ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the importance of effective communication to build alliance and establishing clear intervention planning. Jenny presented for counselling on recommendation from her general medical practitioner, for symptoms of low mood and anxiety over past three years. Jenny experienced depressive and anxiety symptoms, on a daily basis, for the past two years. She also reported feeling fatigued, unmotivated, sadness, poor concentration, and hopelessness on most days. Depressive symptoms, including fatigue and poor concentration, affected Jenny's work performance. A detailed risk assessment revealed that Jenny has never engaged in deliberate self-harm (DSH). Clinical research, including meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials demonstrate that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention for supporting the treatment of depression in adults. Behavioural Activation (BA) is a core component of CBT, found to effectively treat depression. Given the level of her distress, Jenny was diagnosed with mild anxious distress; and late onset. Jenny attended 12 sessions and showed a willingness to engage in therapy.
