Ginger's Therapeutic Theory

Current treatment approach to Ginger’s diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder will be the use of Gestalt therapy founded by Fredrick (“Fritz”) Perls and Laura Perls (Corey, 2012).

A. Basic tenets of the theory

Basic tenets of the theory involve focusing on the here and now. According to Corey (2012), “Gestalt therapy is an existential-phenomenological approach based on the premise that individuals must be understood in the context of their ongoing relationship with the environment” (p. 105). The philosophy of the theory allows clients to take responsibility for their own growth and to “come to grips with what they are thinking, feeling, and doing” (p. 105) in therapy and in their own time.

B. Reasons you chose the theoretical orientation for

In Ginger’s case in particular she will more than likely benefit from medication. Ginger will most likely be recommended to take a newer class of drug, which is the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013). SSRIs “have been used widely because they are generally as effective as the tricyclics but have significantly fewer side effects and are safer in overdosage” (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013, p. 175). Due to Ginger’s history of overdosing on pills, I feel the safer route is best. Possible SSRIs that she may be described are Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline and each drug has the possible side effects relating to anxiety, sedation, insomnia, nausea, and sexual dysfunction (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013). The SSRIs do have some contraindication that both clinician and client should be aware of. “Patients taking SSRIs can develop a syndrome including loss of energy, passivity, decreased pleasure, and decreased libido, which resembles, but is not the same as, the depression for which they are being treated” (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013, p. 175). In this case medication will have to be monitored and a possible addition of another classification of drug may be selected. If in the above case Ginger feels the lowness a possible Atypical Antidepressant may be added. A specific drug in the Atypical Antidepressant classification may be the Bupropion drug. Bupropion has side effects of anxiety and insomnia and contraindications of weakening the dopaminergic activity in an individual causing stimulant effect (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013). Not one recipe of medication is best for everyone, so due to Ginger’s age and first onset medications will have to be monitored