so, I can direct her the right way. First, we need to evaluate maladaptive conditions and consequent behavioral patterns. Once we have identified and evaluated these unhelpful negative patterns of thoughts and maladaptive behavior, we will be able to establish positive goals. We will develop skills to ease the problem and implement behavior that will facilitate effective coping. Alicia will challenge the negative thoughts by thinking positive. She will develop rational responses and overall be positive about her condition. CBT will guide Alicia to examine negative thoughts objectively and replace those thoughts with positive and adaptive thoughts that will greatly enhance quality life. In CBT, I will educate Alicia about her disease and teach her relaxation training for when she feels anxious.
First, I would use the Vertical Descent Technique (the Downward Arrow) to uncover underlying core beliefs that Alicia might have about her situation. You can never tell what a client’s underlying hidden beliefs and fears are. This technique is good to find out what’s disturbing her. Once we find this negative fears and beliefs we will be able to change them. Next, I will use Guessing the thought to help her identify those specific thoughts associated with her emotions. I will be taking a guess at her underlying thoughts. Identifying thoughts associated with her behavior. We need Alicia to see the harm that she is submitting herself to by isolating herself from her friends and family. This technique will allow me to help Alicia cope with the anger or resentment she feels about her diagnosis. Finally, I will use the Chasing Cognitive Distortions Technique. This technique is associated with mental and emotional problems. This technique will help Alicia identify the different distortions she has about her disease and change her core beliefs and self-schema about her situation. This will allow me to help Alicia change her “Black and White” mentality about her disease. This technique will also allow me to give homework to Alicia as well. I would like for her to record her negative thoughts and feelings. She will be Self-Monitoring herself to find out what triggers them. Alisia needs to be able to identify and learn how to cope with her disease. CBT will help Alicia to cognitive reconstruct, modify her behavior, and develop coping
skills.