Evaluating Other Approaches

Last week, you learned about other theories. This week thus far, you have read about, seen, and heard clinicians use other theoretical orientations, or approaches, with a client.

In this Discussion, you are asked to consider the strengths and weaknesses of using one of the other approaches presented this week with a specific client.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the readings, including Client Profile 4: Lois, and media segments for this week.

• Consider what kind of client might be best served by the other approaches presented this week.

• Think about how one of these other approaches might work with Lois from Client Profile 4.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a brief summary of the strengths and weaknesses of using one of the other approaches presented this week in working with Lois. Be sure to provide evidence to support your decision.

Readings
• Course Text: Case Approach to Counseling and Psychotherapy

Chapter 9, "Case Approach to Reality Therapy"

Chapter 10, "Case Approach to Feminist Therapy"

Chapter 12, "Case Approach to Couples and Family Therapy"

• Client Profile 4: Lois (MS Word format) (SEE LAST PAGE)

Be sure to print out this document as you will need to refer to it for the media segment on the Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories DVD and this week's Discussion and Application assignments.

Media

• Video: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2006). Counseling and psychotherapy theories: Case study: A feminist perspective. Baltimore: Author.

LOIS R

Name:Lois R. Gender: Female Age: 41

Ethnicity: Hispanic Religion: Catholic

Relationship Status: Married

Description of Presenting Issue:

Lois heard you give a talk on abuse and called for an appointment the next day. She said your talk made her realize that she may be experiencing abuse, and she would like your help in improving her behavior so that her husband won't be so angry with her. Lois has been married to her second husband for three years. When she married, she brought her mother and teenage daughter to live with her new husband.

Lois expresses great gratitude toward her husband for allowing her to bring her family with her into his home, and states that he deserves to have the best possible wife because he is so good to her.

Since childhood, Lois has always looked to others to help her and make decisions for her. She cannot tolerate being alone and feels overwhelmed and without direction when she is alone. The focus of her life has always been pleasing and caring for others, asking them to tell her what to do because she feels unable to determine her own direction.

Two major changes occurred in Lois's life a few months after she married. Her daughter left for college and her mother was diagnosed with dementia. Since then, Lois has felt very sad and lonely.

Although she has continued her daily activities and responsibilities, she reports having little energy, having even more than her usual difficulty in making even simple decisions, feeling hopeless, and having little interest in eating. Her husband has responded to this by yelling at both Lois and her mother and demanding that they change. Lois has tried to appease him, but his anger has only escalated and she is now afraid that he might hit her.

Occupation History: Lois is currently a homemaker and caretaker to her mother.

Education History: Lois completed high school and two years of college. She wanted to complete her college education, but was unable to due to financial hardship.

Medical History: Lois did not report any medical problems, but she appears to have a curvature of the spine.

Family History: Lois has two sisters, age 44 and 49. Lois's father passed away when she was 11 as a result of a massive heart attack.

Alcohol / Substance Use: During high school, Lois tried a variety of prescription medications and illegal substances (marijuana). She became a heavy drinker during her mid twenties, consuming upwards of 6+ drinks per evening, 4-5 times per week. At age 29, Lois joined Alcoholics Anonymous. She remains active and sober in the program, attending one meeting per week.