Wk7 Vargas Family Case Study
Client Exceptions: Bob
The two presenting problems for the Vargas family are increase in marital tension and inappropriate communication. In the previous sessions, I have noted that Bob’s response to these problems is exceptional. Bob’s exceptional behavior, attitude, and conduct are clearly seen in the way he reacts to Frank’s behavior. In session 1, Bob is not worried of Frank’s behavior; instead, he accuses Elizabeth of “overreacting” and goes ahead to defend Frank by stating “boy will always be boys”. While Elizabeth is unhappy of Frank’s forgetful, inability to sit, rude, and damaging behavior, Bob seems to be happy and less concerned. It is also exceptional of Bob how he does not see any behavioral change in Frank, yet Frank damages things and hurts Heidi in his presence. In other counseling sessions, Bob looks relaxed to the point of arriving late to the counseling sessions. In addition, while Elizabeth and Heidi are concerned of Frank’s behavior, Bob is ignorant and does not act to correct Frank of wrongdoing. Bob’s conduct is also exceptional in the way he frustrates Elizabeth and fails to support her in disciplining Frank and yet it is clear that Frank is having unusual problems. Nevertheless, Bob is not stressed or depressed despite the constant marital tension he has with Elizabeth.
Scaffolding questions
Landscape of action
The landscape of action question to ask Bob in the next session will be:
- What steps have you taken to get yourself ready to collaborate with Elizabeth in resolving Frank’s unusual behavior?
Landscape of identity
The landscape of identity question to ask Bob in the coming session will be:
- When you firmly accuse your wife or overreacting and hold to defend Frank, what are you hoping for? What does this action say about your hopes for your family?
Part 2: Re-authoring
In the recent past, life for my family has suddenly changed from joy to that of frustration. My wife Elizabeth saw it good we all come for therapy, citing Frank’s change of behavior as the main cause of unhappiness in the family. Elizabeth and Heidi says that Frank is stressing and disturbing them, teachers too. However, I believe that Frank is growing and what he does is normal for growing boys. Behaviors like inability to sit still, listen, remember, and of always hurting himself or Heidi are normal. I blame Elizabeth of being unable to neither understand nor cope with Frank’s behavior, because she has been unable to relax. The way Frank interrupts and blurts out teachers in school does not worry me, and this makes Elizabeth quarrel me.
In response to the current problems in my family, my landscape of action is exceptional (Michael, 2005). While Elizabeth and children arrives to counseling sessions in time, I arrive a few minutes later. Again, when….
….Middle of Paper….
However, these landscapes of identity and action questions have encouraged me to reflect over what Elizabeth is undergoing (Neimeyer, 2001). Ignoring Heidi when she is harmed is creating a parental discord. By being unsupportive of her when Frank’s behavior continues to worsen is bringing false hopes into my family. Having constant arguments with Elizabeth just because of Frank’s behavior is outsmarting the good hopes for my family. I have realized that the communication step is not enough to combat this problem, I need to do more by becoming a more supportive, caring, concerned, and family man to my family. Continuing to accuse and blame each other of wrongdoing will continue to bring false hope to the family.
References
- Maggie, C., & Shona, R. (2003). Re-Authoring: Some answers to commonly asked questions. The International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 1(3), 2-7.
- Michael, W. (2005, September 21). Workshop Notes. Retrieved from dulwichcentre.com.au: www.dulwichcentre.com.au
- Neimeyer, R. A. (2001). Reauthoring life narratives: Grief therapy as meaning reconstruction. The Israel journal of psychiatry and related sciences, 38(3/4), 171.