COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOTHERAPY IN A PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE CENTER (CAPS): A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that aims to alleviate psychological distress, using verbal communication as a primary tool and based on a psychotherapeutic approach. The objective of this case study was to present the psychotherapeutic process performed with a patient treated at a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS), focusing on the case's demands and the strategies and techniques used in treatment. The psychological treatment provided was primarily based on the theoretical and methodological framework of cognitive-behavioral therapies, summarized in this work. The case involved a patient diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, with symptoms/complaints including, among others, difficulties coping with feelings of abandonment, interpersonal conflicts, suicidal and heterosexual behavior, and self-aggressiveness. During the sessions, it was possible to gain a deeper understanding of the patient's psychological functioning and provide psychoeducation on emotional regulation strategies, as well as address dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs, aiming to modify them, and conduct interventions aimed at preventing suicidal behavior. It is important to note that, due to the complexity of the case, the patient continues to receive psychotherapy.