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4-2 Final Project Milestone: Case Report and Psychological Assessment

Alyda Walton

PSY 626, Psychology in the Courtroom

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The assessment and recommendations provided in the case of Ms. C involve considerations from
both classic and contemporary psychology theories. Let's examine the treatment strategies and
how different psychological theories support these conclusions:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative
thought patterns and behaviors. It can be effective in treating substance abuse, depression, and
anxiety. For Ms. C, CBT could help her address distorted thought patterns related to substance
abuse, as well as provide coping skills for managing anxiety and depression.

2. Motivational Interviewing:
Motivational Interviewing is a contemporary approach that helps individuals explore and resolve
ambivalence about behavior change. This could be particularly useful for Ms. C, as it could
facilitate her motivation to engage in treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues.

3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

DBT is often used for individuals with borderline personality disorder and those struggling with
self-destructive behaviors. Since Ms. C exhibits traits of the Beta typology, DBT could help her
manage emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and impulsive behaviors.

4. Trauma-Informed Care:
Considering Ms. C's history of childhood trauma, including verbal abuse and sexual assault,
trauma-informed care could help her address the underlying trauma that may contribute to her
substance abuse and mental health issues. This aligns with contemporary understandings of the
impact of trauma on mental health.

5. Family Systems Theory:

Classic family systems theory suggests that an individual's behavior is influenced by their family
dynamics. Given Ms. C's history of parental alcohol abuse and depression, a family systems
approach could help her understand how her upbringing may have contributed to her current
challenges. Family therapy could also address relationship and parenting issues.

6. Social Learning Theory:

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According to social learning theory, individuals learn behaviors through observation,

reinforcement, and modeling. This theory supports the recommendation for parenting classes, as
it could help Ms. C learn effective parenting strategies and break cycles of negative behavior.

7. Bio-Psycho-Social Model:
The bio-psycho-social model considers biological, psychological, and social factors in
understanding and treating mental health issues. This approach supports Ms. C's assessment and
treatment recommendations, as it takes into account her substance abuse history, mental health
symptoms, and psychosocial stressors.

8. Positive Psychology:
Positive psychology emphasizes strengths, resilience, and well-being. Incorporating elements of
positive psychology into Ms. C's treatment plan could help her focus on building resilience,
improving self-esteem, and finding meaning and purpose in her life.

In summary, the recommended treatment strategies for Ms. C are aligned with both classic and
contemporary psychological theories. They address her substance abuse issues, mental health
challenges, trauma history, and interpersonal difficulties. By combining these strategies, Ms. C
can receive comprehensive and tailored treatment that addresses the various factors contributing
to her current situation.
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References

American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of

conduct (2002, amended effective June 1, 2010, and January 1, 2017).

http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.html

Chandler, D., Jr. (2016). The Essentials of Forensic Family Psychotherapy: A Brief Guide to

Investigative Narrative Analysis (2nd ed.). Morrisville, NC: Lulu Press.

Miller, G. (1999). "Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI)."

Retrievedfrom:https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AssessingAlcohol/

InstrumentPDFs/66_SASSI.pdf#:~:text=The%20SASSI%20is%20a%20brief%20self-

report%2C%20easily%20administered,an%20overall%20empirically%20tested

%20accuracy%20of%2093%20percent.