Scenario 1
Jason: Whenever I see a question on an exam that I don’t know the answer to, I panic. I start to feel like I’m going to fail the whole exam.
Dr. Alvarez: Suppose you miss a few questions. What’s so awful about that? It would be nice if you could get them all, but you can still do well even if you don’t. Why don’t you take a practice exam at home and practice those positive thoughts about how you can succeed even if you miss a few questions?
Therapy ______________________________
Strategies __________________________________________________
Scenario 2
Dr. Mtumbo helps Martin overcome his fear of snakes by having him imagine a snake, then look at a picture of a snake, and then watch a movie that depicts snakes. Eventually, Dr. Mtumbo is able to get Martin to go to the zoo, stand close to the snake pit, and even touch a snake.
Therapy ______________________________
Strategies __________________________________________________
Scenario 3
Dr. Simonds: You told me you were suspicious that your boyfriend was cheating on you. Have you felt like anyone has betrayed you before?
Mercedes: When I was young, my father had been having an affair for a long time and eventually left our family.
Dr. Simonds: Maybe that has something to do with why you are suspicious of others now.
Therapy ______________________________
Strategies __________________________________________________
Scenario 4
Dr. Goldstein: Did you do the homework I gave you?
Eva: Yes, I was able to navigate the library all on my own.
Dr. Goldstein: So, do you think it will always be impossible for you to find your way around on your own?
Eva: No, I suppose not. I can learn how to find my way around better. I guess I’m not such a failure.
Therapy ______________________________
Strategies __________________________________________________
Scenario 5
Todd: I just came here from work, and let me tell you, it’s been one of the worst days of my life.
Dr. Bentley: It sounds like your job keeps becoming more stressful. It must be difficult.
Todd: Yeah, I want to punch my boss in the face.
Dr. Bentley: Well, I don’t support punching your boss, but I understand that your frustration is part of who you are, and it doesn’t make you a bad person.