The complexity of human existence involves people’s need to overcome many challenges and complexities that affect their psychological well-being and existential journeys. Jane’s case is an excellent example of how a person can be worried for various reasons, such as interpersonal relationships and an inner sense of existence. As a result of this, a person’s life is badly affected. This paper will rely on a systematic approach that will draw on diverse treatment strategies and psychological theories to penetrate her inner psychological processes and strains.
Case Study Interpretation
Analysis of Anxiety Attack
Jane’s experience of panic attacks reveals what many clinical psychologists have found out. According to Khanagar et al. (2023), the situation of having one of the attacks of anxiety is identified by very abrupt and dense episodes, which are associated with physical symptoms such as fast heartbeats and breathing difficulties. Jane’s brushing off these attacks, such as mental health concerns, provides the essential ideas as the results being mentioned by cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) studies we have today. A specific example is the work of Hofmann and Hay (2021), which affirms that avoidance behaviour is a primary factor that worsens anxiety disorders (Hofmann & Hay, 2018). Also, the effect of panic on Jane’s functioning and the quality of life at home is evidenced by scholarly findings with is shown in the latest Hofmann & Hay (2018) affirming that anxiety is among the top debilitating illnesses in the world today (Hofmann et al., 2012). These similarities underscore that personalised treatments should be implemented to deal with Jane’s symptoms and improve her general state.
Relationship with Harry
Jane’s relationship with Harry is a combination of diverse influences. Jane and Harry first bumped into each other at a social gathering, where she fell in love with him, disregarding their vast age gap and his on-and-off relationship status. While their relationship continued, Harry did not merely finance his partner but also controlled Jane’s everyday life and determined how the power would be distributed. The modification of Jane to accommodate Harry’s interests and habits exemplifies the principle of adjustment in love relationships, through which partners participate in each other’s interests and lives for harmony and satisfaction (Hofmann et al., 2012). This could result from Jane’s basic need for attachment with Harry, which signifies her respect for the principles of attachment theory.
Family Dynamics
Jane’s childhood family life is described as having a dysfunctional relationship. The absence of her father, who left when she was only two years old, shaped her general upbringing. As a single mother, Jane had an estranged relationship with her older brother because of the significant age difference between them. This absence of familial proximity significantly affected how Jane perceives the world and where she stands in it and, consequently, made her emotionally unstable and awkward when dealing with anxious feelings. Research reveals that family history matters in how individuals realise psychological health and coping mechanisms (Yang et al., 2022). The lack of familial intimacy and connections has given Jane good status to seek existential anxieties and feelings of seclusion. Recognition of familial issues and incredibly emotional attachment is vital in developing the background for Jane’s reluctance to get treatments for her anxiety attacks and her tendency toward mental health denial.
Application Of Academic Theory
Existential Theory
Jane’s case study from an existential lens indicates that her anxiety attacks are profound and existential. Turned by an overwhelming gloom and fear of life’s unpredictability, these symptoms touch existential worries about life’s meaninglessness (Heidenreich et al., 2021). Jane’s unwillingness to perceive her anxiety as a psychological problem breaks with the existential principles of existentialism and implies existential denial. Jane seeks to escape coming face-to-face with the unavoidable truths of existential anxieties by refraining from accepting the label of mental illness. Also, Jane’s search for a purpose in her relationship with Harry proves to be similar to her existential search for meaning and significance in her life. The dependence on Harry shows a more substantial life meaning-seeking and relationship quest, implying an existential void of discomfort. Through existential exploration and the development of one’s life path, therapists can help Jane overcome her struggle with existential angst (Müller & Kubátová, 2021). Throughout this journey, Jane can understand these complexities about her being and, hence, can embark on a quest towards authenticity, purpose, and wellness.
Humanistic Theory
A humanistic approach to Jane’s case implies a scrutiny of the fundamental concepts of humanistic psychology. Humanistic psychology, introduced by Maslow and Rogers, stresses individuals’ innate goodness and ability to change (Joseph, 2021). Jane’s desire to achieve happiness through her love life with her friend, Harry, gets into Maslow’s pyramid of needs, where individuals try to find their fulfilment and rights to self-actualisation. Also, her existential search for true identity and self-actualisation, which is similar to Rogers’ concept of self-actualisation in obtaining inner values and beliefs, is evident. According to Hlavek and Feldwisch (2022), those principles introduce the interpretation of Jane’s subconscious urges and objectives, manifesting the principle of her inherent value and opportunities for development. Humanistic theory emphasises empathic, non-authoritarian, and client-centred techniques for the therapeutic process (Hlavek & Feldwisch, 2022). Through analysis of her own image, Jane can find out who she is, what her values are, and what interests she has.
Psychodynamic Theory
By employing a psychodynamic approach to Jane’s case, some fundamental concepts should be explored to offer insights into Jane’s events. Psychodynamic theory, based on Freud’s original studies and developed further by later theorists, claims that individuals’ behaviours are determined by unconscious conflicts and defence mechanisms (Teater, 2015). Jane’s refusal to acknowledge her anxiety attacks as mental health-related conditions could be primarily due to her unconscious defence mechanisms, possibly drawn from the story of her birth and her relationships. Through studying Jane’s undeclared processes, psychodynamic theory reveals the motives and the topics not resolved that are the reason for Jane’s problem. In addition, it sheds light on how her story of a broken family must have contributed to her psychological illness (Huppert, 2022). This could be seen in the pivotal role that is emphasised by psychodynamic theorists in how they affect individuals through early childhood experiences that shape their relationships.
Proposed Therapeutic Approach
Overview of Therapeutic Modalities
There are several kinds of therapeutic techniques, which include Gestalt therapy, American existential-humanistic therapy (EH), and British Existential-Humanistic (EH) therap, that offer different approaches to dealing with psychological issues. Gestalt therapy, established by Fritz Perls, employs direct action with present events and emotions to activate people’s heightened self-awareness and personal responsibility (Romas & Sharma, 2017). The American EH, created by existentialism and humanism, places particular importance on self-seeking, self-improvement, and meaningful life (Davidson, 2021). In addition, the British concept of EH, as highlighted by the works of Rollo May and Viktor Frankl, focuses on the human’s ability to choose, assume responsibility, and be existentially authentic (May 1953; Frankl, 1946). Each modality brings its learning method, with the counsellor in charge of designing the plan of action to fulfil the client’s needs and wishes.
Selection of Therapeutic Modality
Considering Jane’s case, an integrative approach that puts together the principal concepts of Gestalt and American EH is the best choice. According to Gestalt therapy, the formation of awareness in the present moment and facing the problem head-on is what Jane requires for her to cope with anxiety attacks and the existential problems she has (Romas & Sharma, 2017). Also, American EH incorporates personal growth and meaning in life to perfectly match Jane’s search for authenticity and fulfilment (Romaa & Sharma, 2017). This inclusive framework contributes to the more comprehensive exploration of Jane’s experiences and problems while guaranteeing her personality and enhancing her growth.
Proposed Therapeutic Strategies
The therapeutic procedures for resolving Jane’s anxiety and existentially stressful issues can be facilitated through experiential techniques like empty chair work, role-play, and mindfulness activities. As stated by (Roubal et al. (2021), Gestalt methods help Jane deal with her attacks directly without relying on thoughts (Roubal et al., 2021). She uses the here and now to explore the emotions behind the attacks, along with some of the physical sensations and meanings. Furthermore, existential-humanistic counselling that includes a discussion of life values, a search for existential dilemmas, and a promotion of self-reflection could aid Jane in coping with existential issues and obtaining feelings of meaning and purpose (Yang et al., 2022). The goals of these tactics are to help Jane become self-aware, process emotions, and move forward with increased authenticity and self-assertiveness.
Expected Therapeutic Outcomes
Expected outcomes of the session will be heightened self-awareness, developed emotion management skills, and the development of skills to manage anxiety attacks more effectively. By integrating Gestalt and existential-humanistic approaches, Jane could discover the existential factors generating her stress and devise workable ways to mitigate its undesirable effects on her routine activities (Roubal et al., 2021). Additionally, therapy could facilitate Jane’s life-meaning exploration through searching for identity and individual responsibility, thus bringing into life meaning, clarity, and purpose (Joseph, 2021). However, the therapeutic process of Jane may be hindered due to her denial of anxiety as a mental health problem and her refusal to own up and look deep into internal conflicts (Heidenreich et al., 2021). Handling these complications might call for patience, empathy, and cooperation between Jane and the therapist, eventually resulting in a therapeutic alliance conducive to getting well and self-fulfilling.
Conclusion
In summary, Jane’s story showcases the comprehensive mix of psychological disorders, personal and social dynamics, and world comprehension issues that most people usually identify with. The case study illustrates how various therapeutic modalities like Gestalt therapy, American existential-humanistic therapy, and psychodynamic approaches explore the intricacies of Jane’s inner realm and possible avenues for therapeutic intervention. Although Jane’s quest might be filled with struggles and uncertainties, it also provides power, self-confidence, and existential freedom. Through the recognition and use of empathy, compassion, and evidence-based healthcare, the path can be lit for Jane to set off on an expedition of healing, enlightenment, and permanent improvement. Jane’s story, finally, embodies the indestructible properties of the human spirit that never quit in the course of evolution.
References
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