Case Study

Case Study Summary

Client Name: Ms. J Age: 16

Location: Marital Status:

Presenting Complaint: Ms. J is a 16-year-old young woman who was reported by her parents that she needed to seek psychotherapy because she showed significant increase in parental conflict, self destructive behavior, depression, defiance and substance abuse. Ms. J’s immediate presenting complaint was court ordered for therapy because she was charged with assaulting her mother in an attempt to take the keys to her parent’s car. During their initial interview, Ms. J’s showed a elevated level of anger and aggression when asked to talk about the problems her family may be experiencing. Family therapy will be put on hold until Ms. J shows signs of being able to control her anger.

Assessment:

Why here? Ms. J was court ordered to seek therapy for charges of assaulting her mother.

Why now? Ms. J’s had a significant increase in conflict, destructive behavior and depression.

What does she want? Ms. J wants to be open about her feelings and sadness. She also wants to have a full time job, buy a car and eventually own a salon for hair, tattoos, etc.

I would need to know if Ms. J wants to change for the better. If she refuses to cooperate in the aid to her recovery, then it would be mission failed. I would like to know if Ms. J would carry out a suicide attempt or is it just a scare tactic just to manipulate the situation in her favor.

Case Formulation/Diagnostic Impression:

A 16-year-old young woman is presented with an extensive history of anxiety, depressive moods, defiance, feeling of worthlessness, avoidance and social isolation. She was initially court ordered because she assaulted her mother that continued to lead to conflicts, self destructive behavior, and substance abuse. Her parents reported Ms. J functioned exceptionally well until her cousin’s death while in the eighth grade. She then started showing signs of deep depression and sadness. Which lead to a...