CNS 6161 Counseling Techniques Interview 2 Case Conceptualiz

Cns 6161 Counseling Techniquesinterview 2 Case Conceptualizationclie

The client has completed his/her first year of a graduate program. He/She feels overwhelmed about several things and is considering taking time off from school. He/She has a family and feels as though the family is being neglected. He/She does not feel as though he/she has a great relationship with other students in his/her cohort. He/She makes great grades and initially started the program to make a better life for him/her and his/her family, but is tired and exhausted from the work and time commitment.

Recently, he/she decided to try counseling because he/she has been sleeping more than normal, neglecting his/her school work, and not being present with his/her significant other and child. His/Her physician suggested counseling as an option. In addition, the client husband just told her he was gay, and wants a divorce…. They have one child a daughter which is 16 and in High School. Because of everything going on in the house she is having difficulty in her school work as well and has started smoking marijuana to deal with family issues. The daughter heard rumors about her father being gay from a classmate that said he had seen her father on a guy dating website… The mother is now seeking counseling because she feels overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, and confused about all of this. Remember to address the skills covered in the basic counseling skills. See syllabus for case conceptualization information.

Paper For Above instruction

In this case conceptualization, the client presents with significant stressors stemming from complex family and personal issues, compounded by academic pressures and emotional distress. The client's initial motivation for therapy was related to coping with symptoms like oversleeping, neglecting responsibilities, and relational issues, which are indicative of underlying anxiety and possible depression. The recent revelation of her husband's sexuality and impending divorce, along with her daughter's behavioral changes, further compound her mental health challenges, making comprehensive case conceptualization essential.

Understanding this client's presentation requires a multidimensional framework that considers family dynamics, individual developmental challenges, and environmental stressors. From a developmental perspective, the client is navigating a critical transition stage—completing her first year of graduate school—which is often accompanied by high stress and adjustment difficulties. Her feelings of being overwhelmed and neglect towards her family suggest role strain, which could be contributing to her emotional exhaustion.

The client’s family situation is a significant contextual factor. Her husband's coming out as gay and the divorce process are likely precipitating feelings of betrayal, loss, and identity confusion, especially for her and her daughter. The daughter's substance use and rumors about her father's sexuality point to a family system under duress, possibly involving communication breakdowns and unresolved emotional conflicts. Family systems theory suggests that such stress can reverberate through relationships, exacerbating individual symptoms and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

From a counseling skills perspective, establishing rapport and demonstrating empathy are vital initial steps. Active listening, reflection, and validation of the client's feelings of overwhelm, confusion, and grief are crucial to foster safety and trust. Given the client’s disclosures, employing trauma-informed approaches, such as creating a safe space to explore feelings about her husband's coming out, the divorce, and her own identity, will facilitate emotional processing.

In addition, cognitive-behavioral strategies can be applied to challenge maladaptive thoughts related to her perceived failure in balancing academic and family roles. Psychoeducation about stress management and self-care routines may help the client develop healthier coping mechanisms. For her daughter, family work that encourages open communication and emotional expression might reduce secrecy and substance use behaviors.

It is also important to consider cultural and contextual factors. The client's cultural background, beliefs about gender roles, and family expectations could influence her coping strategies and attitudes towards divorce and sexuality. Culturally sensitive interventions should be integrated into the therapy process to respect her values and promote resilience.

Addressing the client's mental health needs holistically involves exploring her core emotions—grief, loss, anxiety, and guilt—and identifying her existing support systems, such as friends, extended family, or community resources. As therapy progresses, goal setting around personal well-being, establishing boundaries, and rebuilding self-efficacy will be critical. Regular assessment of her emotional state through valid standardized measures can inform treatment effectiveness and adjustments as needed.

In conclusion, this case requires a comprehensive, empathetic, and strengths-based approach, integrating multiple theoretical perspectives and clinical skills. Fostering resilience, enhancing coping skills, and facilitating emotional expression will support the client through her current crises and empower her to regain stability and well-being.

References

• Cozolino, L. (2014). The Art and Science of Psychotherapy. W. W. Norton & Company.