Redirecting Perception, Redirecting Behaviors: An Examination of a Case Study
This 5-page graduate paper considers cognitive behavior therapy and theory from the perspective of Ashley, who has been suffering socially, personally, and academically as a result of the end of her relationship with her boyfriend, Ryan. Ashley suggests that the problems she has been experiencing - feelings of sadness and anger, tensions with family members and friends, decreased school performance, acting out in school, and even violent behaviour - stem from her break up, which she feels was partly her fault. Ashley partly blames her unwillingness to engage in sexual acts, her supposed lack of attractiveness, and her supposed overweight condition on the break up. She has three goals she wishes to achieve through therapy: She wishes to resume her relationship with Ryan, she wishes to stop breaking down whenever she sees him, and she wishes to improve her school performance. Although the first goal is unrealistic, Ashleys two remaining goals can be achieved with cognitive behavior therapy. This paper suggests that a trusting relationship with a counsellor, an examination of Ashleys beliefs, and a direct challenging of Ashleys unfounded ideas about herself can help her change her perception and thus her behavior. This paper further suggests how certain characteristics of a case lend themselves well to cognitive behavior therapy and theory.
