These case studies will give you some idea of how I have been able to support clients in resolving important situations, relieving stress, and moving ahead with their lives.
Photos represent models, not actual clients.
Case Study #1: An 8-year-old Experiencing Separation from Her Father
Rebecca (not her real name) came to me because her mother was concerned that she was crying a lot, was not eating, and was not keeping her room clean as she had before her father left the home. She was also picking fights with her siblings. She was having trouble at school and with her homework. She had stopped participating in class and was isolating herself from her friends. She would frequently cry herself to sleep at night. Read More…
Case Study #2: After an Affair
Debra (not her real name) discovered her husband Richard had been conducting a long term affair. They still felt committed to staying together but she felt anger, loss of trust, and a serious lack of communication between them. When they arrived for their first appointment with me there was an almost palpable hostility in the room. They were there because they wanted to save their marriage but didn’t know where to begin. Both were mired in confusion and shame. Richard was in denial about how much pain he had caused, not only for Debra, but for himself. Debra needed clarity on why she continued to stay with Richard. She wanted to regain trust and safety but didn’t know how. Read More…
Case Study #3: A Teen Experiments with Drugs
Six months prior to our first visit, Brandon’s parents (not his real name) were noticing that he was isolating himself more and more from family and friends. At one point they discovered he and some friends were smoking marijuana during the time they were supposed to be on their cross country practice runs. Schoolwork was going downhill and Brandon was beginning to be more agitated and aggressive especially towards his father. Eventually the parents got a phone call from the Assistant Principal because Brandon had shown up high at his choir class. His parents knew they had to take action but really didn’t know what to do. Their first reaction led to a major family outburst with Brandon and his parents going into rage and blame. Read More…
Case Study #4: A Toddler Banging her Head
Samantha (not her real name) brought her 2-year-old daughter, Courtney, to see me. Her daughter had progressed from throwing tantrums to banging her head on the floor. Samantha was upset and genuinely worried that her daughter might be hurting herself but didn’t know what to do. Many people think that therapy is all about talk and this child, while she could talk, was essentially pre verbal. My approach was to interact with Courtney with play and art, at first giving her a lot of room to play and interact with toys in the office. Once I had established rapport with her I began to gradually increase the structure of her experience in the office. I started giving her more direction and expecting her to respond. I also worked with her mother. Read More…
