Employing an Eclectic Approach to Reduce Social Anxiety: An Adolescent Case Report

Abstract

The purpose of this case report study is to evaluate, on a case-specific basis, whether individual counseling sessions based on a technical eclecticism approach are effective in reducing performance anxiety and avoidance behaviors related to social anxiety in a 16-year-old adolescent referred to school counseling.The study is a single-subject, intervention-based case report. The case was evaluated and formulated using a technical eclecticism approach based on Lazarus' BASIC ID model. The intervention process consisted of eight sessions of psychological counseling, supported by supervision. The main techniques used were Metacognitive Therapy and Hypno-meditative Reprocessing Therapy, along with techniques from Schema Therapy and Behavioral Therapy. The results of the visual analysis, together with pre-, post- and follow-up measures using the Brief Symptom Inventory, showed a significant and sustained reduction in the client's anxiety levels and avoidance behaviours. The Reliable Change Index (RCI), calculated using the Jacobson and Truax JT method, confirmed the clinical significance of the changes observed. Furthermore, the therapeutic alliance is considered to be a contributing factor to the positive outcomes. In addition, clients' subjective evaluations of the counseling process also confirmed that the intervention was beneficial. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for psychological counselors and mental health professionals working with individuals experiencing different types and levels of anxiety.

Keywords

• BASIC ID
• Case study
• Hypno-meditative reprocesssing therapy
• Metacognitive therapy
• Social anxiety
• Technical eclecticism

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