Counseling Session Notes

Introduction

• Lucy referred by GP due to feeling down.
• Lucy has been feeling bad for several months, worsening in recent months.

Current Situation

• Started feeling low and unmotivated.
• Finds it hard to do anything; lacks motivation.
• Feels isolated, no one to talk to about how she feels.
• Lives with friends but feels unable to share feelings.

Background Information

• English student at university, living away from home.
• Initially noticed mood decline during exam period.
• Experiences stress from academic pressure and parental issues.
• Parents were going through marital problems during exam time.

Impact of Parental Issues

• Felt guilty and pressured to perform better academically.
• Believed personal success could help improve parent's situation.
• Recent contact with parents remains minimal due to tension.

Academic Pressure

• Exam period was stressful; did not perform well.
• Holds high standards for academic achievement.
• Feels guilty for not meeting expectations and worries about parental disappointment.

Current Emotional State

• Feels unworthy, sad, and frustrated.
• Experiences anxiety, embarrassment, and lethargy.
• Laughs while discussing emotions, indicating discomfort.
• Acknowledges difficulty in discussing emotions.

Physical and Behavioral Impact

• Feels drained, lethargic, and lacks energy.
• Sleep issues; cannot achieve restful sleep.
• Avoids activities once enjoyed, like sports.

Thoughts and Emotional Patterns

• Negative thoughts on academic worthiness and effort impact.
• Feels unworthy compared to peers.
• Perceives lectures and academic efforts as pointless.

Coping Mechanisms

• Focuses on negative thoughts, leading to inactivity.
• Finds some relief in not thinking about issues, though acknowledges it may worsen them.
• Avoids discussing feelings with friends or family.

Conclusion

• Lucy acknowledges feeling down, isolated, and unmotivated.
• Struggles with academic pressure and parental conflict.
• Recognizes negative thought patterns and emotional impact.
• Feels relief in avoidance but aware it could be counterproductive.