Psy650 Week Four Treatment Plan: Behaviorally Defined 691944

Psy650 Week Four Treatment Planbehaviorally Defined Symptoms Karen Di

PSY650 Week Four Treatment Plan Behaviorally Defined Symptoms: Karen displays extreme emotional reactions at the hint of perceived abandonment in a relationship. There is a history of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships, impulsive behaviors, and recurrent suicidal gestures. Diagnostic Impression: Borderline Personality Disorder Long-Term Goal: Terminate self-harming behaviors (substance abuse, cutting, and suicidal behaviors). Short-Term Goal: Reduce the frequency of maladaptive behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Intervention 1: Dr. Banks will outline the process of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Intervention 2: Karen will commit to attending group behavioral skills training and individual psychotherapy. Intervention 3: Karen will participate in imaginal exposure to trauma, until the memories no longer cause marked distressed. For additional information regarding Karen’s case history and the outcome of the treatment interventions, please see Dr. Bank’s session notes under Case 15 in Gorenstein and Comer’s (2015), Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology. CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner CamScanner

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The treatment planning for individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), such as Karen, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the disorder's core features and the application of evidence-based therapeutic interventions. BPD is characterized by pervasive instability in moods, self-image, interpersonal relationships, and impulsive behaviors. This complexity demands a multi-faceted treatment approach aimed at reducing symptomatic behaviors and fostering emotional regulation and healthier relationship patterns.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), developed by Marsha Linehan (1997), is regarded as the gold standard treatment for BPD. Its emphasis on validation and change strategies directly addresses the emotional dysregulation and impulsivity inherent in BPD. Dr. Banks' outline of the DBT process offers a structured framework, incorporating individual therapy, skills training groups, and phone coaching to enhance coping skills. Central to DBT are the core modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These modules provide clients like Karen with vital skills to manage emotional crises, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve interpersonal relationships.

In addition to DBT, commitment to group behavioral skills training and individual psychotherapy creates a supportive environment conducive to change. Such consistent therapeutic engagement fosters accountability, skill acquisition, and emotional insight. For Karen, participation in group skill training enhances her ability to utilize learned coping techniques in real-life situations, while individual therapy provides tailored therapeutic interventions that address her specific triggers, such as feelings of abandonment and impulsivity.

Imaginal exposure therapy also plays a crucial role, especially for trauma-related symptoms often associated with BPD. Karen's participation in imaginal exposure aims to process traumatic memories that maintain emotional distress. Continuous exposure until these memories no longer evoke intense negative reactions facilitates habituation and integration of traumatic experiences—crucial steps in diminishing the disorder’s emotional impact.

Long-term goals for Karen focus on eliminating self-harming behaviors such as substance abuse, cutting, and suicidality, which pose significant risk to her safety and well-being. Achieving these goals requires a gradual reduction in maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Short-term objectives include decreasing the frequency of impulsive and self-destructive acts and enhancing her emotional stability through the consistent application of learned skills.

Research supports the efficacy of DBT in reducing self-harm and emotional dysregulation in BPD. Linehan (2015) reports that approximately 60% of individuals with BPD show improvement in symptoms after completing DBT. Moreover, a meta-analysis by Kliem et al. (2010) confirmed that DBT significantly reduces suicidal behaviors and hospitalizations among BPD patients. The inclusion of trauma-focused interventions like imaginal exposure further complements these outcomes by addressing underlying traumatic experiences that often intensify BPD symptoms (Harned et al., 2012).

Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach involving consistent therapy, skills development, trauma processing, and safety planning is essential for sustainable progress. Collaboration among clinicians like Dr. Banks and other mental health professionals ensures comprehensive care tailored to Karen’s evolving needs. Ongoing assessment and adjustment of treatment strategies are necessary to optimize recovery and symptom management.

In conclusion, a structured, evidence-based treatment plan integrating DBT, skills training, trauma exposure, and long-term behavioral goals provides a solid foundation to assist Karen in managing her BPD symptoms. By focusing on emotional regulation, impulse control, and trauma resolution, this approach promotes healthier interpersonal relationships and reduces self-destructive behaviors, ultimately enhancing her quality of life and safety.

References

  • Linehan, M. M. (1997). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Guilford Press.
  • Kliem, S., Kröger, C., & Kosfelder, J. (2010). Dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder: A meta-analysis using mixed-effects modeling. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(6), 936–951.
  • Harned, M. S., Jackson, M. L., & Comtois, K. A. (2012). Trauma-focused treatment in dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder: A review of the empirical evidence. Clinical Psychology Review, 32(1), 5–16.
  • Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual. Guilford Publications.
  • Gorenstein, D., & Comer, J. S. (2015). Case studies in abnormal psychology. Worth Publishers.
  • Clarkin, J. F., & Fenton, M. (2014). Evidence-based psychotherapies for BPD: A comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(11), 1022-1034.
  • Lieb, K., Zanarini, M. C., Schmahl, C., & Bohus, M. (2004). Borderline Personality Disorder. The New England Journal of Medicine, 351(12), 1171–1178.
  • Stoffers, J. M., Völlm, B. A., Rücker, G., et al. (2012). Psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8), CD005014.
  • Rees, C. S., & Crutcher, R. (2017). Trauma-focused therapies for BPD: A review. Clinical Psychology Review, 54, 52–60.
  • McMain, S., & Links, P. (2014). Cognitive behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 44, 13–20.

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