Problem:
Susan, who was assigned male at birth, is a 32-year-old, White, transgender woman who works in sales for a computer software company. Susan comes to see a private practice therapist whose website lists them as an ally of transgender individuals. While Susan has found a company to work for and feels accepted and supported there, they have not been as accepted for who they are by one of their siblings. Despite numerous conversations with their sibling, they sense discomfort from their sibling, and a once close relationship has become distant.
In the initial interview, Susan shares with the therapist that the distance in the relationship with the sibling has led to them experiencing anxiety and depression. Further inquiry revealed that their sibling not only is not accepting of their gender identity, but they also refuse to talk with them. Susan shared that they were embarrassed to share this information with the therapist, as they are concerned that this can give a very negative impression about their sibling, whom they continue to love and deeply miss.
Post an initial response that addresses the following:
Explain your initial response to the client described in the Clinical Scenario. Include critical issues related to establishing therapeutic rapport with this client, any reactions you may have towards this client, and how multicultural awareness and sensitivity would be important in your interactions with this client. Need Assignment Help?
Explain your provisional case conceptualization (also sometimes referred to as case formulation). Include the four components of a case conceptualization as outlined by Sperry and Sperry (2020):
Diagnostic formulation: Describe what happened to bring the client to therapy and what a DSM-5 diagnosis might be.
Clinical formulation: Explain the patterns you see in this client, which may include symptoms, difficulties, or interpersonal issues, which explain why their presenting concerns may have happened.
Cultural formulation: Explain the role that environmental, familial, social, and cultural factors may play in the client's presenting concerns.
Treatment formulation: Describe treatment goals, strategy, and potential challenges for this client.
References:
Kress, V. E., Seligman, L. W., & Reichenberg, L. W. (2020). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Systems, strategies, and skills(5th ed.). Pearson Education.
Chapter 1, "Foundations of Effective Counseling" (pp. 1-49)
Time estimate: 2 hours, 5 minutes
Sperry, L., & Sperry, J. (2020). Case conceptualization: Mastering this competency with ease and confidence
Chapter 1, "Case Conceptualizations: An Overview" (pp. 3-25)
Time estimate: 55 minutes
"Cultural Formulation" section of Chapter 3, "Explanations and Clinical and Cultural Formulations" (pp. 45-50)
Time estimate: 15 minutes
Krause, M., & Behn, A. (2022). Case formulation as a bridge between theory, clinical practice, and research: A commentaryLinks to an external site.. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 78(3), 454-461.
Time estimate: 30 minutes
Document: Clinical Scenario
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