Assignment Task:
Post an assessment of the trauma the adolescent has experienced and how that may impact their development. Bearing in mind that environmental concerns have been addressed, utilize your advanced-level skills to identify a modality that is appropriate for the developmental stage. Finally, describe some assumptions and pitfalls of the modality as it relates to the population.
Brady is a 14-year-old Caucasian male referred to a community social worker for an evaluation. Brady's father, Steve, reported that his son is irritable, impulsive, and often in trouble at school; has difficulty concentrating on work (both at home and in school); and uses foul language. He also informed the social worker that his wife, Diane, passed away 3 years ago, although he denied any relationship between Brady's behavior and the death of his mother.
Initial Evaluation
In the initial evaluation session, Brady presented as immature and exhibited below-average intelligence and emotional functioning. He reported feelings of low self-esteem, fear of his father, and no desire to attend school. Steve presented as emotionally deregulated and also emotionally immature. He appeared very nervous and guarded in the sessions with Brady. He verbalized frustration with Brady and feeling overwhelmed trying to parent and take care of his son's needs.
The social worker suggested that Brady be tested for learning and emotional disabilities. Steve was provided with a referral to a psychiatrist and was encouraged to have Brady evaluated by the child study team at his school. Steve unequivocally told the social worker that he would not follow up with these referrals, saying, "There is nothing wrong with him. He just doesn't listen, and he is disrespectful."
Session 1
After the initial evaluation, the social worker met individually with Brady and completed a genogram and asked him to discuss each member of his family. He described his father as angry and mean and reported feeling afraid of him. When the social worker inquired what he was afraid of, Brady did not go into detail, simply saying, "getting in trouble."
Session 2
In the next follow-up session with both Steve and Brady present, Steve immediately reported an incident Brady had at school. Steve was clearly frustrated and angry and began to call Brady hurtful names. The social worker asked Steve about his behavior and the words used toward Brady. Brady interjected and told his dad that being called these names made him feel afraid of him and further caused him to feel bad about himself. Steve then began to discuss the effects of his wife's death on him and Brady and verbalized feelings of hopelessness. The social worker suggested that Steve follow up with the previous recommendations and, further, that he strongly consider meeting with a social worker to address his own feelings of grief. Steve agreed to take the referral for the psychiatrist and said he would follow up with the school about an evaluation for Brady, but he denied that he needed treatment.
Work case studies: Foundation year. Laureate International Universities Publishing.
Session 3
In the third session, the social worker met individually with Brady, who said, "I want to tell you what happens sometimes when I get in trouble." Brady reported that there had been physical altercations between him and his father, including one instance in which Steve had twisted Brady's arm, requiring a hospital visit. The prior night, the two had gotten into a verbal argument that resulted in his father punching the wall. Brady disclosed that his father had become "meaner after Mom died" and that he was often fearful of him.