Please response to each of the following discussion response.
1.(Regina)An example of how I can use evidence-based work in
my field placement is the Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT) approach.
“Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a practical focused approach that helps
children understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and
behaviors. The aim is to identify the dysfunctional and distorted cognitions
associated with their psychological problems and to create more functional and
balanced cognitive patterns that create less emotional distress and more helpful
behaviors (Stallard, 2022).” One of the clients that I have worked with was
referred to us due to his feelings of anxiety. In fact, having an important
knowledge about the CBT and its application, allowed me to create those
connections and effectively support him. For instance, I was able to listen to
the client and support him in understanding the relationship between his
thoughts, feelings and behaviors and help the client to get to balance
thoughts, and feeling, which will lead to better behaviors.
2.(Lauren) Can you provide an example of how
you have or can use evidence-based work in your field placement?
I’ve used evidence-based work in field placement through
incorporating CBT and DBT interventions for a client in her early 20s
struggling with social anxiety. CBT interventions, including cognitive
restructuring and exposure therapy, were key interventions in addressing the
client’s unhelpful thoughts and avoidant behaviors. In CBT sessions, I’ve
guided the client to examine the evidence behind unhelpful thoughts and explore
alternative, more balanced perspectives. I also implemented gradual exposure therapy
to reduce the client’s avoidant behaviors and gain confidence in social
situations that are typically anxiety-provoking. In our sessions, my client and
I created a hierarchy, or fear ladder, of feared social situations, starting
with the less intimidating scenarios and gradually moving towards the more
challenging ones. The client was able to practice some of these scenarios
outside of our sessions and report back in sessions, where we’d discuss her
experiences, levels of distress and adjust the fear ladder as needed. DBT
interventions, including mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, were key in
helping the client cope with intense emotions. In session, I’ve introduced
several mindfulness skills, including deep breathing, mindful observation and
body scans. The client and I practiced these skills together during session and
she was encouraged to use them in social situations to manage her anxiety and
remain focused on the present moment. Additionally, teaching distress tolerance
skills, such as STOP and self-soothing activities helped the client manage
distress and reduce avoidant behaviors in anticipation of and during social
situations
