Case Conceptualization Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

This paper delves into a case conceptualization of PA, a 22-year-old woman whose significant anxiety has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, and unemployment. Drawing upon an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, this study reframes PA's anxiety not merely as a set of symptoms, but as a manifestation of psychological inflexibility, largely stemming from her attempts to control or avoid distressing internal experiences. The conceptualization digs into PA's avoided private experiences, both her overt and covert avoidance behaviors, and the environmental factors that contribute to her struggles. Crucially, it also highlights her protective factors and motivation for change. This paper proposes a comprehensive, ACT-based treatment plan that outlines specific interventions, metaphors, and homework assignments for the initial sessions. This plan centers on fostering acceptance, defusion, values clarification, and committed action. The anticipated outcomes include increased psychological flexibility, a reduced impact of anxiety symptoms, enhanced values-driven living, improved social functioning, and greater self-efficacy, all aimed at promoting sustainable change and a more meaningful life for PA. The purpose of this case study is to make the process of case conceptualisation using ACT comprehensible.