Case Study

159 Results

Breaking the Silence

Facilitated Communication with Nonverbal Autism

A controversial method makes talk therapy possible for people who don’t talk. Read more

The Therapist as Traffic Cop

Learning the Hard Way with a Volatile Couple

Being a good traffic cop can mean the difference between success or failure as a couples therapist.* Commentary by Peter Fraenkel Read more

Bowing Out

The Dilemma of Uncoupling

If a loving couple shares a relationship history with no major deal-breaker issues, is “uncoupling” the best path? Read more

Have we unfairly pathologized clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder? Read more

The Biotech Dragon

A Kid-Friendly Approach to Self-Regulation

Engaging kids in talk therapy is often a frustrating struggle. So what happens when you introduce a video game and some cool bioresponsive tech? Read more

In the Aftermath of Suicide

The Long Journey to Healing

In the wake of a loved one’s suicide, therapists must have the patience to sit with clients as the slow and painful process of healing unfolds. CASE... Read more

Storm Damage

Angry Words Can Sink a Relationship

Even though partners may forgive each other after a heated argument, the hurtful words that were hurled can be haunting nonetheless. Read more

Weiwei and the Spider

Translating Problems into Skills to Learn
Ben Furman & Liu Haiying

An approach that emphasizes acquiring skills rather than focusing on problems helps a young boy in China tackle his problems at school. Read more

“Nobody Knows!”

Helping Introverts Appreciate Their Strengths

A young introvert in college learns to embrace her temperament as a gift, rather than a problem. Read more

Chronic Pain Reconsidered

A New Role for Therapists

Only one percent of patients suffering from acute back pain have a significant structural abnormality in their back, and a remarkably low percentage of back... Read more

A Playful Path to Attachment

A Mother and Adopted Daughter Learn to Bond

Through games that encourage small moments of laughter, a struggling mother and her adopted daughter learn a different way to bond. Read more

The Challenge of Helping the People Pleaser

Setting Boundaries Can Be Risky

Helping clients set boundaries can be a risky business, especially when people pleasing has been a lifelong strategy. * Commentary by Courtney Armstrong Read more

Taken Over

Breaking the Spell of Obsession

A therapist struggles to help an obsessive client with whom she develops an unusual preoccupation. Read more

Second Adolescence

An Alternative to the Midlife Crisis

Instead of viewing midlife as a time of emotional unraveling, therapists can see it as an opportunity to help clients gain a fuller sense of purpose in... Read more

From Weight to Well-Being

The Challenges of Treating Binge Eating Disorder

Although binge eating disorder is more prevalent than anorexia and bulimia, many people still don’t get the help they need for it. Read more

Doing Vulnerability

The Art of Helping Men Open Up

Helping emotionally closed-off men embrace vulnerability without getting lost in shame requires not only empathy but good timing. Read more

From Tough Love to Empathic Love

Teaching Parents to Earn Their Children’s Respect

Helping families move past stalemates often means teaching parents to earn their children’s respect. Read more

Is All Fair in Love and Sex?

How Couples Can Embrace their Sexual Differences

Even if we believe that tender intimacy is the gold standard of erotic communication, can’t attachment be expressed in other ways? Read more

The Unexplored Issues

Working with Cross-Cultural Couples

Cross-cultural couples face challenges that often aren’t addressed in therapy. Read more

Navigating the Bipolar Spectrum

Diagnosing Mood Disorders Requires Great Care

Diagnosing and treating mood disorders can be tricky, especially when it comes to an often overlooked, subtle form of bipolar II. Read more

Bullying Reconsidered

Helping Children Help Each Other

While research indicates that most anti-bullying projects don’t work, a disarmingly simple approach has shown promising results. Read more

High-Stakes Therapy

Eating Disorders Can Be a Matter of Life or Death

When it comes to eating disorders, therapy can be a matter of life and death. Read more

Upgrading the Software

A One-Session Cure for An Obnoxious Habit

Sometimes there’s no need for a detailed assessment of a client’s entire life history and their family relationships, especially when the desired outcome... Read more

Managing Hecklers in the Therapy Room

An Ex-Comedian Puts Her Old Skills to Use

What do the rules of comedy have to do with the practice of psychotherapy? More than you think. Read more

Supporting the Overwhelmed Child

Sometimes It Just Takes Time

A school counselor’s patient work with a sad, uncommunicative young boy demonstrates what a difference just being there can make. * Commentary by Janet... Read more

The Remarriage Triangle

Working with Later-Life Recouplers and their Grown Children

Therapists need to be prepared to go against the conventional clinical wisdom in helping later-life recouplers and stepfamilies handle the unique challenges... Read more

A Cure for the Yips

Brainspotting and Performance Blocks
David Grand

Traumatic experiences are often the root of athletic and other kinds of performance blocks. Read more

It’s Not about the Diet

Building a healthy relationship with food

Too often both clinicians and clients fall into the trap of pursuing weight loss as a therapeutic goal. Read more

While many therapists are skeptical of open relationships, some believe that, with the right couple, they can work. Read more

Rediscovering Happiness

The Use of Positive Childhood Triggers in Psychotherapy

To create deep change, we need to help people mine the sources of intense pleasure in their lives, wherever they may find them. Read more

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