Reference no: EM133511539

Assignment:

CASE STUDY

Smitha reluctantly agreed to counselling after her partner suggested it, as she had been depressed and estranged from her partner for the previous six months.

Client Specific Information

Smitha told you in the first session that her grandmother, to whom she was particularly close, died a little more than six months ago. Smitha has been feeling unmotivated since this time, and she describes herself as sad most of the time. Smitha states that she is still unable to talk or think about her grandmother because it upsets her (this was also evident in the interview by Smitha's physical reaction to speaking of her grandmother), and for this reason she avoids doing so.

The first session was spent gaining rapport with Smitha, explaining the process and limitations of counselling, and getting a broad view of Smitha's situation.

Smitha also stated that she was experiencing relationship issues with her current partner but found it difficult to talk about her grandmother's loss. Smitha was very goal oriented before the loss but now had little motivation in her career or future plans.

At the end of the first session, you summarized the main issues presented which were:

1. Sad mood

2. Low career motivation

3. Partner relationship issues

4. Grief and loss of her grandmother

Smitha expressed concern in the second session about addressing her grief and loss as she is anxious and not confident that she can move past it. To support Smitha, you explain the grieving process (grief cycle etc.). You also suggest that she considers learning new coping skills DBT can be used in this situation) and practice mindfulness when she has distressing thoughts and feelings.

In the third session Smitha tells you that the new coping skills and mindfulness has helped. But other times it doesn't help. You observe that Smitha is trying very hard to work through the grief and loss and open up dialogue about another activity called the "Prescription to Grieve Exercise". For now, Smitha will complete part of the activity so as not to overwhelm her.

Step 1: Choose the exercise

• Write in a journal

• Creating art, or creating memories

• Music that relaxes you

• Take a walk

• Practice yoga or meditation

Step 2: Select a specific time in the day or week

• It is crucial to pick a time that you can dedicate solely grieving your loss.

• This time period should be undisturbed.

• But if you feel the grief is particularly intense, practice your chosen activity.

Questions

1. As a counsellor, did you feel as if you had the skills required to work with this client?

In your answer, include the following:

a) List two personal strengths you used while working with this client.

b) How did you handle any issues that challenged your moral principles or the therapeutic alliance you had with this client?

c) Did you have any preconceptions with this client? If so, what were they and how did you address them?

d) Did you explain to the client all the legal and ethical frameworks involved in the counselling process?

2. How did you attend to the client's non-verbal communication?

3. How did you demonstrate genuine authenticity?

4. Provide two examples of how you paraphrased and summarised information

5. Give one example of an open question and an example of a closed question