Case Conceptualization Psychodynamic Therapy

Discussion Topic/Supervision

1. Which do you prefer to facilitate: Individual Therapy or Group Therapy? Why?

2. This week we began talking psychodynamic theory and about transference and countertransference, what is everyone’s understanding of these terms?

Has anyone ever been in a situation where they experiences transference or countertransference presently or in the past?

If so what happened and how did you handle it?

If you have never experienced this explain what you might do.

Integrative therapy mindfully combines aspects of several theories and therapies to create a unique treatment plan for a client. A psychologist must be well versed in the theories he or she chooses from and have a solid rationale for integrating particular interventions. Case Conceptualization Psychodynamic Therapy

This week, you will revisit one of the case studies that you examined earlier in the course, Sam, Kyle, or Joanne. However, in this week’s Application, you will conceptualize the client’s presenting issues using an integrative approach.

To prepare for this assignment:

Select and review case study Sam, Kyle, or Joanne for use with this assignment.
Re-conceptualize your selected case study by using concepts and considerations from integrative theory.
Conduct a brief (2–3 articles) literature review, searching for empirically supported treatments that would support the particular integrative techniques and interventions that you are using.
Review this week’s Web sites for empirically supported treatments related to integrative therapy.

The assignment: (The completed template should be 2–3 pages)

Complete the Case Conceptualization Template for your selected case study using an integrative therapy approach.
Provide specific empirically supported treatments and evidence-based practice interventions.
Include ethical and cultural considerations in your case conceptualization. Case Conceptualization Psychodynamic Therapy

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course. Keep in mind the importance of using empirically supported research to support your points of view.

Description of Presenting Issue:

Joanne was referred to you from the pastor at her church who was concerned about her welfare. Six weeks previously, Joanne’s long-time partner, Anne, died of unexpected heart failure. Having been together for 31 years, Joanne reported that she was having significant difficulty “moving on, and taking care of basic things.” She has not returned to her part-time position at the local library, and generally avoids contact with friends and family. She has two adult sons from an early marriage, but says that she does not want to “burden” them with her problems. She has avoided dealing with much of the legal issues and paperwork resulting from her partner’s death.

Joanne reports that she ruminates about her relationship with Anne, focusing on feelings about not having appreciated her enough during their time together. She feels “lost” and is unable to find purpose or meaning in her life. She has strong feelings of worthlessness, and spends hours thinking about how she “should” have lived her life. Case Conceptualization Psychodynamic Therapy

Once an avid hiker and golfer, Joanne has not participated in either since Anne’s death. Joanne reports that she now wakes up late, “putters around the house” and takes a nap in the afternoon. She is eating poorly, relying on take-out food and sweets for meals.

Occupational History: After a fulfilling full-time career with the county library, Joanne transitioned to part-time work at age 60 to travel more with Anne. Case Conceptualization Psychodynamic Therapy

Educational History: Joanne earned a master’s degree in library science. She also took several continuing education courses in creative writing.

Medical History: Joanne is being treated for hypertension and diabetes. She is moderately overweight, but was generally fit up through her late 50s. Both pregnancies were normal and uncomplicated.

Family History: Joanne is the eldest of six siblings. Her father (deceased) was an officer in the military and the family moved frequently throughout her youth. Joanne is very close to her mother, who now lives in an assisted living home in a town several hours away. Joanne has good relationships with her siblings except for her youngest brother, Roger, who does not “accept her lifestyle.” She and Roger have not spoken for nearly 15 years. Case Conceptualization Psychodynamic Therapy

Alcohol/Substance Use: Joanne reports drinking occasionally (3–4 times per month). She does not smoke or use recreational drugs. She has been prescribed Ambien by her physician to help her fall asleep and reports that she needs the Ambien “most nights.”