MFT6106-7

.docx

School

Northcentral University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

6106

Subject

Psychology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by deanadfletcher

Client History Jennifer is a new client who sought therapy of her own volition. She is a 30-year-old married woman of Jewish descent, wondering what to do about her marriage. She has been married to her spouse, Micheal, for five years, and they have a three-year-old daughter together. In the first session, she explains that her once affectionate husband has been absent since the birth of their child. When he is not at work, he spends most of his time watching the television. She reports that they have not had a sexual relationship since the birth of their daughter. At the mention of divorce, her husband threatened that if she were to divorce him, her family would find her dead body the next day by the lake. Assessment Strategy Therapist (Me): Alright, Jennifer. That sounds like a lot to unpack, but first and foremost, do you feel safe with Micheal? Do you feel like your life is in danger? Jennifer: No. Honestly, I think that he said some words to distract me from the idea of divorce. This type of outburst is new. Most times, he just makes a sly comment on my appearance. How I look, the way I dress, even if I am just at home most of the day with a three-year-old. On the off chance that I decide to dress halfway decent he has something to say about that too. But he’s never threatened my life. He just seems so annoyed to be married to me. (Body language changes, from a straight posture to a shrinking posture, hands clasped in between legs) Therapist: You said he works and comes home and just watches tv. Is he drinking while he watches tv?

2 Jennifer: Yes. Therapist: Is he often drunk? Jennifer: It’s not so much drunk as it is teetering on the line between drunk and tipsy. Never too drunk to forget what he’s said. (shrinks and rolls eyes) Therapist: Is he apologetic the next day? Jennifer: You would think so? No. He stopped apologizing two years ago. (fiddles with hands) Therapist: I’m sorry to point this out, but do you realize you make yourself smaller when you talk about Micheal? Jennifer: I’m sorry, I tend to do that. Therapist: It’s alright, no need to apologize. I just want you to be aware that when you started talking about how your husband speaks to you and your body started to close into itself. It could be a defense mechanism and sometimes we do it unconsciously, even I do it when I feel uncomfortable, but once we are aware, we can sometimes take steps to reverse it. Are you sure you feel safe with your husband? Do you have somewhere to go the moment you felt like you did not? Jennifer: Like I said before, I think the threats were just words and he was just tired. But the moment I did not feel safe? Well, I no longer work, so I don’t have money I can put aside to run with. I could stay with my sister, but not for long. Therapist: Sorry, I have two follow-up questions. Why are you not working and why could you not stay with your sister for long?

3 Jennifer: . I stopped working when our daughter was born, Micheal said it would cut childcare costs. (eye roll). I didn’t convert to Judaism, we were born into this. If I go to my sister’s, Micheal will come looking for me and she will have no choice but to let me go. Therapist: I don’t mean to be rude, I know a few things about your religious practices, but if I can ask, how devout are you in your faith? Are we talking, Wolowitz from Big Bang Theory? Jennifer: You mean do I eat pork? (giggle). No, I am devoted. I practice the customs. Therapist: I’m sorry for the reference. I love that show. So, you and your husband would not be able to divorce without a ‘get’? (Cares & Cusick, 2012) Jennifer: No. That would not be possible unless Micheal agrees. Therapist: Is that something you want? Jennifer: Yes. I would like to dissolve this marriage. We do not make each other happy anymore. No matter what I do I can’t make him happy, and his constant abuse has drained me. Therapist: And you are sure that reconciliation would not be an option? Jennifer: If I thought that my Micheal would return to me, reconciliation could be possible. Unfortunately, it does not look that way. (begins to cry) Therapist: I’m sorry to hear that. I know this can be difficult, mourning the love you once had. (hands Jennifer tissue box). Have you tried seeking help from you Rabbi?

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:PEARSON

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology

ISBN:9781337408271

Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.

Publisher:Cengage Learning,

Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...

Psychology

ISBN:9781337565691

Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780393265156

Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...

Psychology

ISBN:9781285763880

Author:E. Bruce Goldstein

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)

Psychology

ISBN:9781305652958

Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz

Publisher:Cengage Learning

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning