Construct a plan of action with four different case scenarios

construct a plan of action with four different case scenarios (relationship therapy scenarios) that you create. These four scenarios should represent the breadth of information covered in this course and should represent diverse populations and attributes. These four scenarios will be discussed, meeting the criteria below, in a paper format.
For each scenario, you will begin with a background of the case. Please feel free to use a bulleted list for these descriptors rather than a narrative form. This is an abbreviated case conceptualization and should include the following variables:
• Identify who is in the relationship. (Who will be coming to therapy?)
• Indicate each partner’s identities – this could include race, culture, background, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, age, education, socio-economic background, etc. (Note: Please be diverse in your creation of scenarios, scenarios should represent diversity in relationships.)
• Explain the primary reason the partners are seeking relationship therapy (the presenting problem).
• Identify any noticeable challenges other than the presenting problem that the couple might be facing (e.g., maybe there is violence in their past, maybe there is substance abuse, maybe the couple isn’t comfortable talking about their feelings).
After the case conceptualization, you will consider the direction of the case and how you might approach it. Be sure to include the following:
• How will you (systemically) define the presenting problem and any other challenges the partners are experiencing?
• What theory and/or approach would you use to talk with these clients?
o Discuss why this approach is fitting?
o According to this approach, what would be the goal of therapy?
o Explain what this would look like? (e.g., what techniques you might apply)
• Would you integrate any other approach or theory?

Full Answer Section

      Direction of the Case:
  • Problem Definition: The couple struggles with ineffective communication patterns leading to misunderstandings and emotional distance.
  • Approach: Gottman Method (Emotionally Focused Therapy)
    • Why it Fits: This approach emphasizes identifying and processing underlying emotions that fuel conflict. It can help the couple understand each other's emotional needs and develop healthier communication skills.
    • Goals: Increase emotional intimacy, improve communication skills, and develop conflict resolution strategies.
    • Techniques: "I" statements, active listening exercises, identifying emotional triggers, role-playing effective communication.
  • Integration: Psychodynamic therapy might be integrated to explore how past experiences influence communication styles.
Case 2: Blended Family Challenges
  • Who is in the Relationship: David (40, Hispanic, upper-middle-class) and Emily (38, Asian, upper-middle-class) are a blended family. David has two teenage children (16 & 18) from a previous marriage, and Emily has a young daughter (8).
  • Presenting Problem: Difficulty establishing healthy family dynamics and navigating blended family challenges. The teenagers are resistant to Emily's authority, and there are conflicts regarding discipline and household rules.
  • Other Challenges: Cultural differences in parenting styles might contribute to the challenges.
Direction of the Case:
  • Problem Definition: The blended family struggles with establishing healthy boundaries, roles, and communication patterns.
  • Approach: Structural Family Therapy
    • Why it Fits: This approach focuses on family systems and how different members interact. It can help the couple create a clear family structure with defined roles and expectations for all members.
    • Goals: Improve communication and collaboration between parents, establish clear and consistent rules, and foster positive relationships between step-siblings.
    • Techniques: Genograms, family sculpting, psychoeducation on blended family dynamics.
  • Integration: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) could be integrated to help family members identify and modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors contributing to conflict.
Case 3: Different Stages of Life
  • Who is in the Relationship: John (65, White, retired, college degree) and Mary (62, Latina, working part-time, high school diploma) have been married for 42 years. John is recently retired and struggling to adjust to this life change, while Mary is still actively working.
  • Presenting Problem: Increased conflict and feelings of disconnection due to John's retirement and changing life priorities.
  • Other Challenges: Possible feelings of resentment or unmet needs from both partners stemming from long-term relationship dynamics.
Direction of the Case:
  • Problem Definition: The couple is navigating a significant life transition (retirement) that is causing a mismatch in expectations and needs.
  • Approach: Integrative Therapy (combining elements from various approaches)
    • Why it Fits: This allows for flexibility to address both individual and relationship issues.
    • Goals: Improve communication and understanding of each other's needs, develop shared goals and interests for this new life stage, and reignite feelings of connection.
    • Techniques: Communication skills training, empty nest syndrome education, reminiscing exercises to explore shared history, goal-setting for the future.
  • Integration: Solution-focused therapy could be integrated to help the couple identify and implement solutions for their current challenges.
Case 4: Long-Distance Relationship
  • Who is in the Relationship: Alex (28, Gay, American, living in New York) and Liam (27, Bisexual, British, living in London) have been in a committed relationship for 3 years, but long-distance for the past year due to Alex's job.
  • Presenting Problem: Difficulties maintaining intimacy and connection while in a long-distance relationship. They experience feelings of loneliness, jealousy, and insecurity due to the physical separation.
  • Other Challenges: Differing time zones and busy work schedules can make communication and quality time challenging.
Direction of the Case:  

Sample Answer

     

Case 1: Communication Breakdown

  • Who is in the Relationship: Sarah (32, Caucasian, middle-class, college degree) and Michael (35, African American, working-class, no college degree) have been married for 8 years.
  • Presenting Problem: Frequent arguments and misunderstandings due to differing communication styles. Sarah tends to be more direct and assertive, while Michael prefers indirect communication and avoids confrontation.
  • Other Challenges: Underlying cultural differences in communication styles may be contributing to the conflict.