Psychodynamic Problem Case Study John

John’s core psychodynamic problem is depression. The central conflict involves his sense of loss and abandonment, with the desire to obtain healthy and meaningful relationships, but his tendency to feel uncomfortable and isolate when around other people. John shared his memory and knowledge of his father’s death and described it with an indifferent affect. Therefore, it appeared evident that he may have suppressed anger, sense of loss, and/or feelings of abandonment. Moreover, John described how he became addicted to heroin. Specifically, when he moved to Phoenix (about a year and a half ago) he started dating a girl 20 years younger than him, and she convinced him to try it, which led to his addiction. After several months of using,
John’s family history of anxiety and alcohol issues may have contributed to his pathologies. Moreover, his family’s mafia involvement may have created a home environment whereby family members did not disclose their feelings, process painful stimuli, or express emotions. An environment like this would not have allowed John to process or grieve his father’s death. Therefore, engaging in this practice for his entire life, John may be to the point where this coping strategy is no longer working. Moreover, his family history of frequent alcohol use may have increased his vulnerability for substance use.
In addition to the neurological vulnerabilities, John’s feelings of loneliness combined with his negative feelings towards other people and anger about being abandoned, have caused him to experience significant adjustment difficulties. Moreover, his SS makes him feel self-conscious around others, which also contributes to his tendency to isolate. Thus, his current functioning patterns likely strengthened and enhanced his biological vulnerabilities, all of which led to his current