Client Case

Presenting Issues
Client was experiencing intense fear around health, public spaces, and uncertainty about the future. This manifested as social withdrawal, excessive handwashing, difficulty travelling, and panic symptoms when entering crowded environments.
Background Information
Client is a 41-year-old male who contracted COVID-19 in 2021. Though he recovered physically, the emotional impact lingered. He avoided social situations, public transport, and struggled to return to his former active lifestyle. He reported feeling “constantly on edge,” with a persistent sense that something bad might happen.
Assesment
The initial consultation revealed high levels of health anxiety, hypervigilance, and compulsive safety behaviours. A cognitive-emotional profile indicated:

  • Core belief: “I’m not safe unless I’m in control.”
  • Trigger points: media reports, public transport, unfamiliar environments.
  • Emotional imprint: fear and helplessness, stemming from hospitalisation during his COVID illness.

Treatment Plan

Goals
Intervention Strategies
Frequency and Duration
Weekly sessions for 8 weeks and two follow-up sessions at monthly intervals

Results

  1. Client resumed using public transport after 5 weeks

  2. Anxiety reduced by 70% (measured using a pre/post self-report scale)

  3. Improved sleep and reduced use of compulsive handwashing rituals

  4. Client began attending social events again without panic symptoms

  5. Described feeling more “centered,” “hopeful,” and “free in my body”

"I didn’t realise how much fear I was carrying until it started to lift. These sessions helped me feel like myself again"

Case Details

Symptoms Encountered
Fear of public spaces, social withdrawal, excessive handwashing, panic in crowds, hypervigilance, difficulty travelling, constant dread, distrust in body’s health, sleep disturbances, emotional overwhelm.