Therapist's Guide to Clinical Intervention - Sigmund Freud

PERSONALITY DISORDERS
B. Facilitate identification of goals
C. Facilitate development of problem-solving skills
D. Encourage the person to take appropriate risks and challenge irrational thinking
E. Encourage the person to take responsibility by making decisions, following through,
and being prepared with a contingency plan
F. Encourage venting of thoughts and feelings (such as powerlessness and lack of
control, appearance, etc. associated with physical contion)
G. Facilitate identification of how the person can maintain a feeling of control
H. Facilitate increased awareness for the relationship between physical symptoms and
emotional functioning
I. Facilitate increased awareness for learned behavior and secondary gains
J. Facilitate increased awareness for primary or secondary gains that may be present
K. Refer the person to appropriate community resources
L. Journal writing to increase awareness and self-monitor positive efforts
M. Positive feedback and reinforcement for efforts and accomplishments
4. Ineffective Stress Management
A. Teach relaxation techniques
1. Progressive muscle relaxation
2. Visual imagery/meditation
3. Deep breathing
B. Self-care (exercise, nutrition, utilization of resources)
C. Educate regarding the role of negative self-talk
5. Low Self-Esteem
A. Facilitate identification of realistic goals
B. Facilitate identification of strengths
C. Minimize focus on physical symptoms
D. Focus on strengths, positives, efforts, and accomplishments
E. Facilitate development of problem-solving skills
F. Facilitate identification of appropriate responses to variety of situations to increase
feelings of ability and capability
G. Break down goals into manageable steps. If the person experiences difficulty, work
with him/her to break down steps of change further. Prepare the person that this is
an expected experience in behavior modification and that no step is too small.
H. Promote feelings of control by encouraging the person to participate in decision
making regarding treatment planning
I. Positive feedback and reinforcement for efforts and accomplishments
A person may meet the criteria for more than one personality disorder. Additionally, there is
an overlap in the diagnostic criteria of various personality disorders. Because a person suffering
as Axis I crisis may demonstrate personality disorder features during the period of that
crisis does not warrant the diagnosis of a personality disorder. A diagnosis of personality disorder
is only given when enduring personality traits are inflexible and maladaptive and cause
significant impairment in how the individual interacts with the environment.
Due to the nature of personality disorders (enduring and pervasive maladaptive behaviors),
psychodynamic treatment, in conjunction with results-oriented brief therapy interventions
and skills development, offers optimal results toward behavioral change.
88 i. Treatment Planning: Goals, Objectives, and Interventions