Case analysis framework and methodology

Romeo

Strengths:

Romeo is forthright about his marijuana use. Given that honesty is an important component of dealing with any client, this strength must be acknowledged. Romeo has also come forward to willingly seek assistance, which suggests that he is trying to make a change in his life. Romeo is also highly resourceful, in the manner in which he has been able to survive on the streets.

When dealing with Romeo, who might speak English as a second language, the counselor must be careful in terms of how he comports himself, regarding his nonverbal language. Romeo may feel defensive if the counselor moves in too close, for example, and may interpret this as a threat thanks to his previous experiences in a violent environment (Murphy & Dillon 2010: 103).

Given Romeo's history, he likely has low self-esteem, which is manifested in his anxiety, and the counselor must also be mindful of his responsibility to convey unconditional positive regard to Romeo, stressing that Romeo is a valuable person who should show respect for himself (Murphy & Dillon 2010:128).

Romeo: I'm a worthless person

Counselor: Why do you say that?

Romeo: I never graduated from high school

Counselor: Well, why not start by studying for your GED if this is important to you?

This does not mean that the counselor must approve of Romeo's recreational drug use or involvement with gangs, but rather that he should convey that Romeo's difficulties in the past do not cancel out the client's essential humanity. Finally, the counselor must carefully use questions to build Romeo's trust. Asking probing, well-timed questions is essential to discover what Romeo really wants in life.

Goals:

The first, most immediate goal for Romeo's treatment is dealing with his depression, particularly given the fact that he has expressed suicidal ideation. The second important goal is for Romeo to be honest with the counselor about his gang involvement. The counselor may need to refer Romeo to a specialist in helping young men to disengage from the gang lifestyle. Finally, an important goal is for Romeo to identify his long-term life goals, such as getting a job or a degree, and creating short-term steps that will enable him to achieve those goals.

Interview subject 2: Gladys

Strengths:

Gladys first main strength is her willingness to admit that she has a problem: many victims of domestic violence refuse to admit that they are being abused by their partners. She also clearly loves her children and likely wants to protect them very much.

Interviewing techniques:

An important strategy to use with Gladys is 'crediting client strength,' or affirming her competencies, such as her ability to raise a family far away from her relatives and homeland of Vietnam. Gladys has had her sense of self-regard torn down by her husband, and may not be able to see her personal strengths (Murphy & Dillon 2010: 181).

Gladys: I am a bad wife. My husband always says so.

Counselor: Why do you feel you are a bad wife?

Gladys: He is always mad at me.

Counselor: Is that an issue with your behavior -- or is it really his issue?

Given that Gladys is likely from a culture different from that of the counselor, the counselor must secondly be mindful of cultural conceptions about what makes a 'good wife' which may influence her relationship with her husband and may make leaving him difficult. Finally, encouraging exploration and elaboration of Gladys' situation is also essential, so Gladys can identify the full extent of her husband's abuse and realize that a radical change is needed to preserve her own safety and that of her family (Murphy & Dillon 2010: 158).