Connor called to come in due to work and relationship issues affecting his well being. he noted that he was feeling anxious and depressed about the problems he was having with his boss and with his wife. He was not sure if he was the problem or others in his life were causing him stress. He had been passed over for promotions at his work and felt afraid to discuss his tenure at work with others. He also noted that he and his wife never discussed problem areas and most of their time together was based on superficial communication. In individual therapy, Connor learned to be more assertive and worked on communication skills. A couples’ therapist worked with Connor at the end of his individual sessions and taught the couple how to make “I” statements and to communicate both negative and positive feelings. At the end of 12 sessions, Connor reported that his anxiety and depression had lifted and he felt much better about himself and the important people in his life.
