Case Study 1- Strength Based Approach | Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Instructions

Instructions:

1. Read the scenario.

2. Highlight the strength Wendy possesses.

3. List all the techniques you would use and why and give example of each based on the scenario including her response and what you might do next.

4. Remember you can use another theory if it applies and techniques form other lessons too.

Case Study 1- Strength Based Approach

Wendy is in her mid-fifties and is divorced with a grown-up family. Much to her delight, they are now providing her with much-longed-for grandchildren. While she has friends and some family round about with whom she has regular contact, Wendy lives on her own. Her interests include gardening, theatre, literature - both reading and writing herself - as well as her pets and her faith.She left a very abusive marriage  and has a very difficult trusting men.

Wendy  has a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and has spent a lot of time in the Royal Hospital over the years due to prolonged periods of poor mental health. She had to give up work a number of years ago because of this. Wendy has been receiving daily support for about three years. This support includes: assisting Wendy with practical tasks; offering emotional support; and helping her to find ways to manage her mental health and general well-being.

One of the things Wendy receives support with is doing her weekly shopping. Crowded places heighten her paranoia, making her think that people are talking about her. You arrive at the house expecting Wendy to be ready to go, but instead she is pacing up and down, looking really distressed. When you ask what is wrong, she tells you there's no point in going shopping. When you ask why not, she tells you she won't need it, as the voices are reminding her what a bad person she is and that she doesn't deserve to live any more. She refers to herself as useless and stupid and doesn’t deserve to live.

You know that Wendy has obeyed her voices in the past, taking potentially fatal overdoses. When well, Wendy  has very trusting relationships with all those involved in her support, especially you, but she finds it difficult to trust anyone when she is unwell. She has resolved not to go to hospital ever again.

Instruction:  10 marks worth 10%

1. Read the scenario

2. You are the SSW worker meeting with Sam .Using the Solution Focused approach demonstrate the skills you would use with him including  goals you might set with him

3. .Do not just name the skills tell me the justification for why you would us them.

 Scenario -2  Solution Focused Brief  Therapy

Sam is 17 years old and has been drinking alcohol for the last three years. Having been suspended from school at 15 years of age, Sam did not return to education and has been unemployed since 'officially' leaving school. Recently Sam has become bored and has started hanging around with a group of older youths who are involved in offending and who drink every day.

Sam's parents have become increasingly concerned about him and are now at their wits' end because Sam has been charged with:

· Shoplifting

· Breach of the peace

· Possession of cannabis

You read Sam’s case notes and you see that when Sam was in the an  B student when he was in   the 10 grade prior to being  suspended for drinking. You suspect a few things including a traumatic event that lead to him spiraling. When you met with him he appears to be disinterested and annoyed that you are wasting his time. He wants you to get his parents “off his back”.