The cognitive behavioral therapy perspective will be used in conceptualizing Jack McFarland’s case. The case conceptualization will be used to better comprehend and offer a clinical explanation of McFarland’s experiences. The cognitive behavioral therapy perspective will be utilized to identify and alter negative thought patterns that have an unwanted influence on McFarland's behaviors and emotions. It will ensure that McFarland's negative thoughts are recognized, challenged, and substituted with more positive, objective thoughts (Nichols & Davis, 2016) . Cognitive behavioral therapy will allow McFarland to develop healthier thinking patterns.
Problem Identification
McFarland’s thoughts, behaviors, and feelings distinctly show the main areas of concern. McFarland feels unlovable and is convinced that there may be something wrong with him. Such negative thought patterns contribute significantly to his depression. In addition, he is unable to remain interested in one job for a long period. In this regard, he has a high level of job instability. He has difficulty sleeping and has reduced interest in activities. He has a history of going out with older men who he believes understand him (Schwitzer & Rubin, 2014) . He thinks that he is going to be alone for the rest of his life. He can stay committed in one relationship for a long time and seeks attention excessively. McFarland has a low mood most of the time.
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Organization of Concerns
There are two major themes that can be derived from McFarland's areas of concern regarding his thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. The first theme includes the recurring history of inattention and hyperactive behavior. McFarland's father left him when he was a child, and his mother was not aware of his gay sexual identity until he was much older (Schwitzer & Rubin, 2014) . McFarland was abnormally active during his childhood and adulthood. Resultantly, his behaviors have made him avoid intimate relationships and success in every job position he holds.
The second theme is regarding his depressive symptoms exhibited by his feeling of worthlessness. In addition, McFarland has numerous regrets regarding his past and current relationships. His high level of fatigue and increased difficulty in sleeping are also signs of his depression.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Theory Inferences
Jack McFarland is likely to make irrational self-statements due to his depressive symptoms and recurring history of inattention and hyperactive behavior. According to the cognitive behavior therapy perspective, irrational thoughts and erroneous beliefs cause individuals to experience negative attitudes (Persons, 2012) . McFarland’s dad left before he was born, and his mother was not aware of his queer status after birth and during his childhood. As a result, McFarland thinks that no other guy would want to be together with him. He also thinks that any individual with who he falls in love will leave him.
Deeper Inferences
The cognitive behavior therapy perspective can address more in-depth issues that affect McFarland. The patient has an erroneous belief that other individuals will reject him if they are given a chance to know him, and, for this reason, he must prevent all of them from becoming too close to him.
Theory Appropriate Treatment Plan
Cognitive behavioral therapy can act as an effective therapeutic intervention and, in effect, replace McFarland's negative, depressive thoughts with positive, realistic thoughts. It can act as a reliable short-term treatment alternative by eliminating the unrealistic thoughts that inhibit positive feelings and mood (Murdock, 2016) . The treatment can allow McFarland to identify the role played by unresolved feelings of rejection and neglect. McFarland can also learn problem-solving skills that allow him to carry out effective impulse control. In this case, his hyperactivity issues can be addressed effectively.
Conclusion
The cognitive behavioral therapy perspective shows the redefinition of Jack McFarland’s presenting problem into a treatment appropriate problem. McFarland’s depressive symptoms are derived from a theory-based understanding of the problem as revealed by the case conceptualization. The cognitive behavioral therapy perspective is fitting for Jack McFarland’s case since it is problem-focused. In addition, it has effectively informed the process of creating an appropriate treatment plan for Jack to address his depression.
References
Murdock, N. L. (2016). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A case approach . Pearson Education New Zealand.
Nichols, M. P., & Davis, S. (2016). Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods . Pearson Australia Pty Ltd.
Persons, J. B. (2012). The case formulation approach to cognitive-behavior therapy . New York; London: The Guilford Press.
Schwitzer, A. M., & Rubin, L. C. (2014). Diagnosis and treatment planning skills: A popular culture casebook approach (DSM-5 Update) . SAGE Publications.
