CASE STUDIES - COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

M ( Female aged 69)

M attended for 8 eight sessions of CBT counselling to help her recover from losing her husband three years previously. Always a worrier M realised that she was now anxious for most of the time. M was shown how the CBT model of anxiety was affecting her behaviour and she began to notice how her thinking made her want to be busy and that being on her own made her anxious. M is now able to enjoy her new house on her own and limits her activities.

A (Female aged 30)

A attended regularly for over a year (not weekly) as she had become depressed when her youngest child began school. She was tired all the time, irritable for no reason, tearful and preferred being on her own in the house. Her marriage was under pressure. A friend noticed and urged her to seek some help.

Using CBT A began to keep an activity journal and gradually pick up new activities to help enjoy things again and feel some sense of accomplishment. She also explored her negative thinking about her role as mother and a wife, and developed new more helpful beliefs about herself.

As her confidence and self esteem improved, she applied for some part time voluntary work which helped her see herself more positively. At the end of the year she applied for paid employment and was eventually successful in obtaining a part time job which fitted in well with school hours.

G (Female aged 38)

G attended for 10 sessions of CBT counselling for her social anxiety. She had restricted her activities for many years and now wanted to be able support her childrens' activities more. Using CBT she gradually reduced her anxiety symptoms and is now able to go out more and mix with improved self confidence.

T (Male aged 23)

T attended following a GP referral as he was off work and worrying about his job. T talked about his anxieties which had started after bullying at school, and how he had gradually become more anxious at work. He now worried about doing simple tasks and anything new. After understanding the CBT model of anxiety he began to challenge his thinking and writing down his thoughts, and being pleased when his negative predictions did not come true. After 4 sessions he was back at work full time and reporting that he was able to try and suggest new things, much to his delight and surprise. His panic and anxiety reduced to normal levels.