Case Study: From Stuck to Strong – A Whole-Person Approach to Healing

At Willow Tree Therapy, I often work with clients who feel stuck—not broken, but paused. They’ve tried to move forward, but something keeps pulling them back. In this blog, I want to share a case study that beautifully illustrates how I combine Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Coaching to guide someone from confusion to clarity.

Please note: This case study has been anonymised and adapted to protect client confidentiality.

Meet “Jake” – A Man Feeling Left Behind

Jake (not his real name), a 32-year-old man, reached out after months of feeling low, demotivated, and increasingly isolated. He described himself as “lazy” and “behind everyone else in life.” Despite holding down a job, he felt emotionally numb and socially withdrawn. He had tried self-help books, podcasts, and even a short stint in therapy - but nothing seemed to stick.

Initial Sessions – Understanding Through Counselling

We began with a counselling approach—simply holding space for Jake to speak without judgement. In those early sessions, it became clear that he had internalised a deep fear of failure. Growing up with a hyper-critical father, Jake had learned to associate achievement with love and approval.

He’d never had room to express vulnerability, so when life didn’t go to plan (a breakup, job stagnation, drifting friendships), he blamed himself.

Through this empathetic space, Jake began to hear his own story differently. That’s the power of counselling - not jumping into “fixing,” but staying present with what is.

Midway – Using CBT to Interrupt the Inner Critic

Once Jake began to see the patterns, we used CBT to challenge the thoughts keeping him stuck. Together, we identified common unhelpful thoughts:

• “If I’m not productive, I’m worthless.”

• “Everyone else has life figured out except me.”

• “If I try and fail, I’ll prove I’m a loser.”

Using CBT tools like thought records, we tested the truth of these beliefs and explored alternative, more balanced thoughts. Jake practised responding to his inner critic with curiosity instead of criticism.

We also introduced small behavioural changes - getting up 15 minutes earlier, reconnecting with a friend - tiny shifts that proved to Jake he could take action, even when he didn’t feel like it.

Deep Work – Reframing with NLP

Once his thought patterns were softer, we used NLP to explore and reframe the limiting beliefs that had been running subconsciously. One key breakthrough came when Jake remembered a school event where his dad mocked his performance in front of others.

In NLP terms, this had created a “limiting imprint” that connected visibility with shame.

Using visualisation, anchoring, and timeline work, we reframed this memory-not by pretending it didn’t happen, but by giving Jake the power to rewrite the meaning of the event. He realised he wasn’t a failure; he was a young boy doing his best.

This shift allowed him to see public situations (like meetings, dates, or creative projects) not as threats, but as opportunities.

The Final Phase – Wrapping It All Together with Coaching

As Jake’s self-concept began to shift, we moved into coaching. The tone of our sessions became future-focused. He set tangible goals-starting a podcast, taking a short course, and building a morning routine.

Using coaching tools, we explored values, strengths, and purpose. Jake no longer saw himself as someone needing “help,” but as someone taking ownership of his life.

In our final session, Jake said something that stayed with me:

“I used to think I needed fixing. Now I realise I just needed a new lens-and someone to walk with me while I cleaned it.”

Why This Integrated Approach Works

This case is a great example of how blending different modalities can be far more powerful than sticking to just one.

• Counselling gives the client a safe, non-judgemental space to unpack.

• CBT helps address the immediate thoughts and behaviours that fuel cycles of distress.

• NLP gets to the root of subconscious beliefs and helps rewrite internal scripts.

• Coaching turns insight into action and empowers the client to lead their own life.

Each tool plays a part - but together, they create lasting change.

Could This Approach Help You?

If you’re feeling stuck, like Jake was - neither in crisis nor thriving - know that support exists that honours all of you: your story, your mindset, your beliefs, and your potential.

At Willow Tree Therapy, I offer tailored sessions designed to meet you exactly where you are - and walk beside you until you’re ready to take the lead again.

Want to chat? Reach out today for a free initial consultation.

Dan