For this conceptualization assignment you are to choose one of the theories we have studied in this unit (Person-Centered, Gestalt, Behavior, Cognitive Behavior) and write a detailed conceptualization for Jayson.  You may use your text and notes so your conceptualization should be quite thorough.  This is an individual assignment, group work will NOT be accepted.  

JAYSON

Jayson is a 21 year old male college student who complains of sleep disturbance, specifically insomnia and frequent awakenings, halting speech and stuttering, shakiness, feelings of nervousness, dizziness, and worrying.  His sleep difficulties were particularly acute prior to exams or athletic competitions.  He explained his speech problems as due to his search for the perfect word. 

Jayson was raised in a family that valued competition.  As the oldest child, he was expected to win all the contests.  His parents were determined that their children should surpass them in achievements and successes.  They so strongly identified with the patients achievements that he believed, My success is their success. 

Jayson was taught to compete with other children outside the family as well.  His father reminded him, Never let anyone get the best of you.  As a consequence of viewing others as adversaries, he developed few friends.  Feeling lonely, he tried desperately to attract friends by becoming a prankster and by telling lies to enhance his image and make his family appear more attractive.  Although he had acquaintances in college, he had few friends, for he was unable to self-disclose, fearing that others would discover he was not all that he would like to be. 

Jayson has a successful career in business but says he is never satisfied and always feels the need to do better and be better.  Jayson has had a string of unsatisfying relationships with women.  He feels this is his biggest failure and does not understand why he cannot succeed in this area of his life as he has been able to succeed in other areas.  He is disgusted with himself when he has these feelings of inadequacy and becomes very self-critical.  He relieves these feeling by pursuing and hooking up with a woman, any woman, no matter what it takes to make it happen.  Although it is hard for him to admit, Jayson often feels very lonely.