Case Study
Closed questions can be answered in very few words and can help obtain specifics. It helps provide critical information, but the flow of the interview relies heavily on the therapist. Closed questions usually begin with is, are, or do. In order to acquire John’s worldview and bring out his strengths and weaknesses, I would have to use both forms of questions. After I build an alliance with John, will try to inquire about John’s worldview by asking him what his cultural background is. If it is similar to mine, may be able to use questions freely.
However if his background differs from mine, it would prove to be a bit more official but not impossible. For example if I ask John, “what is your ethnic background? ” and he identifies as African American I would not make assumptions, learn about his culture from other sources, admit ignorance, look for similarities, and be sensitive to his expectations and needs. Clients sometimes have difficulty discussing their strengths and weaknesses. I can begin to identify John’s strengths/weaknesses by examining his feelings, ability of knowledge and skills, and actual performance.
Some questions I can ask are: “what are your hopes/dreams? “, ‘Nathan are you passionate about? ‘, what do you do well? “, “do you adapt to change quickly? ” , “what do other people look to you for? ‘, “what would you consider are your strengths and weaknesses? ” , and “what can you do to make a difference? ” By learning about John’s strengths, I can also learn about his weaknesses and manage those that can sabotage his strengths. 2. What ideal question might be constructed so that he could best share his “life story’? Based on the scenario, John was ordered by the court for a psychiatric and psychological evaluation.
Initially he would not be open nor want to talk with me freely especially about something o delicate such as his “life story”. My first step would be to build trust at his pace. One of the main issues with hesitant clients is trust. Trust building needs to come first. My own openness and social skills are necessary. In class, we learned a couple of key components such as: extensive questioning too early can make trust building a slow process and if the client is required to meet with a therapist or is culturally different, he or she may be less willing to talk.
Thus since John is required to speak with me, he may be less willing to speak. Here are many ways to build trust between John and Confidentiality!!! Be honest- always be honest especially when no one is looking. Respect John- treat John with the same respect I would expect from others. I would also respect their time by never being late. Sincerely care- when I truly care about John, it is hard not to trust me. Have John’s best interests in mind- John would know I am looking out for him and can differentiate from when I am looking out for myself. It would be hard to trust me when there is a conflict of interests.
Paraphrase what was said- I would give information back to John in y own words as a great way to show I was listening and to demonstrate my understanding. Take whatever is being said seriously- I will not dismiss John’s problem as being small or counter it with the size of my own problems. Whatever he may be going through is real and serious for him and I should treat it as such. Make John feel significant- it is a basic human need; I will be sincere when trying to make him feel important. Show commitment- I will show John am committed. I will stay up-to-date with John’s situation, preferences, and needs.
I can do this through proactive communication. Value the relationship- I will show John that am in it for the long-term and demonstrate that value this relationship. Don’t give up- just because John does not trust me immediately, does not mean I cannot build it. Once the relationship is built upon trust, I would continue to proceed in which John would be able to share his “life story” with me. A good way to begin to share life stories is to reflect on positive memories from childhood first. As I listen, more trust and understanding is built and then the possibility of John to share the hardships he has endured will increase.
Some questions I would ask John are: What are some pleasant memories of your childhood? What are some pleasant memories of elementary school? What did you love to play? Who did you like to play with? What was difficult It or challenging about your child hood within your family, school, or neighborhood? 3. How might you best assess his understanding of consequences? Would try to motivate John for change. I would help him focus his attention on how his current behavior of smoking marijuana, using illegal drugs, and drinking regularly differs from ideal or desired behavior.
This involves raising his awareness of the negative personal, familial, or community consequences of the problem and confront the substance use that contributed to the consequences. Would separate the behavior from John as a person and help him explore how important personal goals, such as: good health, financial success, etc. , are being undermined by his substance use patterns. If he shows concern about the effects of personal behavior, I would heighten his perception and acknowledgement of such.
Once he understands the consent ounces and how it conflicts with significant arsenal values, would amplify and focus on this until John can continue to voice concern and commit to change. Another method other than talking can be used to reveal his behavior. I can show John a video and discuss it with him, allowing him to make the connection to his own. By juxtaposing different types of media that are meaningful can be effective for him. 4. What questions might be helpful in assessing his openness to counseling and psychotherapy? At the end of the counseling/psychotherapy session with John, I would summarize what has occurred in the session.
I would affirm John which supports and promotes self-efficacy. It allows him to know that acknowledge the difficulties he has experienced. It also says “l hear and understand” and validates his feelings. Also, he would feel confident to take action and change behavior. Certain things can say could be: “That must have been very difficult for you” or “I think it is great that you want to do something about this problem”. Eventually it would lead to my suggestion to seek further counseling and psychotherapy if his experience with me was decent.
