Introduction The client is a middle-aged female, Linda, who shows symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression. The paper aims to examine environmental and social factors contributing to the client’s state of crisis. It will also explore the theoretical orientation of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, and eclectic approaches for treating Linda. Social and Environmental Stressors From reviewing the case of the client, it is clear that she experiences GAD which is related to “significant disability, impaired quality of life, and health costs” (Hofmann & Reinecke, 2010, p. 32). Moreover, Linda has a lack of motivation which is indicative of depression. There is ample evidence suggesting that major adverse life events are antecedents of depressive episodes. Being in the vicinity of Ground Zero can be considered an environmental stressor that has caused the onset of depression. Another sever life event, an effect of which is attributable to the patient’s crisis is the divorce. The onset of depression can also be ascribed to the death of Linda’s father. The social stressor in the form of disagreement with the patient’s sister has also contributed to the development of her condition. The events in Linda’s past such a loss of the pet and ex-boyfriend’s infidelity could have created permanent changes in her personality function. As a result of the negative influence of social and environmental stressors, as well as negative early experiences, the patient has formed core beliefs that take the form of statements such as “Everyone wants a piece of me,” “I trust no one,” and “I don’t have faith any more” among others (Case Study). Prolonged exposure to these core beliefs, which seem to be rooted in early experiences with the cheating boyfriend, has resulted in Linda becoming tearful and anxious. She is not willing to leave her house and engage in social interaction. The main diagnostic features of GAD displayed by the client include sleep disturbance, irritability, anxiety, and fatigue (Hofmann & Reinecke, 2010). Moreover, Linda also experiences the following symptoms of a major depressive episode (MDD): sadness, loss of energy, worthlessness, disturbed sleep, and psychomotor retardation (Hofmann & Reinecke, 2010). Taking into consideration that a woman has taken a six-month leave of absence to deal with her crisis, it can be argued that environmental and social stressors have significantly impaired the quality of the patient’s life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Theoretical Orientation The client has to be interviewed with the help of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) which would help to determine whether she meets five criteria for MDD (Hofmann & Reinecke, 2010). A therapist has to keep in mind that there is a direct connection between the effectiveness of CBT and “the extent to which patients learn to use the skills conveyed in therapy outside of the actual session” (Hofmann & Reinecke, 2010, p. 5). Therefore, in addition to stressing the importance of education, I would try to create a therapeutic alliance with the client to ensure that she develops new behaviors and cognitions. I would also use a didactic approach to equip Linda with knowledge about cognitive distortions and their types. Relying on explorative and directive aspects of CBT, I wou