Assignment task: For each of the following clients, identify whether or not ACT would be an appropriate counselling approach for the client. Justify your response. Hint: consider the benefits and limitations of using the ACT approach to address each client's needs / issues / goals
I. Gene is a 59-year-old man who was involved in a traumatic car accident nine months ago. As a result of the accident Gene lost his right leg and also suffered a traumatic brain injury that has greatly impacted his verbal communication skills. Gene is currently experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and has been brought to counselling by his wife who is concerned for his wellbeing. Do you think ACT would be appropriate for Gene? Why or why not?
II. Mark is a 46-year-old man who was made redundant from his job 18 months ago. Since then Mark has struggled to find employment and has essentially lost hope. Mark was often able to make it to the interview stage but never secured an offer. Mark now believes that he is essentially unemployable due to his age and dated experience. This has meant that Mark now doesn't even apply for jobs even though he still wants to find employment. Do you think ACT would be appropriate for Mark? Why or why not?
III. Kim is a 38-year-old woman who has sought out counselling after the breakdown of her third marriage. Every one of Kim's previous husbands have told Kim that she is a 'jealous' person and a 'control freak'. Kim knows that she struggles with feelings of jealousy and regularly gets into fights with any of her partners who want to maintain friendships with women. Kim does not trust her partners to remain faithful to her and actively tries to control her partner's social interactions. Kim has decided that it is time that she gets help for her jealousy issues. Do you think ACT would be appropriate for Kim? Why or why not?