Personal Assumptions

Personal Assumptions

 

1. There are many factors that can cause people to exhibit maladaptive behaviors, including:
   • Biological factors, such as genetics or brain chemistry.
   • Environmental factors, such as childhood trauma or exposure to violence.
   • Learned behaviors, such as coping mechanisms that were developed in response to difficult circumstances.
   • Social factors, such as discrimination or poverty.

People may move on the adaptive–maladaptive mental health continuum as a result of these factors, or as a result of a combination of factors. Some people may be more resilient than others, and may be able to cope with difficult circumstances without developing maladaptive behaviors. Others may be more vulnerable, and may be more likely to develop maladaptive behaviors as a way of coping.

2. I will measure therapeutic success by the following criteria:
   • The client’s self-reported improvement in symptoms.
   • The client’s ability to function better in their daily life.
   • The client’s satisfaction with the therapy process.

I will also take into account the degree of maladaptation present when measuring therapeutic success. For example, a client with mild anxiety may be able to achieve significant improvement in their symptoms, while a client with severe schizophrenia may need more time and effort to achieve similar results.

3. My thoughts/beliefs about the following are: a. Mental illness is a real and serious condition that can affect people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Depression is a common mental illness that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.  c. Cutting is a self-harm behavior that can be used to cope with difficult emotions or to feel a sense of control.  d. Anorexia is an eating disorder that is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.  e. Hoarding is a mental disorder that is characterized by the excessive accumulation of possessions. f. Anxiety is a common emotion that can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, fear, and uncertainty. g. Rumination is the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts and emotions.  h. Manipulation is the act of using deception or persuasion to control or influence others.  i. Passive aggression is a type of indirect aggression that is characterized by passive or non-assertive behaviors that are intended to express anger or resentment.  j. Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior that is intended to cause harm or distress to another person.
4. I believe that humans are generally trustworthy, but that there are some people who are not trustworthy. I believe that clients with mental illness are just as capable of being trustworthy as anyone else. However, it is important to remember that mental illness can sometimes impair judgment and decision-making, which can make it more difficult for people to be trustworthy.
5. I believe that clients with mental illness are capable of empathy and concern for others, just like anyone else. However, the degree to which they are able to express these emotions may be limited by their mental illness. For example, a client with depression may find it difficult to feel empathy for others, because they are focused on their own pain and suffering.
6. I believe that clients with mental illness can change, but it may take time and effort. The degree to which they are able to change will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of their mental illness, their motivation to change, and the availability of treatment.
7. I believe that mental illness is prevalent, but that it is often under-diagnosed and under-treated. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. However, only one in five people with a mental health disorder receives treatment.