This case study highlights a hypothetical Kelowna parent and client who sought after counselling services at Unyielding Health & Wellness, in order to overcome decision paralysis and make a more confident choice in their lifestyle.
Background Information
Client
Robin: A 40-year-old parent in Kelowna, BC
Presenting Issue
Robin sought counselling at Unyielding Health & Wellness due to overwhelming decision paralysis about whether to relocate from their current home in Kelowna’s busy downtown core to a quieter, family-friendly neighbourhood like Mission to prioritize a healthier, community-oriented lifestyle. They expressed thoughts like, “If I choose wrong, I’ll disrupt my kids’ lives,” and struggled with perfectionism, anxiety, and fear of regret.
Robin felt torn by the pressure to balance their children’s stability, personal well-being, and social expectations. Initially hesitant about therapy, fearing it might highlight their indecision as a weakness, Robin was encouraged by a family member to seek help after months of procrastination and emotional distress. Their goal was to make a clear, confident decision, reduce anxiety, and align their choice with their values of family, health, and community connection.
Background
Robin, a parent of two school-aged children, had lived in downtown Kelowna for years, enjoying its proximity to amenities like local cafés and City Park. However, the fast-paced urban environment left them feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from a sense of community, prompting thoughts of moving to a quieter neighbourhood like Mission, known for its green spaces and family-oriented vibe.
Robin reported thoughts like, “I’m failing my family by not deciding,” and experienced physical symptoms such as insomnia and frequent tension headaches. The mental exhaustion of indecision led to social withdrawal, as they avoided normally enjoyable community events like the Kelowna’s farmers’ market or family outings to Okanagan and Shuswap Lake, as they feared they didn’t have enough social battery to enjoy these excursions.
Robin’s goal was to overcome indecision, manage anxiety, and make a lifestyle decision that supported their family’s well-being and their own sense of purpose in Kelowna.
Therapeutic Approach
The counsellor, Tim Lamont, a Certified Canadian Counsellor (C.C.C.) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) at Unyielding Health & Wellness, used an integrative approach combining Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Existential Therapy. The goals were to challenge Robin’s perfectionist beliefs, develop structured decision-making strategies, and help them find meaning and confidence in their lifestyle decision in Kelowna.
Initial Assessment
Process
Using Existential Therapy, Tim explored Robin’s sense of purpose with questions like, “What does a fulfilling family life in Kelowna look like for you?” Robin identified family closeness, personal well-being, and community engagement as core values but felt trapped by fear of making the wrong choice.
With CBT, Robin and Tim identified cognitive distortions, such as catastrophizing (“If I move, I’ll ruin my kids’ lives”) and overgeneralization (“I always make bad decisions”). These distortions fueled their paralysis.
REBT pinpointed irrational beliefs driving anxiety, such as, “I must choose the perfect home for my family,” and “I cannot handle regret.” The ABC model (Activating event, Belief, Consequence) clarified how these beliefs led to avoidance and emotional distress.
The counsellor assessed Robin’s anxiety, noting no immediate risk but highlighting perfectionism and social withdrawal as concerns. A preliminary coping plan was introduced, including relaxation techniques (e.g., guided visualization of a peaceful walk by Okanagan Lake), scheduling time to research neighbourhoods, and connecting with a trusted friend for support.
Outcome
Robin felt validated and less ashamed of seeking help, committing to weekly sessions for eight weeks to reduce anxiety, clarify their relocation goals, and build decision-making confidence in Kelowna’s supportive community.
How REBT Can Help
Goals
Challenge irrational beliefs to reduce Robin’s anxiety and perfectionism, fostering confidence and self-acceptance in their lifestyle decision-making process.
Process
The counsellor used REBT’s disputation technique to challenge Robin’s belief, “I must choose the perfect home for my family.” Questions like, “Is perfection necessary for your family to thrive?” helped Robin adopt, “I can choose a home that supports our well-being and adjust if needed.”
The belief, “I cannot handle regret,” was disputed with, “Can regret help you grow?” Robin practiced rational self-statements like, “Regret is a natural part of decisions, and I can learn from it.”
Homework involved journaling three daily moments of gratitude (e.g., enjoying a family picnic or attending a Kelowna community event) and reciting affirmations like, “I am capable of making thoughtful choices for my family.”
In sessions, the counsellor used role-playing to reframe thoughts like, “I’m failing my kids,” to “I’m working to create a healthier life for us.”
Outcome
Robin’s anxiety decreased, and they reported feeling less paralyzed by perfectionism, gaining confidence to explore relocation options in Kelowna.
How CBT Can Help
Goals
Modify cognitive distortions and develop practical decision-making strategies to manage Robin’s anxiety, improve clarity about their relocation decision, and increase engagement with Kelowna’s community.
Process
Using CBT, Tim guided Robin through a decision-making matrix to weigh staying downtown versus moving to Mission, focusing on factors like family well-being, access to green spaces, and community vibe. For example, “Moving will disrupt everything” was reframed to, “I can plan a smooth transition with preparation.”
A behavioural experiment involved Robin visiting a Mission neighbourhood park to test the fear, “My kids won’t adjust to a new area.” They found the environment and other parents and kids at the park welcoming, boosting their confidence.
A progress tracker recorded small steps, like touring a home in Mission or joining a Misson parenting group, reinforcing their sense of agency.
The counsellor co-created a decision-making plan with strategies (e.g., mindfulness to manage anxiety, listing key priorities for a new home), reasons for action (e.g., healthier lifestyle, stronger community ties), and support contacts (e.g., friend, realtor).
Outcome
Robin developed structured decision-making habits, visited three potential homes, and joined a local parenting group, reducing anxiety from 7/10 to 3/10 and feeling more empowered.
How Existential Therapy Can Help
Goals
Address Robin’s sense of disconnection and align their relocation decision with values to foster meaning and purpose in their family life.
Process
The counsellor used Existential Therapy to explore Robin’s question, “What’s the right life for my family in Kelowna?” Asking, “What kind of home environment would bring you joy?” revealed their passion for family closeness and community engagement.
Exercises inspired by existential reflection encouraged Robin to envision a fulfilling lifestyle, such as hosting family gatherings in a Mission backyard or being able to raise kids in a slower paced environment, aligning with their values.
The counsellor supported small, values-driven actions, like attending a local farmers’ market or joining a neighbourhood gardening group, to connect with their goals.
Reflective discussions helped Robin view relocation risks as opportunities for growth, reducing their fear of regret and reinforcing their sense of purpose.
Outcome
Robin reported renewed purpose, reading up on beautiful backyard magazines and joining a neighbourhood group. They felt more connected to the Mission community.
Integration, Results, and Termination
Goals
Consolidate progress, plan for maintaining decision-making confidence, and prepare for therapy conclusion.
Process
The counsellor integrated REBT and CBT to reinforce rational beliefs and decision-making strategies. Robin practiced a “values-check” script for anxious moments (e.g., “Does this choice align with my family’s well-being?”) and used decision-making matrices to manage triggers like housing concerns.
Existential Therapy helped Robin reflect on their growth, embracing community and well-being as anchors of meaning. They set a goal to move to a Mission home within six months.
A maintenance plan included continuing their progress tracker, attending monthly community events, and consulting a realtor for home options.
The counsellor reviewed the decision-making plan, ensuring Robin’s confidence in applying it independently. Follow-up sessions were offered as needed.
Results
Robin achieved significant improvements:
- Anxiety Reduction: Anxiety dropped from 7/10 to 2/10, with decision-making strategies providing clarity and control.
- Decision Clarity: Robin decided to relocate to Mission, securing a home that supported their family’s well-being and community connection.
- Community Engagement: They joined a parenting group, volunteered at a local garden, and connected with neighbours, enhancing their sense of belonging.
- Self-Confidence and Purpose: Robin regained confidence in their decision-making and found meaning through family and community involvement.
- Resilience: They managed relocation stress with REBT and CBT strategies, reporting a stronger sense of agency.
Why This Approach Worked
REBT: Addressed irrational beliefs like “I must choose the perfect home,” reducing anxiety and fostering self-acceptance, key to overcoming decision paralysis.
CBT: Provided structured tools like decision-making matrices and behavioural experiments, helping Robin manage anxiety and engage with Kelowna’s community through actionable steps.
Existential Therapy: Tackled their sense of disconnection, reconnecting them with values like family and community, fostering purpose in their lifestyle choice.
Integration: Combining REBT’s belief-challenging, CBT’s practical strategies, and Existential Therapy’s focus on meaning created a holistic approach, addressing emotional, cognitive, and existential needs.
Written By: Timothy Lamont C.C.C.
Disclaimer: The client name, details, and background used in this case study were generated with the assistance of Grok, an AI developed by xAI. AI enhances the results found within the case study, however it can make mistakes. The information and analysis presented in this case study have been critically reviewed and validated by a human therapist, who remains solely responsible for its application. Any resemblance to real persons, living or deceased, or actual events is purely coincidental. Therapists at Unyielding Health & Wellness uphold client confidentiality to the highest standard in accordance with Canadian and British Columbian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
