Week 2 Psychodynamic Theory: The Shoe That Fits One Person

Week 2 Psychodynamic Theoriesthe Shoe That Fits One Person Pinches An

Write a case conceptualization as though you are an Adlerian counselor. A case conceptualization is a report by a counselor to explain presenting problems, establish goals, plan interventions, and identify expected outcomes. Review the Adlerian therapy video and the psychoanalytic case conceptualization example. Select one of the four case studies provided and answer the following points: - Presenting Problem - Treatment Goals - Identification and explanation of at least two techniques and interventions - Expected Outcome Support your conceptualization with specific references to the learning resources, using proper APA format and citations. Respond to at least two colleagues' posts by explaining whether the proposed Adlerian case conceptualization is beneficial for the case and why.

Paper For Above instruction

Adlerian therapy, founded by Alfred Adler, is an influential approach within the psychodynamic family that emphasizes the importance of social interest, fostering a sense of belonging, and understanding an individual's lifestyle and early childhood experiences (Dufrene, Henderson, & Eckart, 2016). As a counselor adopting this approach, my primary goal is to understand the client's unique subjective perspective and facilitate growth through encouragement and holistic assessment. This case conceptualization will examine a selected case study, focusing on presenting problems, treatment goals, techniques, interventions, and anticipated outcomes, supported by Adlerian principles.

Presenting Problem

The client, a 28-year-old woman named Sarah, presents with feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming close relationships. She reports consistent feelings of social isolation, often believing she is unworthy of love and acceptance. Sarah also exhibits signs of perfectionism, setting unrealistically high standards for herself and experiencing distress when she fails to meet them. Her childhood experiences include growing up in a household where her efforts were rarely acknowledged, and she faced excessive criticism from her parents, contributing to her current belief that she is incapable of achieving success or happiness without extraordinary effort.

Treatment Goals

  • Increase Sarah’s awareness of her lifestyle and core beliefs that influence her behaviors.
  • Develop a more positive self-concept and enhance self-esteem.
  • Encourage social interest and foster a sense of belonging within her community and relationships.
  • Identify and modify patterns of perfectionism that hinder her personal growth.

Techniques and Interventions

First, I would utilize lifestyle assessment to explore Sarah’s early memories, family dynamics, and worldview. This aligns with Adlerian techniques of understanding her subjective perception of her life and defining her unique style of life (Dufrene, Henderson, & Eckart, 2016). Through this assessment, I aim to identify mistaken beliefs and safety strategies that sustain her feelings of inadequacy.

Secondly, the use of encouragement will be central to therapy. Adler emphasized fostering confidence by highlighting clients’ strengths and accomplishments (Dufrene, Henderson, & Eckart, 2016). By providing positive reinforcement and affirming her efforts, I intend to replace her negative self-judgments with constructive self-talk and a focus on her assets.

Third, I would employ the technique of acting 'as if,' encouraging Sarah to envision herself engaging confidently in social situations. This technique helps clients adopt new behaviors aligned with their goals and develop social interest. Additionally, use of specific homework assignments, such as self-affirmation exercises and social participation tasks, will reinforce progress outside of sessions and promote practical application of new skills.

Expected Outcome

With sustained therapy, Sarah is expected to develop a healthier self-concept, moving away from perfectionistic tendencies and embracing her inherent worth. Her increasing social interest should lead to more meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging, and improved self-esteem. Over time, she will internalize her strengths and view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures. The overall goal is to foster personal growth and empower Sarah to lead a more fulfilling, connected life.

References

  • Dufrene, R. L., Henderson, K. L., & Eckart, E. C. (2016). Adlerian theory. In D. Capuzzi & M. D. Stauffer (Eds.), Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (6th ed., pp. 121–146). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
  • Johnson, A. L. (2016). Psychoanalytic theory. In D. Capuzzi & M. D. Stauffer (Eds.), Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (6th ed., pp. 73–96). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
  • Nelson, K., & Finn, A. (2016). Jungian analytical theory. In D. Capuzzi & M. D. Stauffer (Eds.), Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (6th ed., pp. 97–120). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
  • Coleman, J. (2011). Adlerian Counseling: A Practitioner's Notebook. Routledge.
  • Mosak, H. H., & Maniacci, N. (2015). Adlerian Counseling: Theory and Practice. Taylor & Francis.
  • Watts, R. E. (2003). The technique of encouraging in Adlerian therapy. Journal of Individual Psychology, 59(3), 278-289.
  • Sweeney, T. J. (2009). Adlerian Therapy: An Advanced Approach. Routledge.
  • Ansbacher, H. L., & Ansbacher, R. R. (Eds.). (1956). The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler. Basic Books.
  • Miller, I. (2010). The use of early childhood memories in Adlerian therapy. Psychological Reports, 107(2), 523-531.

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