviors that interfere with therapist collaboration and increasing the client’s behavioral and emotional problem-solving skills. During these phases, clients work systematically to replace maladaptive coping mechanisms with healthier alternatives, integrating the skills learned in earlier stages into their daily lives. The ultimate aim is to foster autonomous and resilient functioning, leading to sustained behavioral change.
Technology-Based E-Therapy Tools and Liability Considerations
As a consulting psychologist, incorporating technology could enhance service delivery. A promising tool is smartphone-based apps such as DBT Self-Help or MoodCoach, which provide real-time skill coaching, mood tracking, and crisis management resources (Luxton et al., 2011). These tools facilitate accessible, immediate support between therapy sessions and promote skill generalization. However, telehealth and e-therapy carry liability concerns, including confidentiality breaches, data security, and licensure issues across jurisdictional boundaries (Miller, 2006). Miller (2006) highlights the importance of informed consent, secure communication platforms, and adherence to legal standards to mitigate risks associated with remote therapeutic services.
Effectiveness of Interventions
The interventions deployed by Dr. Banks, particularly her adherence to DBT principles, are supported by substantial empirical evidence demonstrating reductions in self-harm incidents, emotional dysregulation, and therapy dropout rates (Stoffers et al., 2012). The case indicates that her combination of validation, skills training, and tailored treatment goals effectively addressed Karen’s symptoms. Peer-reviewed studies reinforce that DBT outperforms other psychotherapies in treating BPD, especially in managing suicidal behaviors. For instance, Van den Bosch et al. (2013) reported high treatment retention and symptom improvement among clients receiving DBT. While some behavioral challenges persisted, the overall trajectory suggests the implementation of evidence-based practices was efficacious.
Additional Treatment Interventions
Based on Sneed et al. (2012), additional interventions could include mentalization-based therapy (MBT), schema therapy, or pharmacotherapy. MBT enhances clients' capacity to understand their own and others' mental states, fostering emotional regulation and relational stability. Schema therapy targets deeply ingrained maladaptive schemas developed during early life, which may underpin persistent borderline traits. Pharmacological adjuncts, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants, may mitigate mood swings and impulsivity. These interventions would complement Dr. Banks’s existing approach, providing a holistic treatment plan tailored to Karen’s evolving needs. For example, if Karen exhibits persistent relational disturbances, MBT could offer valuable insights into her interpersonal patterns, thereby supporting her progress toward emotional stability and healthier relationships (Sneed et al., 2012).
Conclusion
The case exemplifies the importance of evidence-based, multi-faceted treatment approaches for BPD. Dr. Banks’s application of DBT, alongside tailored interventions and emerging technologies, underscores the evolving landscape of mental health care. Integrating innovative e-therapy tools and additional evidence-supported techniques can further enhance treatment outcomes, offering hope for individuals with this challenging disorder.
References
- Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
- Luxton, D. D., McCann, R. A., Bush, N. E., Mishkind, M. C., & Reger, G. M. (2011). mHealth for mental health: Integrating smartphone technology in behavioral healthcare. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 42(6), 505–512.
- Miller, S. D. (2006). Telehealth issues in consulting psychology practice. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 58(4), 237–245.
- Sneed, J. R., Fertuck, E. A., Kanellopoulos, D., & Culang-Reinlieb, M. (2012). Borderline personality disorder. In A. S. Gur et al. (Eds.), Comprehensive handbook of personality and psychopathology (pp. 341–374). Guilford Press.
- Stoffers, G. H., Völlm, B. A., Rücker, G., Timmer, A., Huband, N., & Lieb, K. (2012). Psychological therapies for people with borderline personality disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8).
- Van den Bosch, L. M., Verheul, R., de Ridder, S., & Schippers, G. M. (2013). A review of evidence-based treatments for borderline personality disorder: How to choose among available options? Clinical Psychology Review, 33(2), 26–37.
- Comer, R. J., & Gorenstein, E. (2014). Treatment planning in clinical psychology. In Theories of psychotherapy (pp. 321–344). Routledge.
- Harned, M. S., et al. (2013). Treatment preferences among women with borderline personality disorder and PTSD. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(3), 543–551.
- Rizvi, S. L., et al. (2013). An overview of dialectical behavior therapy for professional psychologists. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 55–71.
- Corbett, C., & Baron, D. (2014). The integration of technology into behavioral healthcare: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 41(3), 303–314.