Assignment 2: RA 2 Treatment Plan

Assignment 2 Ra 2 Treatment Planin This Assignment You Will Compare

In this assignment, you will compare developmental treatment plan options for the given scenario and discuss strategies for multidimensional interventions, including a needed crisis management plan. Scenario: You have been hired as a counselor working in a drug and alcohol counseling center. One of your patients is a man named Connor, aged 75 years. Connor left school at 16. He has never had a job that lasted longer than a few months. He has a long string of criminal offences (burglary, shoplifting, etc.). He is an alcoholic and is believed to have been drinking heavily since the age of 17. He has two adult children by different women. Both partners have said that he was violent toward them. His daughter, Laura (aged 27 years), and granddaughter, Samantha (aged 6 years), currently live with him. Laura has a history of cocaine abuse, which started in her early teens. A child protection agency has established that Laura recently left her child, Samantha, on her own when she went out to obtain drugs. She is attending parenting classes at the insistence of the child protection agency, which has made it clear that it will take steps to prevent Samantha from remaining in Laura's care if she does not address her drug habit. Laura is often depressed and has little self-esteem. In spite of Connor's history of violence toward her, she cannot imagine not living with her father as she looks to him for security.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Connor and his family presents a complex tapestry of developmental, psychological, social, and health-related issues that necessitate a nuanced, multidimensional treatment approach. Drawing from various adult development theories, a tailored treatment plan can be developed that not only targets Connor's substance abuse and behavioral issues but also considers the developmental needs of each family member, especially Samantha. This paper compares different treatment plan options based on adult development theories, selects the most suitable approach, and delineates specific treatment and wellness strategies that promote healing and healthy relationships.

Comparison of Treatment Plan Options for Connor Based on Theories of Adult Development

Adult development theories such as Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages, Robert Kegan's constructive-development theory, and lifespan development frameworks provide solid foundations for designing tailored interventions for Connor. Erikson’s theory emphasizes the importance of developing a sense of integrity versus despair in late adulthood. For Connor, this could involve addressing unresolved conflicts from his life, particularly those linked to his criminal behavior and substance abuse, seeking acceptance, and fostering self-awareness (Erikson, 1963). A treatment plan grounded in Erikson’s theory might focus on achieving ego integrity by integrating past experiences, fostering acceptance, and reducing feelings of regret.

Alternatively, Kegan’s constructive-development theory highlights the importance of increasing mental complexity and fostering a more differentiated self-concept. For Connor, who exhibits maladaptive behaviors possibly rooted in unresolved developmental conflicts, therapies that promote self-reflection and meaning-making—such as narrative therapy—would be beneficial (Kegan, 1982). This approach could help Connor explore his identity beyond his criminal history and alcohol dependence, facilitating personal growth and behavioral change.

Another relevant framework is lifespan development theory, emphasizing the importance of considering past, present, and future developmental tasks. For older adults like Connor, interventions might include facilitating adaptive aging, managing physical health, and fostering social connectedness (Baltes, 1987). An integrated treatment plan would consider these factors for holistic care.

Choosing the most appropriate plan involves integrating these perspectives to formulate goals that address Connor’s current risks—alcohol dependence, violence, and social isolation—while promoting personal growth. A combination of Erikson’s focus on ego integrity and lifespan considerations might be most effective, aiming to enhance Connor’s quality of life, foster acceptance of his past, and encourage social engagement.

Developing Treatment Goals for Connor Using the Selected Plan

Based on the integrated approach, the treatment goals for Connor include: (1) achieving alcohol sobriety through detoxification and ongoing counseling; (2) reducing violent tendencies and managing aggressive impulses via anger management therapy; (3) increasing social connectedness by engaging in community activities; (4) improving mental health to address depression and low self-esteem; and (5) fostering acceptance of his life journey to promote ego integrity. These goals are SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—and are designed to promote sustainable change.

Strategies for Multidimensional Development and Crisis Management for Samantha

Recognizing that development is multidimensional, strategies should address emotional, behavioral, social, and safety concerns for both Connor and Samantha. For Connor, integrating psychological therapy with social support and medical management of health issues is critical. For Samantha, a trauma-informed approach is essential, given her exposure to familial violence and instability.

To support Samantha's development and safety, a crisis management plan must prioritize her immediate safety. This involves collaborating with child protective services, establishing safety plans, and providing trauma-informed care to address possible emotional distress or behavioral issues. Counseling tailored for Samantha should focus on creating secure attachments, emotional expression, and resilience-building (Cook et al., 2017). If Samantha shows signs of neglect or trauma, timely intervention ensures her safety and well-being.

Family therapy sessions can facilitate communication, rebuild trust, and promote healthy relational patterns. Mindful developmental strategies—such as age-appropriate activities, consistent routines, and emotional validation—can strengthen Samantha's resilience, while Connor's engagement in therapy can promote empathy and behavioral change.

Creating a Wellness Plan for Connor and Samantha

A comprehensive wellness plan should encompass five dimensions: emotional, physical, nutritional, social/relational, and spiritual wellness, modified appropriately for each person.

For Connor: Emotional wellness involves engaging in psychotherapy to process unresolved guilt and regrets. Physical wellness includes managing chronic health issues through regular medical check-ups. Nutritional wellness entails adopting a balanced diet to increase energy and health. Social/relational wellness emphasizes reconnecting with family and community through participation in support groups. Spiritual wellness may involve exploring personal beliefs or practices that foster inner peace, such as meditation or faith-based activities.

For Samantha: Emotional wellness can be supported through play therapy and stability in caregiving routines. Physical wellness involves ensuring proper nutrition and developmental health check-ups. Nutritional wellness emphasizes age-appropriate, nutrient-rich foods. Social/relational wellness includes building secure attachments with caregivers and engaging in age-appropriate social activities. Spiritual wellness, adapted for her age, might include stories, songs, or activities that foster a sense of security and community.

Both wellness plans promote a supportive environment whereby Connor can foster self-awareness and responsibility, and Samantha can develop resilience and emotional security. Building healthy routines and fostering open communication are fundamental to strengthening family bonds and promoting long-term well-being.

Conclusion

Addressing the multifaceted needs of Connor and Samantha requires an integrated, theory-informed treatment approach that considers their developmental stages, psychological health, social context, and safety. A combination of adult development theories like Erikson’s and lifespan perspectives provides a solid foundation for creating sustainable, goals-oriented interventions. Tailored wellness plans that encompass emotional, physical, nutritional, social, and spiritual domains will foster resilience and healthy relationships. Ongoing assessment, multidisciplinary collaboration, and trauma-informed care are indispensable to promoting healing and growth for both Connor and Samantha.

References

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• Cook, A., Spinazzola, J., Ford, J., Lanktree, C., Blanchette, D., Unger, J., ... & van der Kolk, B. (2017). Complex trauma in children and adolescents. Psychiatric Clinics, 40(1), 109–131.
• Erikson, E. H. (1963). Childhood and Society. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Kegan, R. (1982). The evolving self: Problem and process in human development. Harvard University Press.
• Baltes, P. B. (1987). The microeconomics of aging: A lifespan perspective. American Psychologist, 42(2), 172–179.
• Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1997). Successful aging. Gerontologist, 37(4), 433–440.
• Lachs, M. S., & Pillemer, K. (2004). Elder abuse. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(1), 52–60.
• Shulman, L. (2010). Culturally competent trauma-informed mental health services in the community. Trauma, 12, 103–113.
• Siegel, D. J. (2012). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are. Guilford Publications.
• Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.