Brief Summary
Sarah is a 16-year-old young adolescent who was referred to Minds Matter Clinic by her mother in October 2023 due to severe anxiety and low self-esteem.
Sarah has a diagnosis of Autism, Migraines, Sensory Sensitivities, Scoliosis, Hypermobility, Lack of Muscle Tone, and Dyslexia. After receiving her referral, a complimentary 30-minute consultation was provided to Sarah and her mother. Sarah’s mother discussed her main concerns which were related to her daughter’s severe anxiety, isolation, and low self-esteem.
She reported that Sarah had stopped attending school and refused to leave her bedroom, spending hours in isolation. Sarah also presented with sensory difficulties, such as not touching paper, and wouldn’t interact with family or friends. Often, she would rely on her mother to be her advocate.
Sarah’s mother was concerned that Sarah’s mental health was deteriorating and was struggling with day-to-day social interaction. Her mother felt unsure if Sarah’s presentation was due to her physical and mental health diagnosis and needs or whether it was behavioural.
During the consultation, we discussed the main concerns and goals for Sarah’s treatment. The clinician advised her family on the best approach to help support her in facing these challenges. It was identified that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Family approach would be the best option to help Sarah overcome her fears and develop confidence in her day-to-day life.
Therapeutic Work
Sarah attended a meet-and-greet session at Minds Matter Clinic with her mother. The clinician Sana Afsar introduced herself and discussed the nature of the appointment. Sarah presented with severe anxiety traits for example, she was unable to make eye contact, shaking and was unable to speak.
During the meeting, Sarah played a meet-and-greet game and identified goals for the sessions. Once playing the game, Sarah’s anxiety appeared to reduce. However, she still struggled to communicate with the clinician and her mother was the advocate for Sarah. The main goals for Sarah to achieve within the 5 sessions were:
- Engage in the Therapy Sessions without Her Mother Advocating for Her
- Spend Less Time in Her Bedroom and Develop a Routine for Day-to-Day Living
- Overcome Sensory Difficulties (e.g., Touching Paper)
Sarah and the clinician used a graded exposure with therapeutic intervention to help her achieve the goals that were set. Eventually, she spoke in the sessions without the support of her mother she was able to throw and touch paper bags and manage a day-to-day routine.
Sarah would wake up at 9:30 a.m. and spend the morning downstairs. In the afternoons, she would complete a task. In the evenings, Sarah would spend time with her family and have her meals with her family. Across these sessions, Sarah has made immense progress, to where she is now able to independently leave the family home to go to the shops and plan her day without the support of her parents.
Sarah managed to attend some of her examinations and her school prom, which she previously felt would not be achievable. Before therapy, Sarah’s parents struggled with her going on family holidays and spending quality time with her brother on her own. She will now be going back into her education and hopefully completing her GCSE examinations, which she was not able to complete due to her mental health difficulties.
Throughout these sessions, the clinician supported Sarah and helped her to build her self-esteem and confidence. She is now volunteering at a charity shop. Sarah feels the therapy sessions have made a positive impact on her life and continues to work closely with the clinician in achieving her long-term goals.
Sarah’s mother is grateful to Minds Matter Clinic for the help, support, and psychoeducation that we have provided not only for their daughter but for them too. Her parents now feel more confident in being able to challenge Sarah’s behaviour and support her in achieving a more positive quality of life.
