Select Two Clients You Observed Or Counseled This Wee 983777 ✓ Solved

Select two clients you observed or counseled this week during a

Select two clients you observed or counseled this week during a family therapy session. The two clients you select must have attended the same family session. Then, address in your Practicum Journal the following: Using the Group Therapy Progress Note in this week’s Learning Resources, document the family session. Describe (without violating HIPAA regulations) each client, and identify any pertinent history or medical information, including prescribed medications. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), explain and justify your diagnosis for each client. Explain any legal and/or ethical implications related to counseling each client. Support your approach with evidence-based literature.

Paper For Above Instructions

Family therapy is a crucial aspect of mental health treatment, aiming to address issues affecting the relational dynamics among family members. This paper presents an analysis of two clients observed during a family therapy session—Client A and Client B—who attended the same session. The discussion includes documenting observations made during the session, relevant histories, diagnostic evaluations following DSM-5 criteria, and the ethical implications involved in counseling these clients.

Client Observations

During the family therapy session, both clients demonstrated distinct but interrelated issues impacting their family dynamics. Client A is a 35-year-old female diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). She has been in outpatient therapy for six months, primarily focusing on her recurrent depressive episodes. According to her medical history, Client A has previously been prescribed Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), including Sertraline, which she reports takes semi-regularly. Her case is significant for the presence of a history of trauma stemming from her childhood, which she disclosed in prior sessions.

Client B, a 37-year-old male, is diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). His session with Client A seemed to magnify his anxiety symptoms, particularly concerning future uncertainties and relational stability. Client B also has a documented history of anxiety attacks, for which he was prescribed a Benzodiazepine, specifically Lorazepam. He reported during the session that despite therapy, he continues to struggle with pervasive anxiety that affects his day-to-day functioning.

History and Medical Information

In discussing their histories, it is essential to respect HIPAA regulations by maintaining confidentiality while providing necessary context. Client A's condition has persisted despite medication adherence, as she often experiences intense feelings of hopelessness and disconnection from her family members. Client B, on the other hand, shared that his anxiety often manifests in tense communication patterns with Client A, leading to escalated conflicts around trivial matters, further complicating the family dynamic.

Diagnostic Considerations

Per DSM-5 criteria, both clients meet the necessary requirements for their respective diagnoses. For Client A, the criteria for MDD include experiencing five or more of the specified symptoms over a two-week period, such as loss of interest or pleasure in activities, significant weight changes, and feelings of worthlessness. In contrast, Client B meets the diagnosis of GAD due to persistent, excessive worry about multiple events or activities, as well as physical manifestations like muscle tension and restlessness.

The diagnoses were corroborated by observations during the session, where Client A displayed flat affect and withdrawal, whereas Client B exhibited tension and occasional irritability. The interplay of their diagnoses highlighted how their mental health issues not only affect them individually but also adversely influence one another’s emotional states, underscoring the need for a holistic treatment approach.

Legal and Ethical Implications

Ethical practice in counseling underscores the importance of confidentiality and informed consent, crucial components in addressing the clients' needs. Both clients have a right to privacy, and it is the counselor's responsibility to safeguard this. Given the interaction dynamics, any information shared during the family session can have significant repercussions, and thus it is vital to maintain discretion.

Legal implications may arise if there is suspicion of harm to self or others, which necessitates breaking confidentiality to ensure safety. During the session, both clients revealed some conflict that could potentially escalate if not addressed appropriately and swiftly. In navigating these sensitive situations, adhering to ethical guidelines, such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics, ensures that the clients receive equitable treatment without compromising their rights.

Evidence-Based Support

Research supports the efficacy of family therapy in treating co-occurring issues like depression and anxiety (Sexton, 2017). Family-based approaches have shown to produce significant positive outcomes, improving communication and reducing conflict within the family system. Furthermore, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques into family sessions can help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms (Nichols & Schwartz, 2004), addressing individual symptoms while promoting family cohesion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Client A and Client B present complex cases that reflect the intertwined nature of their mental health conditions. By documenting the session in reference to the Group Therapy Progress Note and applying ethical considerations in their counseling, therapists can facilitate improved treatment outcomes. Ongoing education and adherence to evidence-based practices serve to optimize therapeutic interventions and enhance relational dynamics within the family system.

References

• Nichols, M. P., & Schwartz, R. C. (2004). Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods. Pearson Education.
• Sexton, T. (2017). The Effectiveness of Family Therapy in Treating Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Review. Journal of Family Therapy.
• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
• VandenBos, G. R. (2013). APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association.
• Hale, K., & Powers, H. (2020). Treatment Modalities in Family Therapy. Psychiatric Clinics of North America.
• Walsh, F. (2016). Strengthening Family Coping Resources: Theory, Research, and Practice. Families in Society.
• Carr, A. (2019). The Evidence Base for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. Journal of Family Therapy.
• Minuchin, S., & Fishman, H. C. (1981). Family Therapy Techniques. Harvard University Press.
• Johnson, S. M., & Whiffen, V. E. (2003). Attachment Processes in Couple and Family Therapy. Guilford Press.