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Touro University Worldwide *

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Psychology

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by TerrianM

Case Assignment: Sarah Terrian Marchand Touro University Worldwide: MFT 628 11-15-2023

This paper will discuss the case of Sarah and her family. Sarah’s mom is seeking therapy on her behalf because she noticed changes in Sarah’s mood and behavior in the past few months. Sarah has been struggling with a decrease in grades, increased irritability, sadness, and suicidal ideation. This paper will highlight the therapist’s summary of some of the family issues, the intended plan to connect with the family, the proposed treatment modality, and a self of the therapist's reflection. Sarah is a fifteen-year-old Caucasian, heterosexual girl. Sarah is a sophomore and attends a private school. Sarah lives with her mother and younger sister(Kelly) who is thirteen years old. Sarah’s mom is seeking therapy because she noticed a significant change in Sarah’s mood and behavior the past few months. Mom described Sarah as an outgoing straight-A student. Sarah’s grades have dropped from A’s to C’s. Mom shared that she noticed the change about two months ago. Mom shared that Sarah is more irritable, sad, and has been more pessimistic. Sarah has expressed feeling dumb and believes her classmates do not like her. Sarah has become more disconnected from friends and worries about her appearance more. Sarah has begun dealing with suicidal ideation. Sarah has expressed that she thinks life is not worth living, and wishes she would fall asleep and never wake up. Sarah expressed the last time she felt similar feelings was five years ago when her parents divorced. Sarah presents with symptoms of a major depressive episode. Sarah’s suicidal ideation may require a higher level of care. Sarah’s parents divorced five years ago. Since the divorce, Sarah’s mom has had to compensate for a lack of financial support from Sarah and Kelly’s dad. Mom currently works multiple jobs. Mom expressed that she is worried that Sarah may harm herself. As a way to prevent self-harm, Mom limits Sarah’s time in her room and makes her participate in family game/movie nights with the family. Mom has tried to remind Sarah of her future responsibilities

to help motivate her to do better in school. Mom shared that Sarah argues with her more and has expressed feeling dismissed. Cultural Considerations The family has gone from a two-income and two-parent home, to mom assuming full responsibility for Sarah and Kelly. The family has not mentioned if dad contributes to their lives in other ways. The family may still be processing the divorce. Sarah’s family’s social economic status has probably changed. Sarah could be considered an at-risk youth. At risk youth are individuals that are at risk to experience adverse outcomes(Salerno, 2023). Sarah is experiencing some consequences of risk factors. According to Salerno, some of the potential risk factors Sarah is experiencing include (2023): ● Poor Body Image: this can be a result of Sarah’s development as a tee Body image and self-esteem are vulnerable during adolescence(Christie & Viner, 2005). ● Untreated mental illness: depression, suicidality, etc. ● Bullying ● Financial hardships Confidentiality Mom shared that Sarah expressed “NO ONE UNDERSTANDS MY LIFE OR GIVES A SHIT ABOUT WHAT I WANT!”. Sarah’s mom was able to recognize that Sarah needed support that she was not equipped to give. It is possible that Mom has never been to therapy before. Mom’s concern for Sarah should be validated. The therapist should inform Mom of her rights as a parent with a child receiving mental health services. Minors have no legal right to privacy from their parents(GoodTherapy, 2019). Sarah’s expression speaks to the fact that Sarah doesn’t feel heard by those around her. Sarah can benefit from a safe space where she can be

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