Assessment and Treatment of Molly’s Relationship Issues and Personality Traits

QUESTION

Molly comes to you wanting help to fix her relationship with her lesbian partner. She is 35 years old. She tells you that her partner has told her to “grow up” and that she must get a job, and has otherwise threatened to leave, but Molly says that if her partner actually loved her, they would let her hang out during the day until she figures out what she wants to do. Molly believes she shouldn’t have to work, and that people should enjoy their work rather than just working in order to receive a pay check. “As a kid, I watched my mom break her back while my dad sat home and drank all day. Mom would come home after working 12 hours and he’d push her around because dinner wasn’t on the table. I swore I’d never be like my mother!”  Some superficial scarring is visible on her wrist, but she denies suicidal ideation, and insists the scars are from an “adolescent thing that helped me cope with life back then.”  You also notice bruises on her upper arms. “Oh, that is from my partner. She got me so ticked off I swung at her and she had the nerve to grab me and toss me against the wall.”  Molly insists that it is never her fault when they fight and that her partner always starts it. She claims to love her partner no matter what she says or does and that she herself can’t stand the thought of being alone.

Using the text information from Chapters 12 through 16:

  1. In consideration of the diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders, how might you assess Molly?
  2. What would you target in treatment?
  3. What form(s) from the text might you utilize in your work with Molly as a therapeutic intervention?
  4. How might her responses be used to initiate change?

ANSWER

Assessment and Treatment of Molly’s Relationship Issues and Personality Traits

Introduction

Molly’s situation reflects complex dynamics within her relationship and personal history. This essay explores how her case can be assessed and treated through the lens of personality disorders and therapeutic interventions. By considering her background, current behaviors, and potential interventions, we can gain insight into addressing her challenges and initiating positive change.

Assessment of Molly

Molly’s beliefs, behaviors, and interpersonal conflicts suggest potential traits associated with personality disorders. Her reluctance to work, sense of entitlement, and view that her partner’s love should exempt her from responsibilities could indicate traits related to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Additionally, her history of self-harm and difficulty accepting responsibility align with features of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Treatment Targets

The treatment approach for Molly should address both her relationship dynamics and underlying personality traits. In terms of her relationship, the focus should be on improving communication, conflict resolution, and establishing healthier boundaries. Regarding personality traits, targeting entitlement, impulsivity, emotional instability, and responsibility avoidance is crucial.

Therapeutic Interventions: Incorporating elements from the text, several therapeutic interventions can be applied to Molly’s case:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help Molly identify maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs. By challenging her entitlement-driven beliefs and exploring more realistic views of work and relationships, she can develop healthier perspectives.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is effective for individuals with borderline traits. It can assist Molly in managing intense emotions, developing interpersonal effectiveness, and building distress tolerance skills.

Couples Therapy: Given the relationship issues, couples therapy can provide a safe space for open communication, conflict resolution, and understanding each other’s perspectives. Molly’s partner can also learn ways to support her without enabling unhealthy behaviors.

Initiating Change: Molly’s responses and behaviors can serve as catalysts for change. By exploring her past experiences and the impact they’ve had on her current beliefs and behaviors, therapists can help her connect her actions to her history and consider alternative ways of coping. Addressing her feelings of victimization and helping her take responsibility for her actions will be essential in promoting personal growth and healthier interactions.

Conclusion

Molly’s case highlights the interconnectedness of personality traits, past experiences, and present behaviors. The assessment and treatment of her situation require a comprehensive approach that considers her personality traits and relationship dynamics. Applying therapeutic interventions such as CBT, DBT, and couples therapy can aid Molly in transforming her behaviors, fostering healthier relationships, and initiating positive change in her life.

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