Case study clinical example: First session with a client with symptoms of social anxiety (CBT model)

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Published 2014-11-06

Case study example for use in teaching, aiming to demonstrate some of the triggers, thoughts, feelings and responses linked with problematic social anxiety. This section here represents the first 12 minutes of an initial therapy session, but in order to try and outline the vicious cycle, it moves faster than an average session might. The video features an actor (Malak El-Gonemy) playing the character of Hannah, but the dialogue is not scripted, and as such represents a natural therapeutic exchange. I myself am a qualified Clinical Psychologist, but would definitely not suggest that this is a perfect example of therapy!

This video was produced as a collaboration between the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University (Ricardo Barker).

All Comments (21)

@andrewcameron4894 3 years ago

0:00 Engagement 5:43 What kind of THOUGHTS go through your head? 6:40 How does that make you FEEL? 7:03 Can you give me a RECENT SITUATION to focus on? 8:08 On that particular day, what were the THOUGHTS you had in that situation?
@africaart 5 years ago

The nightmare is; you think everyone is looking, and indeed everyone is looking because you are extremely nervous and unrest.
@openyourmind3763 1 year ago

The fact that she moved out despite her anxiety, is taking photo jobs and intuitively tried to ground herself by holding tightly onto her camera, and even came to therapy, shows a lot of strengths I wish the therapist reflected back to her. Those are behaviors that show she is so much more than her anxiety and her hearing that would be the beginning of possibly thinking differently about herself and feeling more confidant.
@georgehiggins1320 3 years ago

I didn't even realize this was acting until I read the comments. Holy heck! Good acting!
@mar8014 7 years ago

she is such a good actor....looks just like me when I am anxious
@CynthiaAlex-pc1nc 1 year ago

This made me feel more comfortable and confident in going to get help with my social anxiety. I didn’t know what to expect, but now I do.
@lalidapuengklai2882 2 years ago

What helps me with my social anxiety is to try to think that ‘everyone is caring about themselves, not you.’ That’s true for me because that’s what I do. It makes me feel a bit better.
@LargerSlippy 6 years ago

This girl needs an oscar!
@user-nn8um9yl9z 3 years ago

The sad part of this disorder that patients like this in reality often have beautiful spirit and they know they have a lot of talents but they often do n't appear this infront of others😔😔💔
@geraldgrenado7167 3 years ago

I wish I could go out of the way of telling my parents that I feel like they are a factor towards my anxiety and I wish that I could just tell them I need professional counseling without fearing of any adverse reactions.
@xavierdavies1983 9 years ago

currently in CBT for social anxiety and after 6 sessions can honestly say its starting to crack the 12 year cloud that hung over my head since the age of 20. Keeping a thought diary and really challenging the automatic thinking is really beginning to work. Takes alot of practise but i highly highly recommend this type of therapy, it really works!! thanks for the video :-)
@edme7600 3 years ago

I always feel anxious before i go to work. And when i'm actually at work and meet people my mind went blank and focusing to unimportant things like their reaction or how i look to the others. I went home and I start blaming myself for unable to control myself in a social situation. The problem is whenever i go to therapist, I always try to assure her I'm getting better when its actually not true.
@jessicahartness883 5 years ago

I’m bummed this wasn’t real. I related to her so much! I felt like I was looking at myself in my therapy sessions!!
@andreaduran4949 4 years ago

She has the same life story I had when I was dealing with social anxiety and it hit me right after school and I started struggling with employment and customer service. BUUUT, I wouldn't have opened up that much to someone I just met on the very first session with social anxiety...
@asifosman 8 years ago

The acting is brilliant.
@grainyday 1 year ago

I am 44 medical pro - It just adds to my shame I did not realize I am living with massive anxiety that was hindering and damaging my whoe live for last 20 years . I dont feel stupid - I am a definition of what this girl is describing , very powerful and gentle video. 1st month of treatment behind me.
@natashavernon9828 4 years ago

More of these videos please ! Really helpful for someone who wants to study Psychology!!! Great Acting
@maulikgadhavi8356 6 years ago

I didnt know a Socially Anxious person can elaborate things this much clearly like this girl is doing !!! Amazed
@turicaederynmab5343 7 years ago

I want to be a psychiatrist, I have anxiety myself and want to not only help people who share my issue but learn more about the issue generally speaking.
@RainyCityResident 6 years ago

I go to therapy for social anxiety currently. But It's nothing like this. I wish it was more structured like this and I would have a conversation like this. Great job guys!