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Case Study: The Story of Monique EDOC 705 Forum # 3 Due 4/19/2020 The story of Monique was very interesting. It dealt with the issues of overeating/binge eating, low self-esteem, and issues of self-worth and body imagine. Monique story like so many in my work, deals mainly with self-esteem and body image. I find that so many colleagues feel that the two relate and both must be treated in a holistic manner or approach. For Monique her eating disorder or binge eating was that of a bigger issue. While I am no scholar on the subject, I see one of Monique’s “Bigger Issue” was that of acceptance and symbolically embracing both her cultures. Which was difficult for her to do. Being bi-racial myself, I often struggle with how I will fit in and what ethnic group will I fit into today. According to an article by Ross (2003), “Eating disorders have long been considered a “white woman’s problem,” recent findings show that eating disorders are becoming a major health issue for black women.” The author goes on to state that binge eating occurs at higher rates in black women than in white women. ( Ross, 2003). The article goes on to state that Black women are sometimes expected to be less susceptible to body dissatisfaction, based on the viewpoint that African American culture embraces larger or curvier body types than does the dominant culture. For Monique, this brought on confusion for her. Our author (Sue et.al.,) states that this same community sent conflicting messages that long straight hair appeared somehow more beautiful. For Monique she stated that she felt pulled between feeling beautiful and feeling like an “absolute beast.” With her previous therapist, she assumed that devising a plan for Monique to lose weight would be beneficial. The therapist did not take into consideration what Monique wanted. A more holistic approach might have been more prudent. Further, Monique did not feel like losing weight was the answer to her problems. In fact, she stated that the “Last thing she wanted to do was to become thin.” This caused a conflict within herself because she did not know why she felt this way. Monique appeared torn between the two cultures, feeling beautiful around her African American heritage and feeling unattractive and overweight when she identified with her mother’s culture. Stating not “feeling comfortable in her skin.” Hence, the reason in which a holistic approach should be considered in order to find and treat the root cause of all her issues. Additionally, Monique often talked about not having “good hair.” Monique thought that having long straight hair would make her more attractive and confident but struggled with getting a weave thinking would be a “sell out” of some sorts. In a journal article by Versey (2004) hair is seen as an important representation of identity (Versey H.S. 2004). For Monique this was a difficult task as she struggled with her identity and fitting in. There are so many variables that need to be considered in ensuring she receives the best holistic plan for her therapy/treatment. Being confident in my skin as a bi-racial woman, I know for me that hair and body image is a crucial part in shaping who I am and who I have become.

Reflection/Discussion questions 1. What are your reactions to the current therapist bringing her own race and appearance into the treatment room? I believed the current therapist brought her race and appearance up in the treatment setting was one way of getting it out of the way. Sort of like addressing the “Elephant” in the room in my opinion. Despite Monique feeling angry and resentful towards her therapist, I believe it was a good idea. This was one way to evaluate how Monique was feeling about her current therapist. In fact, Monique stated that she believed the therapist viewed her as “unattractive” and “lazy.” By bringing up the issue, the therapist could now help Monique see that her anger was toward the lead band singer and not the therapist herself. 2. How do you understand Monique’s overeating behavior? How might you address it in treatment? Monique stated that she ate late at night after being in the band. This could be a sign of stress eating. She stated that her body image and weight had been issues with her since being a teenage girl. Further, she stated that she was disappointed in her black band mate for choosing the white lead singer. She felt it was a preference for society’s mainstream preference and saw it as a form of racism. Monique was depressed because of it and probably unconsciously sabotage her struggle in losing weight. Hence, the reason for a holistic approach to helping Monique find solace in her pursuit of healing. I am reminded of the bible verse in 1 Samuel 16:7 (New King James Version), it says that “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” References Gillem, A. R., & Thompson, C. A. (2004). Biracial women in therapy: Between the rock of gender and the hard place of race. New York, NY: Routledge

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