Integrative Therapeutic Approach Combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Recurrent Depression in an Adult Client William J
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Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine DigitalCommons@PCOM PCOM Psychology Dissertations Student Dissertations, Theses and Papers 2006 Integrative Therapeutic Approach Combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Recurrent Depression in an Adult Client William J. Librizzi, III Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations Part of the Clinical Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Librizzi, III, William J., "Integrative Therapeutic Approach Combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Recurrent Depression in an Adult Client " (2006). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. Paper 80. This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Dissertations, Theses and Papers at DigitalCommons@PCOM. It has been accepted for inclusion in PCOM Psychology Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@PCOM. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Department of Psychology AN INTEGRATIVE THERAPEUTIC APPROACH COMBINING COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND FAITH FOR THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT DEPRESSION IN AN ADULT CLIENT By William J. Librizzi III Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of Doctor of Psychology November 2006 PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY Dissertation Approval This is to certify that the thesis presented to us by f/[/k ( 1'1f-1t( J 11M Z 1 ( - ~J;(J ./) '1. 1_- 1I-1!hA I on the ,A.':) day of / I~ , 2ob; in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Psychology, has been examined and is acceptable in both scholarship and literary quality. Committee Members' Signatures: Virginia Salzer, Ph.D., Chairperson Bruce Zahn, Ed.D., ABPP James McMahon, Psy.D., Ph.D. Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology iii Acknowledgement The task of recognizing those silent heroes who have assisted me in my studies and by honoring them through the writing of this acknowledgement remains as the last component of a long and demanding educational endeavor. Ironically, this is being penned after completing the actual body of the dissertation, the defense and even the graduation commencement. As a means of "saving the best for last", it is with great pleasure and humility I take a few moments to identify those that share in this achievement. This acknowledgement focuses on the individuals who offered the needed support, encouragement and confidence and as a consequence of this assistance I was able to both complete my degree, this dissertation and can now use the title of Doctor. First, I want to acknowledge my dissertation chair Dr. Virginia Salzer. Dr. Salzer's ability to encourage, advise and coach was exactly what this overwhelmed student needed. As my chair I benefited from her keen ability to keep me on task. She was always there to offer relevant feedback and she consistently provided assistance in keeping up with my ever-present time line. These responsibilities were magically done with a smile, a pleasant word and an ample supply of encouragement. In addition to Dr. Salzer I want to acknowledge Dr. Robert DiTomasso the second member of my committee. He was my advisor through these six years of doctoral studies. This time period was filled with bh1hs, deaths, tragedies, difficulties, and joys. When needed he was there providing a timely word and a listening ear. Furthermore, his personal involvement in both my general studies and specifically in my dissertation, provided an example of professionalism, understanding, openness of mind, and compassion. These four aspects, ever relative for a practicing psychologist, will guide me as I continue my work with people. iv Beyond those quality staff members from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine I want turn my attention to three people who are valuable beyond measure. My dear wife Carolyn who has been through the ups and downs of this degree. She walked with me though each valley and mountain, all the while exemplifying true commitment and loyalty. She was unswerving in her supp0I1 and because of her, her sacrifices and her faith in a tired student this dissel1ation and degree is complete. Second, my mother Angel Librizzi who has readily exemplified what true courage, resilience, genuine curiosity, and faith look like in a developing human. My inquisitiveness to learn new things, interest in becoming just a bit better and compassion for those less fortunate comes from her. Her spirit of empathy is evident as I interact daily with my patients. The final individual I want to acknowledge is my father William J. Librizzi Jr., MS, PE. My father believed in this academic goal and was there from the beginning helping me orchestrate the appropriate changes in my life to accommodate the demands of this degree. It was during my third year that I lost my father suddenly to a heart attack. It was a loss that was deeply felt. Unlike any other man I've known, he was a father, friend, mentor and example. I acknowledge his example as a professional, a father, and husband. One whose shoes I could only dream of filling. I am fortunate, having known him. It is my pleasure to be his namesake and it is at the completion of this dissertation and degree I give him tribute. v Abstract Major Depressive Disorder (MOD) is the most often diagnosed psychiatric illness worldwide, with prevalence rates indicating that as many as 25% of the population during their lifetimes will experience symptoms of MOD (Holmes, 1997). Therapies that focus on restructuring the client's cognitions have been shown to be effective in the treatment of this disorder. For some clients, however, reoccurring depressive episodes are common and symptom reduction is infrequent. The research of Worthington (1988) suggests that the highly religious client may actually see the world in a uniquely differently way than does the non-religious. These individuals utilize more religious schema and as a consequence of this distinct perspective may experience more favorable treatment outcomes when the therapeutic approach supports their strongly held religious views (Worthington, 1988; Worthington & Sandage, 2001). This single case study will utilize archival data and a manualized approach that focuses on spiritual growth and symptom reduction through an integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (leBT) approach. The findings of this study confirm the work of many integrative researches that suggest symptom reduction is more apparent when an integrative approach is applied rather than a non- integrative approach. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS ECTION . INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW Justification for Study Prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder The Frequency of Recurring Symptoms CBT as a First Line Treatment Approach The Growth of Religious Interest in Psychology Integration of Treatment for Religiously Oriented Client Unique Aspects of this Particular Study Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Epidemiological Overview Sociocultural Factors Gender differences Social class issues Ethnicity Symptoms Associated with Major Depressive Disorder Mood Physiological Motor Cognitive DSM - IV TR Diagnostic Criteria Differential Diagnosis Recuning Depression Risk Factors Associated with Recuning Depression Rates of Relapse Treatment Options Medication Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the Treatment of Depression Component #1: Role of the Schema Component #2: Automatic Thoughts Component #3: The Case Conceptualization Component #4: The Cognitive Triad Component #5: The Process of Cognitive Restructuring Component #6: Faith Integrated with CBT Empirical Data Regarding CBT's Efficacy for Treatment of Depression CBT Integrated with a Faith-based Approach vii Faith as a Variable for Treatment Outcomes The Historical Perspective of Integration Conceptualizing Faith: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Faith Faith and Health Faith as a Protective Factor The Integration of Faith and CBT Understanding the Concept of Integration Prerequisites to Religiously Sensitive Interventions Prerequisite # 1: Therapist characteristics Prerequisite # 2: The Therapeutic process Prerequisite # 3: Specifying treatment goals Theoretical Compatibility The role of beliefs The role of meaning The role of teaching and education The role of behavioral rehearsal Application through a Case Study Step One: Develop an Accurate Conceptualization Step Two: Develop a Workable Understanding of the Religious Distinctions Step Three: Apply Interventions Disputation of Irrational beliefs Homework Ethical Concerns The Multicultural Influence Misunderstanding of Client's Culture Misunderstanding of Client's Religious History The Excessive Emphasis on the Rational Therapist-Client Religious Convergence Manualized Integrative Approach Justification for Using Manualized Approaches Justification for Not Using Manualized Approaches Hypothesis Section Research Question Research Assumptions Research Hypotheses SECTION 2 METHOD SECTION Introduction and Overview viii Subject Selection Requirements Inclusion Criteria Exclusion Criteria Selected Client Background InfOlmation Measurement Section Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders (SCID-II) Beck Depression Inventory-III (BDI-III) Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI) Religious Commitment Inventory-10 (RCI-IO) Religious