Case Study, Mohr

CHAPTER 13, Individual Therapies and Nursing Interventions

In completing the case study, students will be addressing the following learning objective:

Discuss the goals of therapeutic modalities used with individual clients.

Frank, a 16-year-old adolescent, is a high school sophomore. Frank is on the verge of failing his Spanish class. After his grade fell to a "D" grade, Frank procrastinated about doing his Spanish homework, postponing it until last. Then, saying he was tired, Frank played video games until bedtime and rationalized that he would get up early in the morning and do his homework. Frank often sleeps late and does not have time to complete his Spanish homework. Frank is now very distressed over his grade in the Spanish class.

His mother brought Frank to the counselor to help with his problem. The counselor suggested a parent-teacher conference to explore any learning difficulties and the possibility of a tutor to help Frank. The counselor also said that perhaps Frank's mother could supervise the completion of his Spanish homework as the first step. Frank appeared relieved at these suggestions, and said, "That sounds great! Maybe I can improve my Spanish grade and pass the class. Then I won't be a loser!"

(Learning Objective: 2)

a. Using a cognitive-behavioral approach, write three goals for Frank's individual counseling sessions.

b. Explain why cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be successful for Frank.