Client Case
Presenting Issues
The client reported intense emotional distress and difficulty coping following the end of a long-term relationship. They described overwhelming sadness, obsessive thoughts about the ex-partner, and a loss of direction in daily life.
Background Information
The client is a 29-year-old professional who recently experienced the end of a five-year relationship. The breakup triggered heightened anxiety, social withdrawal, and difficulty adjusting to living alone. The client expressed feelings of rejection, fear of being “unlovable,” and uncertainty about the future.
Assesment
A pattern of emotional dependency and negative self-talk was identified, alongside difficulty regulating emotions. The client struggled to separate past relationship experiences from present circumstances, leading to rumination and loss of self-confidence.
Treatment Plan
Goals
- Reduce rumination and emotional intensity linked to the breakup
- Rebuild self-confidence and sense of identity
- Support healthier sleep and daily routines
- Restore motivation and openness to new social experiences
Intervention Strategies
- Guided hypnotherapy to reduce emotional reactivity and reframe negative beliefs
- Relaxation and grounding techniques to manage sleep and anxiety
- Cognitive reframing to challenge self-critical thoughts
- Future visualisation to create a sense of hope and personal growth
- Journaling and structured daily routines to build stability and direction
Frequency and Duration
6 weekly sessions, with email support
Results
Noticeable reduction in intrusive thoughts and social media checking
Improved sleep and daily routine consistency
Increased self-esteem and confidence in social settings
Greater emotional balance, with renewed motivation and openness to new possibilities
I thought I’d never get over the breakup. The sessions helped me let go of the constant overthinking, rebuild my confidence, and start to see a future I could be excited about.”
Case Details
Symptoms Encountered
Persistent sadness, frequent crying episodes, difficulty sleeping, racing thoughts at night, obsessive checking of the ex-partner’s social media, feelings of emptiness, irritability, loss of appetite, low motivation, difficulty concentrating at work, physical heaviness in the chest, fear of being alone, avoidance of social activities, excessive screen use to distract from thoughts, fatigue despite rest, and a sense of hopelessness about the future.