Posted: September 16th, 2017

Counseling

Mr. W is a 48-year-old Hispanic American married man who works as a professional carpenter. He makes a good living working on custom homes and has become a master of his trade, with two apprentices working under him. In his free time, Mr. W likes to go camping and fishing alone or with his family. Mr. W has one son, a 9-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with a developmental delay involving language and social skills. His son receives occupational and speech therapy, and is mainstreamed in the public schools. 

Mr. W’s wife works about 10 hours a week in the hospitality industry and spends the rest of her time working with and caring for her son. Mr. W reports that he has a good relationship with his wife and that they support each other. Mr. W came to you for individual counseling about 6 weeks ago. His chief complaints include intermittent spells of crying and depression associated with the death of his mother 3 months ago; physical complaints of lethargy, aches, and pains; concerns about getting older; and difficulties developing a relationship with his son. Mr. W contends that counseling has been useful to him, because it provides him with the opportunity to express his feelings and think through important issues in his life. He expressed an interest in better understanding his interpersonal behavior and is open to group counseling. Mr. W is a motivated individual who is capable of empathy and insight.

Write a 1,750 word paper addressing the following questions:

•    Imagine that you are Mr. W’s counselor and that you have worked with him in developing a treatment plan. Describe at least two long-term and two short-term goals to include in Mr. W’s treatment plan. Explain the basis for each goal. 

•    Is group counseling an appropriate option for Mr. W? Explain. What factors would you, the leader, use in deciding whether or not Mr. W. would be a good candidate for group work?

•    What groups might be appropriate for Mr. W? Be specific with respect to the type of group, the theme of the group, the group’s composition, and so forth. In other words, describe the ideal group for Mr. W.

•    If Mr. W participated in a counseling group, what additional goals might be added to his treatment plan? Develop at least three additional goals (different from those that you have already developed for his individual treatment plan) that Mr. W might have as a member of a 12-session counseling group. Explain the basis for each goal.

•    How might group work augment and enhance Mr. W’s experience in individual counseling? How might his experience in individual counseling augment and enhance his participation in the group? Discuss the merits of using individual and group counseling concurrently. Are there any disadvantages of doing this? If so, what are they?

•    How might the process of termination affect Mr. W? Explain any issues you would want to be sensitive to during the group termination process.  

Include three to five scholarly sources in your paper. In this assignment, you are expected to use information from the textbook and from a number of other scholarly sources such as theoretical and research articles that you find in the University Library.