Discussion:
Individual Pathology Perspective
Read the case study below and imagine that your client presented this situation to you in couples therapy.
Jody and Ted have been married for ten years. Last year, Jody's mom passed away and since then she has been drinking heavily. Ted has taken over getting the kids off to school and he sometimes has to call Jody's work when she is hungover and let them know that she is "sick." The couple also argues over money and parenting issues. Jody is very lenient with their two young children while Ted tends to be strict. Ted has been begging Jody to get help but she refuses. She will, however, attend couples counseling because she would like the arguing in the house to stop.
Assess the case from a traditional individual pathology perspective, noting how you would proceed with this case. Discuss specifically who you would see, how would you structure therapy, what your therapeutic goals would be, and some possible recommendations. Next, assess this case from a systemic or relational perspective. Be sure to address the following issues:
Questions:
1. How would you identify the client?
2. What systemic model of therapy would you use?
3. What are the goals of therapy according to that model?
4. What is the role of the therapist who is using that model?