The Heart Says No

The Helen Kegie Centre for Therapies, a community based clinic at the University of South Wales, offers a range of free at point of delivery interventions to service users living in an economically deprived area. Art Psychotherapy, Music Therapy, Integrative Psychotherapy, Play Therapy and CBT are available. This paper discusses the referral and assessment process and treatment outcomes. It pays particular attention to the fact that 2 forms of therapy, CBT and GIM, were delivered. It uses a case study of a self-referred client with chronic PTSD, recent bereavement and feelings of loss to interrogate these threads of enquiry.

Methodology
This paper uses a case study based methodology and a variety of methods to triangulate the data captured. Session notes, reflections from the therapist and client and CORE outcome measures give an insight into the client’s experience.

Case Presentation
Analysis of significant moments, the GIM process and the CORE scores create a picture of the clients work at this challenging time of his life. By engaging in a series of CBT sessions followed by a period of GIM, the client was able to move from a position of hopelessness, in which, according to one drawing, “The Heart Says No”, to one of hopefulness and peace.

Discussion
The paper discusses issues around utilising two different therapeutic methods in treatment, the client experience in clinic and other matters relating to assessment protocols and outcome measures.