Counseling for Mentla Health & Wellness

Counselling for Mental Health
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Abstract
In a broader perspective, mental illness is a mental pattern which causes distress on the functioning aspects of individuals. Data available indicates that roughly one out of five children across America is mentally ill. On the other hand, 4% of the adults in America suffer from the same problem. Therefore, there is a very serious need to have this problem eradicated or controlled, as it has lifetime problems when not diagnosed and monitored early. The common mental illness includes bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder, and depression, and they significantly vary depending on the victim’s characteristics, life experiences, and the current environment. On the other hand, four theories, the psychodynamic theory, humanistic theory, Cognitive theory and the behaviorism theory attempt to explain various aspects concerning mental illness and give specific approaches for diagnosis and treatment. This paper explains the application of the psychodynamic theory, based on the provided case study. Below are the explanations.
Keywords: Mental illness, Psychodynamic theory, Depression, Counselling.
Aspects of Mental Illness as Per the Case Study
Mental illness is a problem that usually affects victims of almost all ages. From the case study provided, it is evident that Jessica, the victim is suffering from mental illness, and to prevent the escalation of this condition, needs some counseling and an urgent medical attention. The problems that Jessica has include interpersonal conflicts with fellows at the workplace, depression, anxiety and emotional distress.

Specifically, Jessica could be suffering from a bipolar and depressive disorder.
Psychodynamic theory is one of the best-suited theories which explains Jessica‘s condition and gives the best approaches for counseling and other related aspects. The theory argues that life experiences are crucial in shaping of someone’s actions (Bower et al., 2011). Furthermore, the theory provides that three central forces critically determine an individual’s personality. They include the Ego, Superego and the ID. There are several reasons which make this theory quite suited to the case scenario. For example, Jessica’s withdrawal, interpersonal conflicts, and depression can be related to her early history, where her parent urged her to focus on academics, defying her social interaction aspects. This is the root of emotional distress and the mentioned conditions.
The psychodynamic theories provide different therapies and approaches that can be applied when analyzing problems such as the ones mentioned above. In addition, different tools are used for the facilitation of the associated therapies. Free association is one of the approaches whose application in this scenario remains to be relevant. With this therapy, Jessica will be subjected to describe thoughts, feelings, and images that she usually encounters, to help he uncover hidden unconsciousness and other dynamics. Secondly, catharsis, which involves the client reliving past feelings is crucial. As such, the client settles and overcomes internal conflicts and problems.

References
Bower, P., Knowles, S., Coventry, P. A., & Rowland, N. (2011). Counselling for mental health and psychosocial problems in primary care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 9.