Psychological Therapies in Helping Family Relationship - Case Study Example

Human Relations Case Study Calvin Which psychological therapies will you use in you helping relationship with this family? An eclectic therapeutic approach will be implemented in aiding Calvin and his family. One of the main psychological therapies that will be implemented in helping this family will be behavioral therapy. Behavior therapy will be implemented because the causes of discomfort in this situation seem much less aligned with emotional or unresolved unconscious issues and more closely linked to dysfunctional behavior patterns. Rational and psychoanalytic processes will be explored to determine the nature of Calvin’s feelings of depression and guilt, and to determine the extent to which they are elements of Calvin’s childhood. Finally, humanistic psychology will be explored to establish moral foundations that will underpin his conduct in regards to his siblings, parents, wife, and children. 2. What are the major problems this family is encountering? The family is experiencing financial problems as a result of a lack of education and living in an area that is economically depressed. In addition, Calvin’s wife feels that by Calvin to continuing to offer his family financial support he is unfairly allocating their shared financial resources. Calvin’s children are unappreciative of their financial well-being. Finally, Calvin is feeling guilt-ridden and depressed because of the accumulation of these major problems. 3. How will you handle Calvins wifes feelings? Calvin’s wife’s feelings will be handled through a therapeutic process that involves her directly, one that involves her indirectly through Calvin, and if necessary in therapy with both of them marital partners together. It’s necessary to first develop a thorough understanding of Calvin’s problem and develop a humanistic moral understanding that will foundationally underpin Calvin’s future actions; through this an open and honest dialogue can be established with Calvin’s wife. In developing a foundational moral base for Calvin’s actions the feelings of the other people in Calvin’s life, notably Calvin’s wife, can be handled. In developing Calvin’s moral foundation realized that significant changes both positive and negative may subsequently affect Calvin’s wife. In this regard, it will be important to convey to her that the previous foundation they relied on was dysfunctional and that while she may initially be resistant to the new foundation (or perhaps relieved), in the long run the changes will make her relationship with her husband stronger and more functional, ultimately resulting in an increased quality of life. 4. How will you attempt to establish rapport, trust, etc.? Developing trust and rapport will be a major focus in getting the family to acknowledge that there are problems; this involves assuming the phenomenological approach that allows for the understanding of the perspectives of each family member. It will also be necessary to remain non-judgmental, ethical, and consistent. 5. Identify the crisis meeting resources. Calvin and his family have a number of substantial crisis meeting resources. Calvin has maintained good communication with his parents and siblings throughout the years. He also makes a significant salary that can be utilized if deemed necessary. 6. What is your perception of the familys definition of the event(s)? From the perspective of Calvin’s parents I believe the perception is that Calvin is a successful individual, yet they do not expect him to necessarily take care of them financially. It seems that Calvin’s siblings have a higher level of entitlement as they have frequently approached Calvin for financial support. They seemingly feel that since Calvin is their brother and they supported him throughout his life that he now should aid them in their financial hardship. Calvin’s wife believes that it is unfair of his siblings to lean on Calvin for financial support and that since she doesn’t have to aid her family financially neither should Calvin. Finally, Calvin is confused regarding his position in this dichotomy, and is depressed due to guilt over this. 7. What will you do to get the family to acknowledge that there are problems? Brammer & MacDonald (2002, pg. 62) state, “If help is to proceed efficiently and constructively, helpees must accept their share of responsibility...they must know how to express themselves in a manner that allows to be most effective.” In this sense, the act of acknowledging problems is both an element of actually admitting there is a problem as well developing with the helpee an adequate communicative relationship that allows for significant communication of these problems. Another method in getting the family to acknowledge that there are problems are to develop a connection with the family member so that they are able to freely discuss discomforts they have with specific things. I think it’s important to assume an approach that doesn’t necessarily probe for problems as if on a witch hunt, but seeks more organic means of understanding the patient’s difficulties. I believe that it’s in this approach that a more accurate phenomenological understanding can occur. 8. How will you attempt to get all members of the family involved in the treatment? If you decide to exclude some members of the family, explain why. All family members will be attempted to be involved in the treatment. The method I will use will be to remain an impartial observer and works towards developing trust through remaining consistent and ethical. No family members will be excluded, but specific sessions will be sought with individuals to encourage open and free expression. 9. What will be done to get the family reintegrated? It will be necessary to encourage functional family activities that are in-line with the family’s interests and geographic location. 10. What type of behavioral changes will you attempt to get the family to work toward? Behavioral therapy will works towards Calvin developing more functional relationships with his siblings by aiding him in breaking out of a cyclical pattern of granting them financial aid. In some instances aid may be deemed functionally necessary and in these situations it will be necessary to work towards integrating Calvin’s decision with his wife’s perspective. 11. What are the goals you will encourage the family to establish for the helping relationship? The family will be encouraged to works towards financial independence and to understand Calvin’s perspective. Calvin will be encouraged to develop a more thorough humanistic understanding of his life. His wife will be encouraged to become more understanding of Calvin’s perspective and familial obligations. 12. What type of contract(s) will be developed? The contract will be simple and direct as it’s believed a detailed risk-reward contract wouldn’t meet the subtleties of Calvin’s problem; rewards will be in the form of positive encouragement. 1. Did you meditate on ethical foundations regarding helping your siblings and family members? 2. Did you pro-actively communicate your decisions to your family members and wife? 3. Did you make progress in better understanding the perspectives of your family members? 13. As you approach accomplishment of the agreed goals and objectives, what will you do to get the family to adapt to its new situation? It’s understood that the issues Calvin is facing are extremely complicated and in developing a sound and long-term solution a number of significant changes will occur within the family’s relations. It’s hoped that the goals and objectives will be integrated to include elements of integration and understanding so that some of the goals will include develop a more thorough understanding of other family member’s problems. Furthermore, functional activities will be encouraged to develop familial integration. 14. How will you terminate the helping relationship? The helping relationship doesn’t have to be outright terminated, but the frequency of visits can be reduced as goals and development are achieved. Case Study 2: Duncan Family 1. Which psychological therapy or therapies will you use in you helping relationship with this family? Explain why you have chosen this therapy or the therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy will be implemented to make significant goals towards reducing Raymond’s alcoholism and creating a more functional family environment. If the time permits more in-depth cognitive and psychoanalytic approaches will be applied to attempt to examine the fundamental causes motivating his alcoholism to enact more foundational and long-term changes. Rational and cognitive approaches will also be used to bring Raymond’s drinking problem to Mary’s conscious attention. 2. What are the major problems this family is encountering? This problem is facing a few major problems. The most immediate concern is Raymond’s growing alcoholism which has interfered with the family’s financial situation, has interfered with a positive family environment for the family’s granddaughter Shirley, and has gotten him arrested for drunken driving. Another problem is developing a stable and well-balanced family life for their granddaughter Shirley has gradually become alienated from her grandfather because of his alcoholism. 3. What are some of the factors you must consider with regard to Mary Duncan? It’s important to consider Mary’s relationship with her husband and examines the ways that she has functioned to enable his alcoholism. It’s also necessary to consider the nature of her relationship with Shirley and efforts to create a stable family life. 4. Should other family members be included in this helping relationship? If so whom? Also explain your decision to include or not include other family members. There is an outside chance that Shirley’s biological mother be included in the helping relationship as her absence in the immediate family relations may have caused unresolved tensions in the family environment. Shirley’s presence might be important to give her grandparents an improved perspective of her situation and how Raymond’s alcoholism has affected her home life. 5. How will you attempt to establish rapport, trust, etc.? As the family member is highly resistant to the therapy it’s important to refrain from a didactic approach, specifically from lecturing Raymond about his alcoholism. I will adopt an open and non-judgmental approach and gain a thorough understanding of each family member’s perspective. I will also remain consistent and highly ethical. 6. Identify the crisis meeting resources. The family has the crisis meeting resources of significant life experience as well as a large family environment, with over seven children. Even as Shirley’s aunts and uncles no longer live at home they should be able to offer Shirley an opportunity for a variety of opportunities to gain a perspective on her immediate family environment and offer positive examples to help her through her difficult teenage years. 7. What is your perception of the familys definition of the event(s)? I believe Raymond feels he has been unfairly punished by the State for his drunken driving and that he has no actual problem. I believe Mary may have an inkling of how Raymond’s alcoholism has adverse affects on the family but has compromised with it. Shirley perceives that the drinking is a problem and that the family has grown slightly dysfunctional. 8. What will you do to get the family to acknowledge that there are problems? I will work towards developing trust and open communication. As both Mary and Raymond have denied there is a ‘problem’ it may be more effective to discuss specific areas that are known to be dysfunctional and not directly label them problems, but use modeling techniques to demonstrate more functional alternatives. It might also be effective to work towards getting Raymond and Mary to understand the alcoholism in terms of Shirley’s perspective and her family life, as this might lead to the acknowledgement of the problems. 9. How will you get all members of the family involved in the treatment? If you choose to exclude some members explain why. It’s necessary that all three family members are included in the helping relationship. Efforts to combine them will be made, however certain situations will require individual therapy to encourage open and free expression. By assuming a phenomenological approach to personality that seeks to understand each family member’s perspective it’s hoped that they will feel more comfortable and open to treatment. 10. What will be done to get the family reintegrated? Reintegration will be achieved by encouraging activities that act to integrate them in ways that address the underlining problems they are facing. One such solution would be to work towards developing weekend activities that the family could enjoy together that would help Raymond reduce his frequency of going to bars and spending money. 11. What type of behavioral changes will you attempt to get the family to work toward? While Raymond and Mary refuse to admit the problem, it’s clear that Raymond’s drinking has become dysfunctional and unacceptable. Immediate behavioral changes will need to be enacted that will include refraining from drinking while driving, and reducing the amount of time spent at bars and with alcohol. It’s necessary for Mary to acknowledge that Raymond has a problem and that it is incumbent upon her to help him overcome this to improve his health, their family life, and the emotional well-being of Shirley. 12. What are the goals you will encourage the family to establish for the helping relationship? Raymond must begin by attending a rehabilitation program such as alcoholics anonymous as this will give him interest and social support outside of his past dysfunctional environment. Raymond will also be encouraged to make tangible goals towards reducing his reliance on alcohol and developing more healthy interests and activities. 13. What type of contract(s) will be developed? (Provide a copy of the contract(s). (See the text Helping Relationships -Brammer and MacDonald) As the family is experiencing both short term and long term difficulties a thorough contract that includes a number of clearly identifiable goals is necessary. The contract is informal as Raymond is a mature adult. 1. Attend a rehabilitation program for alcoholism. 2. Make tangible and progressive gains towards reducing drinking: no drinking and driving, spending at least one weekend night at home (eventually both nights), consider and be respectful of Shirley’s home-life. 3. Raymond must develop non-alcohol related activities and hobbies. 4. Mary must pro-actively work to help Raymond by engaging in new activities with him and encourage him to reduce his alcoholism. 14. As you approach accomplishment of the agreed goals and objectives, what will you do to get the family to adapt to its new situation? It will be necessary to stress the long-term benefits of the life change. These benefits include improved health, financial gains, and reduced stress for the family that has had to accommodate Raymond’s alcoholism. Most importantly, Raymond’s alcoholism has negatively impacted Shirley’s home-life and development and it’s necessary for Raymond to reduce his rampant drinking as he is responsible for Shirley. 15. How will you terminate the helping relationship? The helping relationship would be helpful long-term to monitor Raymond’s progress and to keep him on track. The relationship’s frequency could be reduced based on Raymond’s adherence to the contract. References Brammer, L. M. & MacDonald, G. (2002) The helping relationship: Process and skills (Eight Edition) Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Read More