Assessment and Intervention Plan
In the above video, a solution-focused theoretical counseling model is appropriate to be used. In this model, as a therapist, it is essential to know that families may develop default problem patterns according to their experiences, such as drug abuse experiences with the family. While using a solution-focused model, it is believed that focusing only on the problem is not the most effective way of helping the family. The model focused on addressing and discussing solutions than issues to support the family moves forward. From the above drug-abusing family, it is needless to concentrate on problem details but instead consult the problem to find a solution. The case requires a solution-centric method of therapy to help understand what the family needs to do to move forward. From the given situation, the family problems based on their drug abuse behavior as multi-determined resulting from an integration of both biological and environmental factors.
Further, the above case requires a therapeutic alliance to enhance a positive working relationship with the family. It helps the family to fit into the classification system and match the interviewing techniques put by the therapist. A therapeutic alliance would also encourage individual client motivation and show their willingness to corporate in the counseling process.
The primary issue in the family presented in the video is the use of alcohol and substance abuse. Mr. Tirus has a drinking problem which worries his grandmother up to the point of depression. He has tried other solutions to his drinking habit but has not found help. Further, one of the families experiences dishonesty and a lack of trust from each other. The man believes that his girlfriend is lying to him and ends up beating her up even before he confirms his partner’s claims. The man thinks that his girlfriend is cheating on him since she could not answer simple questions after a strange call from another man. This resulted in a severe fight between the two, which is a significant problem.
For both cases, the therapist begins by finding out the patient’s expectations or required outcome. As a therapist, it is essential to identify what the patient wants to get out of the session. The therapist should identify how life would change in solving the problem. Starting from this point helps the patient and the therapist work collectively towards getting the solutions. If the patients and therapists work together, it is possible to create reasonable and actionable objectives in the therapy that results in desired changes. Secondly, the assessment should entail miracle questions to help the patient in creative thinking. Such questions help patients think outside their problems and initiate solutions. Another assessment technique is to as coping questions that are meant to help the patients recognize their resiliency. In the video, the case that involves drinking requires exception questions to get to know the addict’s experience before the drinking started and after the drinking started. This would help come up with concrete solutions to move forward.
In general, the intervention plan for both cases contains several phases. The first thing in the plan is psychosocial and medical history assessment of the patients to provide information that would help in the diagnosis and treatment of the problems (Solution focus, 2020). Secondly, the presenting concerns plan section entails current mental health concerns that prompted the patient to seek for solutions. Thirdly, highlight the strengths of the patients to help them power for solutions drive. The fourth step is to design modality, frequency, and treatment goals, which are the essential building blocks for a therapy plan. Finally, design the achievable objectives. It is also necessary to document progress and outcomes to intersect with clinical improvement.
Klostermann (2019) noted that the intervention plan for the drug addict should focus on genetic and environmental causes of addiction. The plan should include the use of detox to help keep addicts physically safe. Dimino (2016) pointed out that it also helps patients stop cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. Further, the plan should involve a few months of continuous counseling to help the patient recover from mental side effects. The primary focus of the counseling plan should be to address the causes of drinking and prevent them from resulting in relapse (Coppersmith, 1980). In the drug addiction case, the therapist should encourage the addict to bring his grandmother, who suffers from depression for therapy sessions. The service needs to extend to the elderly mother since she is also depressed. For the case that involves infidelity such as sexual affairs as suggested by the boyfriend in the video, the therapist intervention plan focuses on the openness of the partners to each other. The therapeutic plan should help the partners be open and enhance honest communication with each other. Focusing on psychological concerns such as stress, anxiety, and confidence would help move towards better communication between the partners to create a high level of understanding. By following the above-highlighted treatment plan accurately, the patient’s prognosis would be favorable. Proper use of detox in the right prescription would result in health improvement for the alcohol addict.
From the course learning, I have gained a lot of knowledge in therapy. With the experiences from the course, I can help families with their marriage issues using solution-focus models. I have known that as a therapist, it is essential to focus on a solution instead of detailing the problem. Further, I learned how to apply the solution-centric method of therapy to help understand what the family needs to do to move forward. During the sessions, it is vital to create a positive relationship with the patient and ask them about their desired outcome. In general, I am equipped with knowledge on how to help families and marriage go through hard times and come out victorious.
References
Solution focus, S. (2020). Retrieved 11 May 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjdJhdA9mE4&list=PLgswj8XPfriWqAECgkNLXLjG
Coppersmith, E. (1980). The family floor plan: A tool for training, assessment, and intervention in family therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 6(2), 141-145.
Dimino, J. (2016). Sadie’s Story: An Intervention Plan Based on Pediatric Trauma-induced PTSD.
Klostermann, K. (2019). Behavioral Couples Therapy for Substance Use Disorders.