Councelling and Psychotherapy
Councelling and Psychotherapy
Age: 43 years
Case History:
Mr. Kabin Poudel was here for psychological assessment by his primary care
physician due to complaints of persistent anxiety, difficulties in
concentration, and episodes of unexplained sweating and palpitations over
the past six months. The primary care physician is concerned about the
potential impact of these symptoms on Mr. Poudel's daily functioning and
quality of life.
Background Information:
Personal History:
Medical History:
Psychiatric History:
Instruments Used:
Procedures:
Mr. Poudel completed the BAI in a quiet office setting with no time
constraints. The assessment was conducted face-to-face, with follow-up
questions to clarify responses where necessary.
Behavioral Observations:
Assessment Results:
Scor
Item
e
Numbness or tingling 3
Feeling hot 2
Wobbliness in legs 3
Unable to relax 4
Dizzy or lightheaded 2
Heart pounding/racing 4
Scor
Item
e
Unsteady 2
Terrified or afraid 3
Nervous 4
Feeling of choking 1
Hands trembling 2
Shaky/unsteady 3
Difficulty breathing 2
Fear of dying 2
Scared 3
Indigestion/discomfort in
1
abdomen
Faint/lightheaded 2
Face flushed 1
Interpretation:
Based on the DSM-5 criteria, Mr. Poudel meets the requirements for
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Excessive anxiety and worry: Present more days than not for at
least six months.
Difficult to control the worry.
Anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the
following symptoms:
o Irritability.
o Muscle tension.
Case Formulation:
Recommendations:
Prognosis:
Conclusion:
Signature:
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]
References:
Age: 43 years
Gender: Male
Session Reports:
Duration: 60 minutes
Summary:
During the first session, Mr. Sharma was introduced to the therapeutic
process, the CBT model, and the rationale behind it. We discussed his
symptoms, daily challenges, and specific goals he hoped to achieve
through therapy. Mr. Sharma actively participated and expressed relief
at having a structured approach to managing his anxiety. We covered
the basics of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and create
a cycle of anxiety. Homework was assigned to monitor anxiety-
provoking thoughts and situations in a thought record format.
Observations:
Mr. Sharma appeared motivated and engaged, openly discussing his
symptoms and concerns. His anxiety level seemed to decrease slightly
as he gained understanding and insight into his condition. He showed a
keen interest in learning more about CBT techniques.
Duration: 60 minutes
Summary:
We reviewed Mr. Sharma's homework and identified several cognitive
distortions, including catastrophizing ("If I make a mistake at work, I
will lose my job") and overgeneralization ("I always fail at everything").
Techniques for challenging these thoughts were introduced, including
Socratic questioning and evidence-based thinking. Mr. Sharma
practiced identifying his automatic negative thoughts and developing
balanced, more rational alternatives.
Observations:
Mr. Sharma demonstrated a willingness to engage in cognitive
restructuring exercises. He was able to recognize some of his negative
thought patterns but required support in developing alternative
perspectives. He found this process somewhat challenging but
acknowledged its potential benefits.
Duration: 60 minutes
Summary:
This session focused on the identification of situations Mr. Sharma
avoids due to anxiety, such as public speaking and assertive
communication at work. We collaboratively developed an exposure
hierarchy, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and gradually
moving to more challenging ones. Mr. Sharma agreed to engage in
graded exposure exercises over the coming weeks, beginning with
small tasks, like speaking up in a team meeting.
Observations:
Mr. Sharma was initially hesitant about exposure exercises, expressing
concern about potential failure. However, he committed to the
exposure plan, understanding its importance for reducing avoidance
behaviors. His anxiety level appeared to fluctuate, but he showed
determination to face his fears.
Duration: 60 minutes
Summary:
We practiced various relaxation techniques, including deep breathing,
progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. Mr. Sharma was
taught how to use these techniques in situations where he feels
anxiety escalating. He reported feeling more relaxed after practicing
these techniques in-session. We also explored alternative coping
strategies, such as positive self-talk and engaging in physical activity.
Mr. Sharma was encouraged to integrate these strategies into his daily
routine.
Observations:
Mr. Sharma responded well to relaxation exercises, noting a significant
reduction in his physical symptoms of anxiety. He appeared calmer and
more focused, expressing confidence in his ability to use these
techniques outside of sessions.
Duration: 60 minutes
Summary:
This session focused on teaching a structured problem-solving model:
defining the problem, brainstorming solutions, evaluating options, and
selecting the best course of action. Mr. Sharma practiced applying
these steps to current challenges, such as managing workload and
time effectively. He found the step-by-step approach useful and agreed
to use this model for upcoming stressful situations.
Observations:
Mr. Sharma actively participated in problem-solving exercises and
appeared to gain confidence in handling anxiety-inducing scenarios. He
appreciated the structured approach and reported a sense of
empowerment in tackling problems methodically.
Duration: 60 minutes
Summary:
We reviewed all the skills and techniques covered throughout therapy,
including cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, relaxation, and
problem-solving strategies. Mr. Sharma reflected on his progress,
noting a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and increased
confidence in managing stress. We discussed potential triggers for
relapse and developed a personalized maintenance plan, including self-
monitoring, regular practice of learned skills, and scheduling follow-up
sessions if needed.
Observations:
Mr. Sharma expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of therapy and
demonstrated a good understanding of the skills he had acquired. He
appeared optimistic about his ability to continue managing anxiety
independently, though he acknowledged the possibility of future
challenges.
Mr. Sharma exhibited significant progress over the course of six CBT
sessions. He demonstrated an improved ability to identify and challenge
cognitive distortions, manage anxiety-provoking situations through graded
exposure, and apply relaxation and problem-solving techniques effectively.
His overall anxiety levels have decreased, and his daily functioning has
improved. Mr. Sharma is now equipped with a range of tools to maintain his
gains and prevent relapse.
Prognosis:
With continued practice of the skills learned in therapy and adherence to the
maintenance plan, Mr. Sharma is expected to maintain his improvement. A
positive prognosis is anticipated, contingent on regular self-monitoring and
occasional follow-up sessions.
Recommendations:
Signature:
[Your Name]
[Your Title, e.g., Counselor and Psychotherapist]
[Your Contact Information]
[Date]