I recently counseled a child with an anxiety disorder at my practicum site. This patient was 7 years old, and had been previously diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). She was struggling with intense fear and worry that were interfering with her daily life, such as school performance, social relationships and sleeping patterns.

Based on the information I learned this week in the Learning Resources concerning treating patients with anxiety disorders, I created a treatment plan for her which included cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn how to recognize irrational thoughts and challenge them by replacing them with more realistic ones; relaxation strategies like deep breathing exercises; family counseling involving both parents so they could be better equipped handle their daughter’s anxious behavior when it occurred; as well as referral to psychopharmacology if deemed necessary after 6–8 weeks of regular counseling sessions.

My goal in providing this type of care for my client was to equip her managing symptoms GAD longterm basis order reduce distress she has been experiencing functional level which would eventually result improved quality life overall. To do this – I provided psychoeducation about nature disorder along its common treatments options available discussing any personal worries concerns might have had process guided her through various CBT techniques practicing relaxation skills homework assignments focused helping find solutions day-to-day problems she encountered while also developing healthier coping mechanisms use when feeling overwhelmed.

When meeting initially client appeared very shy hesitant speak due feelings insecurity associated having known someone unfamiliar individual setting; however over time she began opening discussing things more freely took initiative coming ideas solutions take steps become less reliant upon me manage way felt during certain situations ultimately leading successful completion our session together.