Topic 1: Vargas Case Study
Introduction
In this case, Frank is the son of Bob and Elizabeth, and brother to Heidi. Recent behavior by Frank suggests that he might have ADHD. Elizabeth has noted Frank’s impulsivity, but Bob is amused of Elizabeth’s accuses and anecdotes towards Frank. As a result, there have been increased marital tensions between Bob and Elizabeth, with some arguments before the kids. Elizabeth fears Frank will damage things and hurt Heidi, and thus unable to relax. Seeking therapy for Frank is aimed at ensuring that this family stands and renews peace. In this paper, ways of building alliance with the family will be explored.
Discuss how you would build alliance with this family
In this case, a counselor will conduct a first interview with the family and thus building a strong therapeutic relationship is vital (Laurie, 2014). First as a counselor, one needs to meet with this family (Bob, Elizabeth, Frank, and Heidi). In this approach, the counselor will need to help the family (client) feel more welcome into the therapy. Also, the counselor will have to introduce himself to the clients, give them his contacts, and be clear on the best times which they can see him in case of emergencies.
Second, a professional counselor would portray unconditional positive regard towards this family (Paul, 2015). In this approach, a counselor would listen to the complaints raised by Elizabeth as well as those raised by Bob. As per the case, the aim of seeking therapy is the continued arguments between Bob and Elizabeth over Frank’s behavior. While Bob seems to defend Frank, Elizabeth is unwilling to relax when Frank interrupts, cannot listen, seems forgetful, and is hot tempered when hurt. Since the family wants unity, the counselor has to show positive regard to the client’s needs.
Third, a counselor will find it easy to interview the clients if he clearly feels empathy for them. Upon the first meeting, the counselor should not judge either spouse. Again, a counselor will have to talk about the things that the couple wants from therapy. In this approach, the counselor will have to ask more and diverse questions based on the issues they raise in the session (Laurie, 2014). Here, a counselor will act in a manner that the clients will not feel rejected or vulnerable.
Develop some hypothesis about the family patterns that you believe are maintaining the problem
According to (Rober, 2005), hypothesizing is a therapy concept which serves as a basis for reasoning, without reference to its facts, as the beginning point for an investigation. They hypothesis formulated by a counselor is neither true of false, but helps a counselor in verification of the validity of the case under investigation. In this case, the possible hypothesis includes:
- Frank’s uncontrollable attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is causing increased marital tension between Bob and Elizabeth
- Bob’s behavior of defending Frank’s impulsive behavior is hurting Elizabeth his wife
- Elizabeth’s inability to relax is causing several arguments with Bob in front of the children.
Conclusion (rapport building, assessment and intervention, and closure)
In this therapy, treatment will take three phases namely rapport building, assessment and intervention, and closure (Paul, 2015). As a professional and experienced counselor, there are the surest expectations one must have for each treatment phase.
Rapport building: In reference to the Vargas case study, I expect rapport building with this family to be successful. According to (Paul, 2015), rapport building entails introduction of a counselor’s name, areas of expertise, and experience in his/her field of expertise. I expect that the clients will comply and give true contact information. Self-disclosure will be excellently done as all the participating parties will be cooperative. I expect to first achieve small successes by giving the clients helpful information, positive feedback, and encouragement even before delving into their major problem.
Assessment and intervention: I expect full compliance from the clients’ side when in matters observation, questioning, screening, and communication. I expect that the clients’ will respond with true information without malice. In the side of intervention, I expect that the client’s adhere to the mechanisms which I will propose for them such as solving issues in the absence of children, listening to each other’s viewpoint, and disciplining children together.
Closure: In the termination stage, I expect to interact more with the clients. I am optimistic that the clients will be able to reflect and summarize the important techniques taught to help them in conflict resolution and child rearing. Also, I expect that the clients will keep the taught ideas into practice in a collaborative and open manner. Last but not the least, I expect to gracefully end the therapy session on time.
References
- Laurie, M. (2014, August 18). Connecting with clients: A Publication of the American Counseling Association. Counseling Today, 11-13.
- Paul, W. (2015, January 1). Meaning Therapy: Assessments and Interventions. Meaning Therapy, 2-9.
- Rober, P. (2005). Constructive hypothesizing, dialogic understanding and the therapist’s inner conversation. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 28, 467-478.