ABSTRACT
A Group Case Illustration:
This case diagrams how to use an Automatic Thought Record (ATR) to identify automatic thoughts, leading to the “hot thought,” and utilizing the downward arrow technique to isolate the core belief or schema shadowing the conflict to be addressed.
Meanings of Automatic Thoughts:
The downward arrow technique is utilized to harvest evidence that supports or does not support core beliefs and schemas, utilizing challenging questions for the protagonist by repeatedly asking “If that were true, why would it be so upsetting?”
Homework (Alternative Behavior Plan):
Homework is usually designed to create a situation where the protagonist will focus on himself or herself. Example behavior plans may include treating oneself to a pedicure or massage or selecting a movie or restaurant and inviting a friend to join.
Case Conceptualization:
The case conceptualization technique is applied as an ongoing therapeutic tool. This technique collects early childhood data, allowing one to reflect on the way early experiences influence his or her rules, conditional assumptions, beliefs, and means of coping.
The Importance of the Genogram and Social Atom:
Jane’s social atom shows the degree to which she feels close and distant to others in her life. Jane reported a close relationship with her grandfather, making his death a particularly difficult experience for Jane. Her social atom also shows discord between herself, her mother, and her roommate.
Homework:
For Jane, homework will focus on practicing the new confident role. Thus, situations have to be designed with people in her life where she can rehearse this new role. Jane is asked to identify people in her life with whom she feels varying degrees of comfort being confident/assertive and rate them on a scale from 1 (most comfortable / least anxious) to 10 (least comfortable / most anxious).
