Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy views psychological disorders as originating from maladaptive learning since people are born tabula rasa. All behaviors are learned from one's environment, and these symptoms are acquired through classical and operant conditioning. Behavioral therapy focuses on the current problem and behavior. It applies a number of strategies in explaining behaviors. These strategies include systematic desensitization, flooding, and aversion therapy. Behavioral therapy differs from psychodynamic therapy by Sigmund Freud. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering unresolved conflicts from childhood. Cognitive therapy concentrates on what people think rather than how they act. Humanistic treatment, on the other hand, emphasizes people's capacity for making rational choices and developing them fully. Behavioral therapy is the best approach for Maggie's case since it focuses on the current problem causing the maladaptive behavior.
Choosing a Therapeutic Approach
When choosing a practical therapeutic approach to use, one needs to consider the most appropriate approach. The presenting issues portrayed by the patient determine the best type of plan to apply. In the case of Maggie, depression symptoms are the main presenting issues. Maggie experiences insomnia, irritability, withdrawal symptoms, poor concentration, reduced performance, feeling worthless, reduced sex urge, and low self-esteem. The therapist should also make use of an approach that puts in place the working condition of Maggie. The plan should also make use of Maggie's background information and her marital status. Her goals and objectives in life also contribute significantly to the kind of therapeutic approach that suits her case.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy states that dysfunctional thinking in an individual leads to dysfunctional emotions and behaviors. If people change their thoughts, then this change can influence their feelings and behaviors. Maggie has a very demanding job that is stressing her. At the same time, she has her goals and standards that can make her self-critical if she fails to meet them. Her marriage also plays a significant role in her life. Therefore, classical conditioning can help Maggie break the association between stimulus and undesired response. Flooding, also referred to as implosion therapy, exposes the patient directly to their fears for an extended period in a safe and controlled environment (vivo exposure). The prolonged intense exposure creates an association between the feared stimulus and positivity.
Implosion Therapy
Here Maggie will confront her fears at the workplace and home, and when the panic subsides, she will find that these environments cause no harm. Therefore, implosion therapy works perfectly in Maggie's case. However, the therapist should continuously check how the patient is fairing to avoid the intensified anxiety that can lead to the hospitalization of the patient. Flooding will help reduce anxiety of balancing family issues and her high-stressing job. The primary goal is to minimize the work anxiety and try to portray how she can balance all her objectives and still meet her standards. Secondly, implosion therapy will teach Maggie that her social and working life are essential in achieving her goals. Implosion therapy will help Maggie develop the ability to accept and tolerate distress using healthier behavior and avoid suicidal thoughts. Here the therapist will conduct sessions with Maggie and frequently visit her workplace. The therapist will explore Maggie's relationship, experiences, and advice on how to develop positive interactions with others.
Implosion Therapy vs. Systematic Desensitization
Implosion therapy, unlike systematic desensitization (vivo exposure), applies vivo exposure and helps the client face their fears and anxiety-causing conditions. Maggie experiences depression because of increased pressure at work and responsibilities as a wife. Implosion therapy will aid Maggie in learning how to integrate her job and family responsibilities towards achieving her dreams. This therapeutic approach will expose Maggie to avoided emotional experiences and face her painful memories and traumatic occurrences.
