Understanding Current Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) An 18-year-old student at Illinois State High School, Kevin was referred to the student counseling service by his football coach. Concerns were that Kevin had difficulty concentrating and playing well, with widespread problems with low mood. Additionally, Kevin was diagnosed with major depressive disorder in which feelings of inadequacy and perceived worthlessness are the presenting themes. According to Maj and Satorius (2002), there is a similarity between normal sadness and a depressed mood, but depressed people often do not. seek help on their own until their condition deteriorates. This is also true for Kevin, who probably wouldn't have pursued therapy on his own if his coach hadn't recommended it. Some typical symptoms of a depressive episode include loss of interest or pleasure in activities usually enjoyed, loss of self-confidence, and loss of self-confidence. -self-esteem, complaints or signs of diminished attention or concentration, and gloomy or pessimistic views of the future (WHO, 1992; Maj and Satorius, 2002). Two additional aspects to consider are age and cognitive functioning, as a young person's ability differs from an adult's cognitive function, and their ability to distinguish between rational and irrational thoughts and feelings should be taken into account. taken into account during therapy (Braswell, 2001). Kevin feels he is inadequate and weak because he hasn't played football as well as he could have – and he has in the past. Moore and Garland (2003) point out that such perceptions fit into clusters of unconditional beliefs, such as weakness and unacceptability, the two main predominant themes in Kevin's case. Kevin, who struggles to accept... middle of paper ... lawsuits surface and are explored from a new perspective (Nichols, 2009). Certainly, Kevin's family supports him, and that's a valuable foundation for a continued alliance. Additionally, learned problem-solving and communication strategies allow each individual to navigate potential future conflicts, thereby reducing the need to repeat therapy. Finally, although it is unknown whether Kevin receives medication for his depressive disorder, youth have better outcomes with a treatment approach combining pharmacotherapy and CBT or systemic family therapy (A. Hall, personal communication, April 17, 2014; March 2006). ; The Werry Center, 2010; Nayar, 2012). All safety and appropriateness considered, this approach would improve Kevin's mood and ability to engage in therapy and, therefore, would also improve his other social relationships (Nayar, 2012).