Sample interview questions: Can you describe a case where you had to modify your treatment approach to address a client’s changing needs?
Sample answer:
Certainly! As a behavioral therapist, I have encountered many situations where I needed to modify my treatment approach to address a client’s changing needs. Here’s a specific case that demonstrates this:
Client Profile:
Name: John, a 35-year-old male
Presenting Issue: John initially sought therapy due to severe social anxiety. He struggled with excessive fear and avoidance of social situations, which significantly impaired his personal and professional life.
Initial Treatment Approach:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Initially, I employed CBT to help John understand the link between his thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We worked on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, practicing relaxation techniques to manage anxiety, and gradually exposing him to feared social situations.
Progress and Challenges:
Over the course of several sessions, John showed significant improvement. His social anxiety symptoms gradually reduced, and he started engaging in social activities that he previously avoided. However, as therapy progressed, John disclosed that he had a history of childhood trauma, which had emerged as a contributing factor to his anxiety.
Modification of Treatment Approach:
Trauma-Focused Therapy: Recognizing that John’s trauma history required specialized attention, I modified my treatment approach to incorporate elements of trauma-focused therapy. I provided a safe and supportive environment for John to process his traumatic experiences. We explored the impact of his trauma on his current functioning and developed strategies for coping with trauma-related emotions and memories.
Integration of CBT and Trauma-Focused Therapy:
To address John’s unique needs, I integrated CBT and trauma-focused therapy. This allowed me to simultaneously target his social anxiety symptoms while addressing the underlying trauma. We continued to challenge negative thoughts, practice relaxation techniques, and engage in gradual exposure to feared situations. However, we also incorporated trauma-processing techniques such as imaginal exposure a… Read full answer
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