Client 1: Sarah is a 12-year-old female who recently moved to the area with her family. She has been struggling with anxiety and depression for the past year, which has caused her to struggle academically at school. Her parents noted that she is often overwhelmed by large crowds or loud noises and can be easily triggered into an emotional state. She currently takes medication prescribed by her doctor to help manage her symptoms but would like to explore more holistic approaches to managing them.

Using DSM-5 criteria, Sarah appears to meet the diagnostic criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The primary symptoms of GAD include excessive worry about multiple everyday activities, restlessness or feeling on edge, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability. It should be noted that in order for a diagnosis of GAD, these symptoms must persist for six months or longer and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. As Sarah’s anxiety has been persisting for over a year now as well as causing significant disruption both socially and academically it appears she meets all necessary criteria for this diagnosis.

Solution focused therapy would likely be the most effective approach when working with Sarah given its focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. This type of therapy allows clients like Sarah to identify their goals while also using past successes as motivation towards achieving them; this could help reduce some of her anxieties surrounding new situations/challenges . Additionally , solution focused therapy emphasizes developing plans & timeline for reaching those goals , thereby helping keep clients accountable during entire process . Expected outcomes from solution focused therapy vary depending upon individual’s objectives however generally speaking one should expect increased self-efficacy plus improved quality life overall .

Legally & ethically when dealing with minors it’s essential clinicians obtain informed consent from parent(s) prior beginning any forms treatment interventions noting age appropriate language must used throughout due lack legal capacity typically associated with children . Furthermore since parental involvement plays major role determining overall success rate clients under age 18 there needs always remain open dialogue between providers + guardians so everyone involved can provide best possible care without violating rights either party involved