Child Therapy Case Study

Ben is an 11-year-old boy who was referred to me by a teacher to assist with his reluctance to attend school. Ben has missed 20 days of school in 2 months and often goes to the nurse’s office and has left school due to feeling “sick”. Ben was check at by a pediatrician, and there are no medical problems that can explain his difficulties. Ben has a very close relationship with his mother, and sleeps in his mother’s bed every night. He avoids activities that would include him interacting with other kids his age, because of his separation anxiety from his mother. Ben’s mother showers with, dresses and undresses him.. She also grooms his hair because she claims it’s difficult to manage because of tangles. Ben is fully capable of self-care in areas

Therapy at home is just a beginning and other methods should be used at school and with a counselor. The mother will be taught to teach her son modeling behavior. When the son becomes anxious, the mother should remain calm. Reminding the child he has survived these scenarios before, and providing the mother with relaxation tips that she can use with Ben when he is feeling anxious. Encouraging the child to participate in activities outside and praising him often. The mother can also read books to Ben that describe different range of emotions and explain what each emotion feels like and explain they are normal emotions. Teaching Ben to talk about these emotions can be an effective strategy, however there are other interventions that will be taken effect in order to ensure that it is working. At school the teachers will be implementing interventions as well. At first, the student can begin attending school with shorter days, and increase gradually. Provide the student with a safe place and a person, in case he begins to feel anxious. Teaching Ben relaxation techniques to help him deal with his anxiety.
The most appropriate therapy method for Ben would include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). CBT is a very effective method that focuses on students who have anxiety disorders and gives a variety of different therapy options that includes the practitioner, family and the school. CBT will bring some insight about the anxiety symptoms and how to control emotions as well as confronting the fears. CBT also includes cognitive reconstructing, modeling, relaxation training, problem solving skills, contingency management and exposure. These are all the areas that Ben needs in order to assist him with anxiety