The Case of "Ben": A Flexible, Holistic Application of Multimodal Therapy

Authors

  • Arnold A Lazarus Independent practice, The Lazarus Institute, Rutgers University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14713/pcsp.v1i1.854

Keywords:

multimodal therapy, anxiety, depressive mood, anger management, couple and family problems, career problems, therapeutic flexibility, melancholia

Abstract

"Ben," a white, male executive who was 50 years old at the beginning of therapy, presented with anxiety, depressive mood, anger, and relationship and career problems. The case, involving therapy in a private practice setting, illustrates some of the diverse individual client needs, life complexities, and accompanying twists and turns that can emerge in treatment. While grounded in a cognitive-behavioral framework, the "Multimodal Therapy" model employed in Ben's case is designed to be responsive to such challenges by drawing procedures from other traditions, when necessary, within the framework of a "technical eclecticism." In addition, the case illustrates attempts within the multimodal model to balance science versus artistry, and planned structure vs. creativity and flexibility.

Author Biography

Arnold A Lazarus, Independent practice, The Lazarus Institute, Rutgers University

Independent practice, The Lazarus Institute, Rutgers University

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Published

2004-12-28

Issue

Section

Case Study