PSY2017: Therapeutic Applications of Cognitive
Psych, Neuroscience and Individual Differences
Case Study 1
Student number: M00909513
Word count (Excluding title and references section): 640
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Case study 1
Emily thank you for coming to discuss this, I understand that this is a difficult situation to go
through and discuss with someone, but you have my full support as you go through this. A
large change like this in your family is bound to bring various challenges and we can work
through them. In today's session, we'll concentrate on understanding your feelings and
developing coping strategies to navigate the challenges that may arise from this situation
From what you have described it seems that the coping strategies you use contain cognitive
distortions which are thought patterns that intensify negative emotions. One cognitive
distortion is when you spoke about ‘never being happy again’ this is a case of an all-or-
nothing mindset, which frames the world in a black or white outlook and not realizing that
there is a middle ground available, this leads to extreme beliefs like life not being worth
living which strengthens the negative emotions you are feeling, through our sessions we will
work to identify and challenge these thoughts, this could help give you a more balanced
understanding of the situation and allow for you to be more resilient in the future. Another
cognitive distortion is personalization which was shown with your statement of “It’s all my
fault” this is leading you to have feelings of guilt and blaming yourself for your parents
separating, this distortion is causing you to take responsibility for something out of your
control. During our sessions we will address these thoughts and realize that the reasons for
their separation are complex and extend beyond actions or behaviours on your part, the goal
of this is to free you from any unnecessary guilt you feel about this.
The cause of these negative thoughts is the separating of your parents which created a belief
system of thoughts such as “it’s all my fault” and “life won’t be worth living”. These
thoughts caused and could contribute to the feeling you are having of sadness and despair.
Next we challenge these thoughts in a process called disputation with questions such as ‘Are
there other reasons for your parents separation you haven’t considered?’ or ‘Are there
specific reasons supporting the belief that it is your fault?’. After this we will focus on the
change in thoughts or belief as a result of disputing these thoughts, this helps by challenging
the accuracy of negative thoughts which might lead to a shifting of your beliefs leading to a
less distressing and more positive perspective on your parents’ separation.
One exercise that could help in this process is keeping a thought diary in which every day
you record your thoughts and feeling that you believe bother you. This would help as it could
be outlet for your thoughts and helps with identifying potential negative thoughts and help
change your perception on the situation. While writing you could start to think of alternative
viewpoints on your unhelpful thoughts which will allow for a more balanced understand of
the situation.
Emily as we continue through CBT you will gain the tools to recognize and dispute negative
thought patterns such as self-blame and all-or-nothing thinking, during our sessions we will
help you experience the situation through a more balanced perspective which will allow for
better handling of your emotions as well as increased resilience. CBT will give you practical
tools for managing your thoughts and feelings and enabling a positive mindset as you
navigate living between two homes. The idea is to give you the strength to deal with any
changes and uncertainties thus arming you with the skills to lead a fulfilling life despite the
challenges that come with the separation.
Thank you, Emily, for sharing openly today. If you have any questions or thoughts before our
next meeting, feel free to reach out. I look forward to our continued work together.
