Celie Case Study Essay

My client Celie is a middle age African American female. She came to therapy because of her history of abuse. She was abused and raped by her Pa, who took away her children after they’re born. Eventually, Pa married Celie off to a man who is just as abusive as him. Celie’s husband, Mr., simply married Celie to take care of his four children, look after of his house, and work in his fields. Celie’s younger sister Nettie was kicked out the house for not encouraging Mr. sexual advances. Although Nettie promises to write, Celie doesn’t hear from her. Celie’s life worsens as she’s now separated from the only person in the world whom she loved.
After years of suffering, Celie’s life changed when Mr. brought his mistress home, whom he made Celie nurse back to health. Mr. mistress, Shug, was everything that she wasn’t. She was sexy, vivacious, and independent. Celie fell in love with Shug and her vivacious
Celie’s mood of hopelessness is directly related to her belief that she is not worthy of living another day. This concept of learned helplessness is indicated through the traumatic memories of her accepting the physical abuse from her dad and husband. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help a person learn to recognize negative patterns of thought, evaluate their validity, and replace them with healthier ways of thinking. Celie’s current age is appropriate for this therapeutic approach, as children as still impressionable and have a higher rate of change.
Celie’s experience with physical abuse reinforced the underlying schemas about her self-worth and education level. She has many negative automatic thoughts that are driven by these underlying schemas. Her behavioral pattern of withdrawal, reduced involvement in pleasurable activities has deepened his depression and aggravated his low self-esteem. Celie’s maladaptive schemas appear to have been shaped by early negative experience with her