This makes them feel confident and able to handle problems independently. But Tom's mother would not relinquish her control over his bodily functions at this time. Her forcing him to void on her schedule and not his, gave him a sense of shame and the feeling that he was not in control of his world. He therefore felt inadequate and doubtful of his ability to cope with anything. As she continued to control him by denying him food, love and choices of clothing, he became increasingly angry at the world, frustrated at the impression that his body and whole life was under the control of someone other than himself. This created anger and depression. It is a wonder that Tom was as normal as he was during his teen years. He was fortunate to be able to read and find some nurturing and insight in the books he read. But his real life was more difficult to deal with. His growing body became the object of fear when he had temper fits. He saw this and enjoyed the fear he instilled in others, as it momentarily gave him a sense of power and control. Yet he was confused about who he was. He was a good student and admired physically sometimes, while at other times he felt hated, rejected and feared.

This student was advised by the principal and mental health counselor to undergo intensive psychotherapy of the Behavioral type. He was to go to a psychiatrist who would work with him one-on-one to help him develop more confidence in himself. He needed to examine his learned behavior and develop a sense of identity. He was clearly confused about his role in life. His intellectualism did not work in tandem with his physical role as a football player and in his confusion his ability to act maturely had not developed, as he had never gained the confidence or self-understanding he needed in order to control his own life.

The irrational way he acted at times was a symptom of the anger and uncontrolled emotions within him. He was angry at...

Tom's mind and his psyche needed to become one. A person-centered approach to psychiatric counseling would help Tom to develop his capacity to direct his self, or his ego, toward positive and self-confident directions (Association 2).
There had been much damage to Tom's sense of self-actualization and a humanistic, existential approach, it was felt, would be the best way to help him develop a stronger person within. The counselor would work with Tom step-by-step, looking toward the future, rather than back, giving him homework to do between sessions, and asking just the right questions to guide his thoughts into more positive pathways (Berger 99).

Behavioral Activation interventions, such as those proposed by Lewinsohn, will help Tom focus on consequences of behavior and eliminate negative behavior (Thorpe 56). He will be encouraged to think positively, to do things that will help him to reach positive goals and develop good habits. He might be given a notebook in which he records the instances that make him feel angry, and those that make him feel good and worthwhile. Such types of self-analytical homework and positive reinforcement should help Tom develop positive thoughts and actions in the long run.

Works Cited

Association for Humanistic Psychology. Website: http://ahpweb.org/aboutahp/aboutahp.html.

Berger, Kathleen S. The Developing Person Through Childhood and Adolescence, Sixth Edition. New York: Worth Publishers. 2002.

Thompson, Ross a. "Child development." Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2007. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761557692_2/Development_Child.html.

Thorpe, G.L., Olson, S.L. (1997) Behavior Therapy: Concepts, Procedures, and Applications, Second Edition (Paperback). New York: Allyn & Bacon.