The purpose of this case study is to describe, in detail, a systematic approach that was used to modify a long-standing dysfunctional schema in a depressed female outpatient over the age of 60. In our opinion, this paper addresses a gap in the current cognitive therapy literature which contains very little description of methods for schema change. The client, Mrs. A., was depressed as a result of caring for her elderly mother who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease. She first received a 20-session course of treatment for her depression which focused on goals such as reducing guilt, setting limits, and making some time for her personal needs. After attaining these goals, she was given the opportunity to participate in an intense program of 18 additional individual sessions to evaluate and revise a key core belief, using an adaptation of Young’s (1990) method of the Historical Test of Schemas. This core belief was stated as follows: “In order to alleviate my feelings of inferiority, I must be all things to everyone.” Mrs. A was able to discuss the origin and the maintenance of this schema throughout her life, and she also was able to revise it in a way that allowed her to be more accepting of herself and her abilities.
Semantic Networks, Schema Change, and Reincarceration Outcomes of Therapeutic Community Graduates
