PYC4808 ASSIGNMENT 5
CORRECT ANSWERS SEMESTER
2 2024 GUARANTEDD
DISTINCTION.
, Case Study Alisha (14 years old) was referred to a psychologist, for psychotherapeutic
intervention, because of concerning eating behaviour. Her mom, Tisha (45 years old)
reported that she has found chocolate bar wrappings hidden in Alisha’s room, and has also
noticed the remnants of vomit in the toilet bowls. In the parent intake interview, Alisha’s
parents, Tisha and Clinton (53 years old) indicated that Alisha was sexually abused by an
unknown offender at the age of three. This was reported to the SAPS, and an investigation
ensued, however, the perpetrator was never identified. At the time, Alisha refused to go to
school, threw violent temper tantrums and had nightmares at night. Her parents took her
for play therapy with a counsellor, and the behavioural difficulties subsided. Alisha was
never informed about the abuse, and the parents decided not to tell anyone in the family.
At age 13 years old, Alisha developed social and performance anxiety, had very few friends
and felt awkward around others. She performed well academically, and was a competitive
athlete and dancer. However, since beginning Grade 8 this year, Alisha has become more
lethargic, and doesn’t have sufficient energy to compete competitively. Her academic
marks have remained stable; however, she no longer enjoys school. In her first few sessions
with the psychologist, Alisha disclosed that she struggles with her anxiety and is feeling
down, and has begun binging on certain foods, and then purging when she feels “stuffed”.
She is concerned about these behaviours, and said “I just want to feel normal again, what is
wrong with me”. She also reported that she feels her parents favour her younger brother,
Dante (11 years old), and that he gets all the attention.