|
|
|
case studies |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| case studies |
|
| case study 1 (Peter's story) |
|
| After his first breakdown, Peter continually heard persecutory voices encouraging him to kill himself. His family rejected him and he became homeless before ending up in hospital and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He spent three years in a psychiatric ward before being referred to CHT. Peter quickly built a good relationship with his therapist and started to take an active part in the community. He began to form friendships with fellow patients. Gradually he gained practical skills which made it possible for him to train as a plumber. He is in the process of moving to his own flat and applying for a full time job. |
|
| case study 2 (Paula's story) |
|
| Paula came from a difficult background. Her parents split up when she was eight and she was subject to physical and sexual abuse. She spent her later childhood in a children's home and suffered from a severe personality disorder. From an early age Paula has severely self-harmed and used crack cocaine, and has twice attempted suicide. It was difficult for her to find any psychiatric aftercare facility and she spent three years sleeping rough before she found CHT. There were many set backs, a number of hospital admissions and she continued to self-harm. But she has now come off drugs and has discussed, for the first time, the sexual abuse. She has been able to form a small group of friends and hopes to train as a gardener, and find a boyfriend. |
|
| case study 3 (Mary's story) |
|
Mary is a 28 year old woman who came to CHT after sleeping rough for 18 months. She had joined the army when she was 18 but soon started going absent without leave, abusing substances and sleeping around. Her alcohol and drug dependency increased, as did her promiscuity and after living on the streets for 18 months she realised she needed help. An individual therapy plan was drawn up it soon became clear that Mary was a serious suicide risk. Her therapy plan emphasised practical rehabilitative goals, and included adult education courses, re-training for work, as well as psychotherapy and medication.
Gradually she was able to talk about her self loathing and feelings of worthlessness. At the same time she began to volunteer to help the community in practical tasks. Work still continues with Mary, and it will be sometime before she is ready to step out on her own. But she has completed a course in IT and started volunteering in an advertising agency. Yet the real progress is in the way Mary feels about herself. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
