The case studies shown below are not taken from the records of identifiable clients that I have worked with but are representative of some of the problems people ask for help with and the types of goals and resolutions that can be worked on and achieved through therapy.
Sarah - Anxiety, Depression and Pain
Sarah, a lady in her early 30’s, sought out therapy to assist her in managing her anxiety. She was also experiencing back pain, the ongoing result of a skiing accident while on holiday two years earlier. Consequently, Sarah was in contact with the Pain Management service via her GP and attending sessions with a Physiotherapist. During assessment Sarah informed me that she had quite a long history of anxiety and, since the accident, the symptoms had increased to the point where she was struggling to manage at her place of work.
Working together
Sarah used the first three sessions of therapy to gain a better understanding of the links between her anxieties and back pain. She was also able to explore the manner in which her worries overlapped with feelings of depression.
During assessment we were able to map out how her anxiety about falling had intensified to the point where she had become quite withdrawn. We adopted a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach to help her manage these difficulties.
Outcome
During therapy Sarah found it helpful to keep a diary of her thoughts and everyday activities. This enabled us to understand how the Pain / Stress Cycle was keeping her anxiety levels high which resulted in a poor sleep pattern. The diary entries also identified the ‘best’ and ‘worst’ times of day for Sarah, information that proved useful when planning how and when to make changes.
Together we set some specific goals, designed to help Sarah gradually increase her activity levels and develop coping strategies for managing her anxiety. As Sarah gained in confidence she also decided to talk to her manager about adjustments that could be made to support her in the workplace.
Before embarking on any self-help treatment for pain you are advised to make an appointment with your GP. If your GP has advised you that this treatment is appropriate for the diagnosis you have been given then click on the link below:
Mark - Adjusting to a Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
Mark, a gentleman in his early 40’s, had been prompted to visit his GP by the development of a constant thirst and mounting tiredness that made it difficult for him to stay awake in the afternoons. Following a blood test taken by his GP, he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Mark described his initial reaction to his diagnosis as being ‘in a state of shock’ and for some months he continued ‘as if nothing had happened.’ Later he spoke of the anger and frustration he felt when considering how the diagnosis would impact on his future.
Working together
Mark attended eight sessions of therapy and found it helpful, during the initial phase, to explore the positive and negative aspects of being in ‘denial’ when first diagnosed with a long term health condition. For example, although denial enabled him to get on with his life, it worked against addressing the need to make changes to help manage the diabetes.
Mark also worked through feelings of anger and guilt, as he dwelt on thoughts such as ‘why me,’ ‘I should have taken better care of myself,’ and ‘if only I had done things differently.’ As part of this process Mark found it helpful to write about his thoughts and feelings as a way of freeing up his emotions.
Outcome
During therapy Mark was able to move on from feelings of ‘blame’ for his diagnosis and started to consider what the next steps might entail in order to manage the diabetes. Together we used the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help Mark explore his thoughts and emotions in such a way that he no longer felt ‘stuck’ with feelings of guilt and anger which were preventing him from looking towards the future.
He started to discuss his condition with close family and friends and signed up for an educational course at his local NHS diabetes service. This is known as the DESMOND course (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed) and is provided free of charge. At the conclusion of therapy Mark had taken positive steps to manage his diet and think more positively about beneficial lifestyle changes.
If you or someone you know would benefit from further information following a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes you may find it helpful to visit the website below.