HOMEWORK: WORKING WITH MIDDLE EASTERN AMERICANS
Ara is a 25-year-old medical student who came to U.S. in 1994 when her family (mother, uncle with his wife and children) fled Afghanistan after the Taliban took over. She and her mother lived with his uncle, aunt, and two cousins. Ara and her family are Muslims. At intake, Ara reported that she speaks fluently English and Dari although she only speaks Dari at home. Ara's family is very traditional, they try to maintain their faith and go to the mosque very often.
Ara stated that she wanted to come to therapy for several reasons. During the initial interview, she reported that she is currently in a relationship with John who is an Irish descent who is also a medical student at Nova Southeastern University. They have been dating for two years now and John proposed her several times. However, Ara was not sure if "this relationship has a future." Ara did not want her mother to know that she is dating John because he is Catholic. However, John has been pressuring Ara to meet her family.
Before Ara met John in medical school, she had decided to stop wearing her hijab - that provoked a very negative, strong reaction in her family especially by her uncle. They were very upset at her because she was not "respecting her values and costumes." Ara reported that she was experiencing some difficulties adapting to her new life in U.S. and as such, she keeps most of the traditional customs from her home. She reported that people do not treat her well when she states that she is Muslim, and that this feeling increased after 9-11.
Ara also stated that she loves her mother and her uncle, but she also loves John. She is feeling anxious about this situation, does not feel comfortable lying to her family regarding her relationship with John, yet she does not want to disappoint them either. In addition, she is doubting her religion by stating that she does not feel like "a good Muslim" but does not want to be Catholic either. Hiding their relationship from her family and trying to assure John about her love for him has caused her great distress. She has lost her appetite, has concentration problems and insomnia, and she feels sad most of the time.
Ara does not know what to do and is seeking counseling so that the counselor can guide her and tell her what to do. She wants to "stop feeling this way" and wants advice regarding her family difficulties. She wants to tell her mother the truth but fears that she will lose her mother's affection. However, she also stated that she loves John very much and that the secret is causing a lot of tension between them. She does not know how long John will wait for her.
Questions
I. Identify the presenting problem(s).
II. Identify the cognitive, behavioral, affective, and environmental components of Ara's presenting problem(s).
III. Identify 3 threepossible treatment goals, given her presenting problem
IV. As a counselor, what theoretical approach and techniques/intervention would you use to assist Ara?
V. Justify your response with culturally appropriate techniques for this client.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.