Case
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Case of Dale.
- Course
- COUN6722 (COUN6722)
- Institution
- Walden University
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Case conceptualization
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Ana CantilloCase Conceptualization
Theory: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Case of Dale.
Presenting Problem: Dale, a 52-year-old correctional officer, is experiencing significant
interpersonal and behavioral issues, manifesting in verbal and physical altercations at work,
driven mainly by his deeply ingrained racist beliefs. His behavior, including calling inmates
racist names, has led to multiple incidents that jeopardize his employment. Contributing factors
include his long history of similar issues as a police officer, where he was terminated for racial
profiling and poor collaboration with minority colleagues, and his brief tenure as a bouncer.
Dale's negative views towards minorities seem rooted in his upbringing in a rural, impoverished
environment where he felt disadvantaged compared to minority groups receiving aid.
Additionally, his strained relationships, particularly with his son and ex-wife, exacerbate his
rigid and hostile attitudes. His second marriage, based on rigid control and trust issues influenced
by his wife's religious beliefs, also reflects his problematic views on gender roles and
relationships. Dale's resistance to counseling stems from his belief that he does not need to
change despite the requirement to address his conduct for continued employment.
Hypothesis:
From a cognitive-behavioral therapy perspective, Dale’s issues can be hypothesized as
stemming from deeply entrenched negative core beliefs and automatic thoughts about
minorities, shaped by his upbringing in a poor, rural community and reinforced through his
professional experiences. These cognitive distortions, including overgeneralization and
contradictory thinking, lead to maladaptive behaviors such as verbal and physical altercations
at work. His automatic thoughts, like believing that minorities are “lazy” and a threat to his
well-being, trigger emotional responses of anger and hostility, which then manifest in
aggressive behaviors. Cognitive-Behavioral Theories discuss that “core beliefs and automatic
thoughts deeply influence behaviors and emotional responses, often shaped by past
experiences and environments. Cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization, can lead to
maladaptive behaviors, like aggression stemming from negative core beliefs about
minorities.” (Shaw. S. et al. 2022)
Dale’s cognitive schema regarding trust and control in relationships, likely influenced by past
experiences of perceived betrayal, contributes to his rigid, authoritarian attitudes towards his
current wife. His resistance to change prolongs these patterns, as he does not see his attitudes
and behaviors as problematic, leading to a cycle of negative interactions and reinforcing his
distorted views. Shaw and Green state, “Resistance to change and the inability to recognize
problematic beliefs and behaviors can perpetuate negative interaction patterns, reinforcing
distorted views and maladaptive behaviors in a relationship.” (Shaw. S. et al. 2022)
Goal: A primary goal for Dale using cognitive-behavioral therapy would be to identify and
challenge his deeply ingrained negative underlying views and cognitive biases about minorities.
By recognizing and restructuring these automatic thoughts, Dale can develop more balanced and
realistic perceptions of the individuals he interacts with. This goal includes helping Dale identify
and dispute unfounded opinions and attitudes and change them with more rational and adaptive
ones, subjecting him to situations that challenge his negative stereotypes in a coordinated and
reassuring environment to cut anxiety and hostility, and helping him develop communication and
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