Problem:
Name:
Marcus Anderson (M, 15 years)
Presenting Issues:
Marcus came to counseling at the insistence of his grandmother, Audrey (F, 61 years). Initially, the session included both the grandmother and Marcus so the counselor could get a better picture of the presenting concerns. First Audrey shared her concerns about Marcus's behavior. She stated that Marcus had lost considerable weight over the past six months or so. She added that he eats "practically nothing" and seems obsessed with exercise. Audrey also stated that Marcus has withdrawn from his church youth group and rarely goes out.
Audrey became very alarmed when she found cuts on Marcus's arms-not deep enough for stitches, but severe enough to scar. When pressed for an explanation, Marcus refused to talk about it. Marcus was quiet and appeared teary while his grandmother spoke.
After Audrey left the room and Marcus could speak freely, he broke down crying. He asked the counselor to promise not to tell his grandmother, because he's afraid she "won't love (him) anymore." Marcus shared that he is gay, and that it was something he'd known for a long time but didn't think he could hide any longer. He added that he is afraid of the implications in his family, his church, and among his community.
Marcus denied suicidal thought or plan; he did state, though, that cutting helped him "release (his) pain." He also admitted that sometimes he wishes he could "just disappear." Marcus was very resistant to discussing his eating habits and exploring whether he might be a bit obsessed with diet and exercise currently.
Cultural Profile:
Marcus is African American. The family is Southern Baptist and very involved in their church. Marcus has been less involved in the church since becoming an adult, but maintains strong religious beliefs.
Family History:
Marcus is the middle child of three siblings; his parents were killed in a car accident when Marcus was about 18 months old. All three children were adopted by Marcus's maternal grandparents, Audrey and Ernie (M, 61 years). Marcus's older brother, Jamal (M, 19 years) has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder level 1 since he was age 3; Marcus's sister, Artesia (F, 13 years) has had multiple health issues as a result of her low birth weight and early-life neglect.
A summary of the developmental crises your adolescent client is facing.
Describe the risk-taking behavior(s) in which the adolescent is involved, and at least one protective factor that might be influencing his or her level of functioning. Need Assignment Help?
Explain the impact of these behaviors on the adolescent and his or her family.
Justify your response with in-text citations and references to this week's Learning Resources and 1-2 peer-reviewed articles from the past 5 years.