Case Conceptualization:
Ms. Callsenck is a 56-year-old, Caucasian woman. She was raised as the only child in a middle-class, suburban neighborhood in the United States with her Christian parents. Her father worked long hours at a blue-collar job, while her mother was a stay-at-home mom. They each emphasized hard work and helping your neighbor. She had few friends as a child and enjoyed taking care of her animals. Others often described her as quiet and shy as she was growing up.
She valued achievement, and worked hard in school to become a veterinarian that specializes in the treatment of farm animals. She married for the first time in her life a few years ago to a Hispanic man who is from a small town in Central America. He grew up in a much more collectivistic environment, where the interests and care of the group take precedence over that of the individual. She loves her husband and describes feeling happy in the marriage, but reports feeling stressed by the large number of people who frequently visit their home, come over for dinner, and call for help whenever they have a problem. She expresses liking these individuals and wanting to be there to support them when they are in need, but is uncertain how to set boundaries and make it clear she also values her alone time. She feels she is only able to find this in her work life and rarely at home.
Conceptualize this case by explaining how this person’s current personality dynamics and presenting problems have developed, what is helping to maintain them in the present, and how treatment might influence their prognosis. In addition to considering how the theory might explain their personality, also discuss what treatment and/or assessments the theorist might recommend based on their presentation. Be sure to consider cultural background when formulating your conceptualization.