1
HS 4943
Case Study
Case History
1. Background and Identifying Information
Danielle Miller is a 48-year-old white female. Her birthdate is January 24, 1973, and she resides
in Grayson, Kentucky, a rural lowly populated town in Eastern, Kentucky. She has lived here her
entire life. She has an older sister, Jan and a younger brother Dustin. Danielle is a single mother
to her 20-year-old daughter, Destiny. They have been living on their own together for the past
seven years in a middle-class neighborhood. Danielle’s parents live next door, and her sister
Jan lives a couple streets away. Danielle has a close relationship with her parents and sister.
Danielle’s brother Dustin lives about 30 minutes away and visits mainly on Holidays. Danielle
was referred to me after her original therapist left the agency.
2. Description of the Presenting Problem
Danielle is reaching out for treatment because for the past few years she has been experiencing
extreme panic and fear when she gets the least bit uncomfortable with her surroundings. She
states that she has never sought treatment until she began coming to our agency. When I went
to find Danielle to speak with her, I found her pacing back and forth in a secluded area of the
clinic, away from other clients. She is very nervous, and will not keep direct eye contact while
speaking with me. Danielle describes her feelings of embarrassment in front of others and how
she is distrustful of others. She looks down at her hands while speaking to me and speaks in a
low voice tone. Danielle gets severe anxiety when she leaves her home, and goes out in public.
She especially gets anxious when she goes into Wal-Mart to shop for supplies for her home. She
feels as if she is being smothered when she gets around other customers. Her heart races, she
begins to sweat, her hands shake, she becomes overheated, and sometimes experiences
shortness of breath and discomfort in her chest. Because of these feelings, she fears she will
have a panic attack in front of others. This fear and extreme embarrassment have kept her
staying home for the past 7 years. She has persistent concerns and worries about additional
panic attacks. Danielle states after the betrayal of her husband, she feels as if she isn’t good
enough and that no one would want her. She tells me she has not self confidence and is
uncomfortable around others. She feels as if she is alone and shuts herself off from everyone
and everything as much as she can. She has gained a considerable amount of weight in the past
few years and moves around little to none in the house. Danielle doesn’t have any interest in
