Derrière la carapace : une conceptualisation de cas clinique

Details

Supervisors

Philippot, Pierre

Faculty

Faculté de psychologie, logopédie, sexologie et des sciences de la famille

Degree label

Master de spécialisation en cliniques psycho-thérapeutiques intégrées (horaire décalé)

Abstract

This clinical case conceptualization presents the psychological assessment and a treatment plan of Mme A., a 48 year old woman referred to the Stress Clinic of CHU Brugmann following a burnout episode in the context of an experience of workplace harassment. Her presentation is characterized by elevated emotional reactivity, experiential avoidance, unresolved anger, and an unstable self-image, all rooted in a developmental history marked by early trauma, repeated abandonment, and the absence of a secure attachment figure. A moderate major depressive episode is retained as the primary diagnosis, with borderline personality traits (BPD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD) identified as comorbidities to investigate. The holistic conceptualization integrates attachment theory, the Theory of Structural Dissociation of the Personality (TSDP) and Linehan's biosocial model. Experiential avoidance is identified as the primary therapeutic target, addressed through an integrative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and behavioral activation. Finally, theoretical and clinical limitations of this formulation are discussed.