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 Case Studies
Cancer, Burns, Trauma
Case 1
Sarah, a 45-year-old woman, has recently received the life-altering news
of her breast cancer diagnosis. This revelation has left her feeling
overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about her future. As she grapples
with the reality of her condition, Sarah is confronted with a myriad of
emotions and fears regarding the treatment process and its potential
impact on her life.
COUNSELING INTERVENTIONS

1. Psychoeducation:

• Sarah will benefit from a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer, its

treatment options, and potential side effects. This will empower her to make
informed decisions about her healthcare journey.
• A counselor will provide Sarah with resources, such as pamphlets, books,
and reputable websites, to supplement her understanding of breast cancer
and its implications.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

• Sarah's anxiety can be addressed through Ccognitive - behavioral techniques, such

as cognitive restructuring and relaxation exercises.
• By challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more rational
and adaptive ones, Sarah can reduce her anxiety and increase her sense of control
over her situation.
• Additionally, the counselor can teach Sarah coping strategies, such as problem-
solving skills and assertiveness training, to help her navigate the challenges of her
treatment process.
3. Support Groups/Individual Therapy:

• Sarah may benefit from participating in support groups composed of

individuals who share similar experiences with breast cancer. These
groups can provide emotional validation, camaraderie, and practical advice
from peers who understand her struggles.
• Alternatively, individual therapy sessions offer a safe space for Sarah to
explore her emotions, fears, and concerns with a trained counsellor.
Through compassionate listening and empathetic support, the counsellor
can help Sarah process her feelings and develop coping mechanisms
tailored to her unique needs.
Assessment and Rapport Building

• The counselling process begins with an initial assessment to gather information about
Sarah's medical history, emotional state, support system, and coping mechanisms.
• Establishing a trusting and empathetic relationship between Sarah and her counsellor is
essential for fostering open communication and collaboration throughout the counselling
journey.

Psychoeducation:

• The counsellor provides Sarah with accurate and relevant information about
breast cancer, treatment options, and potential side effects in a clear and
accessible manner.
• Sarah is encouraged to ask questions and express any concerns or uncertainties
she may have about her diagnosis and treatment plan.
Cognitive - Behavioral Techniques:

• The counsellor works with Sarah to identify and challenge her negative
thought patterns related to her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

• Through guided exercises and homework assignments, Sarah learns to

reframe her thoughts, manage her anxiety, and develop effective coping
strategies.
Case study 2

Mark, a 25-year-old athlete, has recently suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
as a result of a car accident. This injury has left him grappling with cognitive
impairments, mood swings, and difficulties adjusting to the new limitations
imposed by his condition. Mark's life has been profoundly altered, and he is
struggling to come to terms with the challenges he now faces.
Counselling Interventions

1. Psychoeducation

• Mark will benefit from gaining a thorough understanding of TBI and its
effects on cognition, mood regulation, and overall functioning.

• A counsellor will provide Mark and his family with information about the
nature of TBI, potential cognitive and emotional changes, and strategies
for coping with these challenges.
2. Cognitive Rehabilitation Exercises

• Cognitive rehabilitation aims to improve Mark's cognitive functioning,

including memory, attention, and executive functioning.
• The counsellor will design tailored exercises and activities to address
Mark's specific cognitive deficits, incorporating techniques such as
memory aids, attention training, and problem-solving tasks.
• Regular practice of these exercises, both in counselling sessions and at
home, will help Mark regain and strengthen his cognitive abilities over
time.
3. Mindfulness-Based Interventions:
• Mindfulness practices can help Mark enhance emotional regulation, reduce impulsivity, and
cope more effectively with the emotional ups and downs of his recovery process.
• The counsellor will introduce Mark to mindfulness techniques such as mindful breathing,
body scans, and mindful awareness of thoughts and emotions.
• Through regular practice, Mark can learn to observe his thoughts and feelings without
judgment, cultivate greater self-awareness, and develop healthier coping strategies for
managing stress and emotional distress.
4. Family Counselling:
• Mark's family plays a crucial role in his recovery journey, providing support,
encouragement, and understanding during this challenging time.
• Family counselling sessions offer a safe space for Mark and his loved ones to openly
discuss their feelings, concerns, and needs.
• The counsellor facilitates communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution within
the family, helping to strengthen their bonds and foster a supportive environment for Mark's
rehabilitation and adjustment.
Case study 3

Emily's Trauma from Witnessing Domestic Violence

Emily, a 10-year-old girl, has experienced the traumatic effects of witnessing domestic
violence in her home. This exposure has led to symptoms of anxiety, nightmares, and
behavioral problems at school, indicating the significant impact of the traumatic events
on her well-being and functioning.
Counselling Interventions

1. Play Therapy:

• Play therapy offers Emily a safe and non-threatening space to express her feelings,
process her experiences, and work through her trauma.
• Using toys, games, and other expressive materials, the counsellor encourages
Emily to engage in symbolic play that mirrors her inner struggles and emotions.
• Through the therapeutic relationship and the freedom of play, Emily gains insight
into her feelings, learns healthy coping mechanisms, and develops a sense of
empowerment and resilience.
2. Art Therapy:

• Art therapy provides Emily with an additional outlet for expressing her
emotions and exploring coping strategies in a creative and non-verbal
manner.
• Through drawing, painting, and other art modalities, Emily externalizes
her internal experiences, allowing her to gain distance from her trauma and
process it from a different perspective.
• The counsellor guides Emily in interpreting her artwork, identifying
themes and patterns, and integrating her insights into her healing journey.
Psychoeducation for Caregivers

• Emily's caregivers receive psychoeducation about the impact of trauma on

child development, including its effects on emotions, behavior, and
relationships.
• The counsellor collaborates with Emily's caregivers to increase their
understanding of trauma and its effects, empowering them with knowledge
and skills to support Emily effectively.
• Caregivers learn about trauma-informed parenting strategies, such as creating
a safe and predictable environment, providing emotional support, and
fostering open communication with Emily.
Collaboration with School Personnel

• The counsellor collaborates with school personnel, including teachers, counsellors,

and administrators, to implement behavioral interventions and create a supportive
environment for Emily at school.
• School-based interventions may include behavior management plans, classroom
accommodations, and social-emotional learning programs tailored to Emily's needs.
• School personnel receive training and support from the counsellor on recognizing
signs of trauma, responding sensitively to Emily's needs, and fostering a trauma-
informed school culture.
Case study 4
Case Study: Priya's Trauma and Psychological Intervention

Background

Priya, a 28-year-old woman from Mumbai, India, had a traumatic experience when
she was 14. She was walking home from school when she witnessed a violent
altercation between two groups of men. In the chaos, she was caught in the middle
and severely beaten. The incident left her with physical injuries and deep emotional
scars. Following the attack, Priya developed symptoms of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, nightmares, hyper vigilance, and avoidance
behaviors. Over the years, her psychological distress worsened, affecting her
relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
Psychological Interventions

1. Assessment

The first step in Priya's psychological intervention involved a comprehensive assessment of her
symptoms, history, and current functioning. This assessment was conducted by a licensed clinical
psychologist using standardized measures and clinical interviews to diagnose PTSD and assess the
severity of her symptoms.

2. Psychoeducation

Once diagnosed, Priya was provided with psychoeducation about PTSD. She learned about the
nature of trauma, common reactions to trauma, and how PTSD can impact various aspects of life.
Understanding her condition helped Priya realize that her symptoms were a normal response to an
abnormal event, reducing feelings of shame and isolation.
3. Cognitive - Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT, a evidence-based treatment for PTSD, was the primary therapeutic approach used
with Priya. This involved:
• Cognitive Restructuring: Priya worked with her therapist to identify and challenge
maladaptive thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma. Through cognitive restructuring
techniques, she learned to replace negative, distorted thoughts with more balanced and
adaptive ones.

• Exposure Therapy: Priya gradually confronted reminders of the traumatic event in a

safe and controlled manner. This exposure helped her process and integrate the
memories, reducing their emotional intensity over time.

• Skills Training: Priya learned coping skills to manage distressing symptoms, such as
relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and effective problem-solving strategies. These skills
empowered her to better regulate her emotions and cope with triggers.
4. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

In addition to CBT, Priya underwent EMDR therapy to address her trauma. During EMDR
sessions, she focused on specific traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation,
such as following the therapist's hand movements or auditory cues. This process facilitated
the reprocessing of traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and associated
symptoms.

5. Supportive Therapy

Priya also participated in supportive therapy sessions to address her emotional needs and
strengthen her support network. Through these sessions, she explored her feelings, discussed
interpersonal issues, and received validation and encouragement from her therapist.
6. Relapse Prevention

As Priya progressed in therapy, she developed a relapse prevention plan to maintain her
gains and prevent symptom recurrence. This plan included ongoing self-monitoring,
coping strategies for managing stressors, and strategies for seeking support when needed.

Outcome

Through consistent and comprehensive psychological intervention, Priya experienced significant

improvement in her symptoms of PTSD. Her flashbacks and nightmares decreased in frequency
and intensity, and she developed effective coping skills to manage triggers and distress. Over
time, Priya regained a sense of safety and control in her life, rebuilding her confidence and
enhancing her overall well-being. While recovery from trauma is a journey with ups and downs,
Priya now has the tools and support to navigate challenges and continue her healing process.
Home work
Case Study: Reena's Journey Through Trauma and Recovery

Background

Reena, a 35-year-old woman from Chennai, India, experienced a traumatic event that
profoundly impacted her life. Six years ago, while commuting home from work on public
transportation, Reena was the victim of a violent robbery. During the incident, she was
physically assaulted and threatened with a weapon by the perpetrators. Although she
survived the ordeal physically unharmed, Reena was left with deep emotional scars that
significantly affected her mental health and daily functioning.
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