Case study:
Rick, age 45, and Agnes, age 42, have been in a committed relationship for 20 years and have three children (ages 8, 3, and 1). Rick is African American and Agnes is Caucasian. Rick works as an area manager for a food delivery service and Agnes maintains a part-time position as a medical secretary. They seek counseling stating that “sex use to be good” but in the last several years their sex life has dwindled.
Agnes states that she does not have the same interest in sex as she used to. She states “He used to be romantic and passionate, now he just wants to ‘do it.’ Besides, women over 40 just don’t have the same excitement about sex s when he was younger.” She offers that she is often “too tired” to think about sex at the end of the day. She reports that she maintains the household taking care of children and doing most of the chores in addition to her job. She states that she feels angry and resentful that she is “stuck” with all the responsibilities and that she would like to feel heard by her partner.
Rick states that he used to have more time to help out with the children but since his responsibilities shifted at work he is tired as well. He complains that he wants to “do it” more often and feels neglected and isolated. He reports “I bring home the bacon and that’s my main responsibility, I love Agnes and want her to want me sexually like she used to.” He states that Agnes does not understand the pressure he is feeling.
Answer the following questions (10 pages):
1. What is the underlying issue in this relationship?
2. Describe her view.
3. Describe his view.
4. What is their shared view?
5. How would you work with this couple? What would be your overall goal? Your short-term and long-term treatment plan? Your therapeutic approach?
6. Would you provide a DSM diagnosis in this case? If so, what would it be and why?