Ataques de nervios

The client, Maria, is a Dominican woman in her 30s who has had periods of living separately from Juan, her husband of 15 years, during their process of immigration when work has required him to travel in advance to the United States for multiple periods of time. Although they were reunited approximately 1 year ago and are now living together in the United States with the immigration process complete, Maria reports that during the past year she has had “ataques de nervios”—which she describes as trembling and faintness. She worries that her husband will die young and she will be left alone. Her history reveals no evidence of early loss or abandonment; however, she experienced a sense of loss associated with immigration to the United States in that she left family, friends, her home, and the village of her childhood behind. Also, she describes behavior that might be perceived as self-sacrificing and indicative of significant dependence on Juan. She reports being very religious and praying a lot about her anxious distress.

Maria asks for assistance in gaining some control over her “ataques de nervios.”

Discuss how would you address Maria’s issues in general. Specifically, how would you use self-monitoring and stimulus control to help her decrease them? Be sure to define self-monitoring and stimulus control. Your response will require the use of independent research. Be sure to list the sources used.