Case1: A client who has not questioned her religious beliefs

Brenda, age 22, comes to see you because of problems in living at home with her family. She tells you that she feels dependent both financially and emotionally on her parents and that although she would like to move out and live with a girlfriend, she has many fears of taking this step. She also says that her religion is extremely important to her and that she feels a great deal of guilt over the conflict she has with her parents. After some discussion you find that she has never really questioned her religious values and that it appears that she has completely accepted the beliefs of her parents. Brenda says that if she followed her religion more closely, she would not be having all these difficulties with her folks. She is coming to you because she would "like to feel more like an independent adult who could feel free enough to make my own decisions."

1. Which personal characteristics of effective counselors from Ch. 2 would be most helpful in this situation?

2. Which of the issues faced by beginning therapists from Ch. 2 might become an issue for you in this specific case (at least 2 issues) and why?

3. What ethical issues from Ch. 3 do you need to consider in this specific case (at least 2) and why?

Case 2: A woman struggling over an abortion decision

This case involves Melinda, a 25-year-old Latina who says she wants to have an abortion. She has been married for three years, already has two children, and says: "We had to get married because I was pregnant. We didn't have money then. The second kid was not planned either. But now we really can't afford another child." Her husband is a policeman going to law school at night. She works as a housekeeper and plans to return to school once her husband finishes his studies and it is "her turn." He should graduate in another year, at which time she is scheduled to enroll in classes at the community college. Having another baby at this time would seriously hamper those arrangements in addition to imposing the previously mentioned financial burden. But the client reports:

"I go to call the clinic, and I just can't seem to talk. I hang up the minute they answer. I just can't seem to make the appointment for the abortion, let alone have one. I was never much of a Catholic, and I always thought you should be able to get an abortion if you wanted one. What's wrong with me? And what am I going to do? I don't exactly have a lot of time."

1. Which personal characteristics of effective counselors from Ch. 2 would be most helpful in this situation?

2. Which of the issues faced by beginning therapists from Ch. 2 might become an issue for you in this specific case (at least 2 issues) and why?

3. What ethical issues from Ch. 3 do you need to consider in this specific case (at least 2) and why ?

Case3: A woman who wants her marriage and her affair

Loretta and Bart come to you for marriage counseling. In the first session you see them as a couple. Loretta says that she can't keep going on the way they have been for the past several years. She tells you that she would very much like to work out a new relationship with him. He says that he does not want a divorce and is willing to give counseling his "best shot." Loretta comes to the following session alone because Bart had to work overtime. She tells you that she has been having an affair for two years and hasn't yet mustered up the courage to leave Bart for this other man, who is single and is pressuring her to make a decision. She relates that she feels very discouraged about the possibility of anything changing for the better in her marriage. She would, however, like to come in for some sessions with Bart because she doesn't want to hurt him.

1. Which personal characteristics of effective counselors from Ch. 2 would be most helpful in this situation?

2. Which of the issues faced by beginning therapists from Ch. 2 might become an issue for you in this specific case (at least 2 issues) and why?

3. What ethical issues from Ch. 3 do you need to consider in this specific case (at least 2) and why ?

Textbook- Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy by Gerald Corey

Chapter 3- Ethical Issues in Counseling Practice

Chapter 2- The Counselor: Person and Professional.