- Review the following case and choose either a behavioral or cognitive theoretical perspective to explain why this person has the concerns he has. Review all of the concerns in the scenario. Be sure to use correct terms and explain your reasoning in detail.
- What treatment strategies would you suggest for this individual using the theoretical perspective you chose. Give some detail on what you think treatment would look like for this person. How would the therapist proceed? What specific techniques might be used and how might they work for him?
- You are welcome to use any outside sources you would like, but must cite them properly and be careful of plagiarism.
- Include a signed Psychology Academic Honest form (see D2L) with your submission of this paper.
The Case of Jeremiah
Jeremiah is a divorced man in his late 20's. He is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for 7 months. Social anxiety is another area of difficulty for him.
Jeremiah described himself as a “quiet child.” From his earliest years he felt anxious around other people and recalled being teased at school. Kids called him scrawny and geeky, but he remembered that most kids were made fun of in one way or another at his school. Jeremiah’s father was a successful businessman who was often on television and in the media. His father stressed the importance of education and being socially connected. Both parents were noted to be extroverts who loved to show off their home and their children. He described his mother as a “worrier” who constantly reminded him to be careful, not to get “in trouble,” and not to act like a “spoiled brat” in front of other people. His father seemed to favor Jeremiah’s older brother and did not pay much attention to Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s brother was athletic and popular in school, although Jeremiah made better grades. In session, it appeared that Jeremiah idolized his father, describing him as the “perfect” Dad who was just too busy trying to make money for the family to spend time with him.
Jeremiah was pressured to go to graduate school in business by his parents after he did well in college. However, he decided to go into chemistry instead, noting that being in business required too much contact with people. Despite his anxiety and alcohol problems, Jeremiah has done very well at his job as a chemist and pours a lot of free time and energy into working overtime. It’s the one area he believes he excels at and is proud of.
Jeremiah did not date until college and stated that he avoided most close relationships, because other people generally made him feel anxious. He met his wife at a bar where he had been drinking heavily. She initiated the relationship and the marriage. The marriage lasted less than a year. One of the problems in the marriage was a sexual dysfunction; he was unable to feel relaxed enough to function normally. His heavy drinking was another problem.
Jeremiah weaned himself off alcohol, but often has urges to drink again. During the first session he mentioned a woman he is interested in at work. This woman invited him to attend a football game with a couple of other friends and may also be interested in him. He feels great anxiety in thinking of accepting her invitation with thoughts of “I’m pathetic,“ “Even if she went out with me she would soon see that I’m a loser,” “I don’t think I can get through something like that without a drink.”
Jeremiah would like to work on the following:
- Reduce his level of social anxiety so that casual interactions are more manageable
- Increase his social/dating contacts and manage his anxiety around dating
- Continue to work on his urges to drink
Sample Solution