- Identify the physical and physiological factors that may have contributed to Jennifer's disorder(s).
- Identify the social and cultural factors that may have contributed to Jennifer's disorder(s).
- In an attempt to learn more about Jennifer and her physical and physiological concerns and to ultimately provide meaningful treatment, analyze and provide a rationale for using each of the following methods:
*Child-centered play therapy.
*Use of games.
*Art therapy.
*Hypnotherapy.
*Filial family therapy.
- Identify and describe the criteria that counsellors need to meet in order to become certified in each of these modalities.
Use APA style and cite and reference your article.
Jennifer's Case Study
Jennifer, a 9-year-old fourth-grader, lives with her parents and 13-year-old brother. The family is Jewish. Both parents are employed in professional jobs that give them high visibility within the community. An initial interview with Jennifer's parents revealed an unremarkable past with no apparent physical illnesses, family stressors, or problems in school. A family history of depression is noted in the paternal grandmother and uncle. Jennifer's parents report being aware of her psychological problems and her weight obsession since she was young. She was an overweight child and her parents had to watch her diet. They took her to the family physician when she was 5 years old, after she made statements that she was overweight, ugly, and wanted to die. The family physician told Jennifer that she was "not fat, just a big-boned girl." He informed the parents that the problem would pass as she got older.
That intervention helped for a couple of days, but her depressed affect and weight obsession returned and has continued to the present time. Her parents describe frequent temper outbursts, negative self-evaluations, social withdrawal, frequent crying, insomnia, excessive guilt, and difficulty in social relationships. There is no evidence of an organic problem or substance abuse. Her parents appear genuinely concerned about her. They report no marital difficulties, family problems, personal history of psychological disturbance, or any other issues.
Jennifer presents as a bright, compliant youngster. She states that her parents brought her to therapy because she feels sad much of the time. She reports feeling ugly and fat and says she hates herself.