Laura Petracek, Ph.D., is a psychologist in the Bay Area, California. In this presentation, she discusses a clinical case study focused on the application of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to substance abuse.
The case involves a young man with a history of alcohol and drug addiction. Dr. Petracek’s insights are based on her book, The DBT Workbook for Alcohol and Drug Addiction. She aims for us to gain a deeper understanding of factors contributing to substance abuse, and how DBT can provide effective treatment in such cases.
Diagnostic Formulation
The client’s history and personal experiences will be explored, including predisposing factors such as early childhood experiences, personality traits, and influences in his current environment. In shedding light on the origins, development, and patterns of his addictions, we seek to answer the question: why did this happen? We will also examine the impacts of addiction on various aspects of his life, including relationships, work, and mental health.