The ensuing case conceptualization will consider using the solution-focused theory to improve the lives of a family of three. This family lives in the same household and is comprised of a dad named Paul (age 35), his daughter named Alvonne (age 15), and Paul’s mother named Jenna (age 70). The subsequent approach will further explain Paul’s dilemma with an aging mother and “troublesome” teenage daughter, followed by a description of how this family is currently functioning. After that will be a view of this family’s problem from the solution-focused theory perspective along with a critique of the solution-focused theory. Next will be an explanation of how cultural issues impact this family’s presenting problem and subsequent intervention(s). In pursuit of goals for treatment, this paper will talk about the solution-focused theory treatment goals. Finally, this conceptualization will conclude with the content of the family’s initial session, proposed interventions, along with how those interventions will be evaluated, and ending with the strategy for termination.
Presenting Problem Paul is seeking treatment for his family because he has, “no more energy left” to handle both his mother and teenage daughter. He and his daughter, Alvonne, moved in with his mother, Jenna, after Paul and Alvonne’s mother divorced. Paul is hardworking and determined to take care of his family the best he can, even if that means working 60 plus hours a week. Paul expressed a great deal of concern over leaving his mother, in the house alone. His mother, Jenna, tends to take off walking in the middle of the night with no place to go. Paul works night shift and frequently gets calls from the police to come and pick up his mother. She would be located at various areas around town “aimlessly wondering around, lost and confused.” There were a couple instances when food was left on the stove and Jenna nearly burnt the house down. As time goes on Jenna is becoming “more and more forgetful and is possibly showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia,” according to Paul. There has not been an official medical diagnosis explaining Jenna’s symptoms. Paul is also worried about his daughter, Alvonne. He suspects that Alvonne has been sneaking out of the house or letting her friends stay late at the house on the nights he works. There is a chance that Alvonne is stealing money from her Grandma, Jenna. Alvonne and Jenna both confirmed that the money is being given to Alvonne by Jenna and no thievery has been occurring. Paul’s counter argument is, “Mom may be giving the money freely to Alvonne, but she is taking advantage of her grandmother. There is a lot of money that has not been accounted for and neither Mom nor Alvonne can tell me where the excess money has gone.” Paul fears Alvonne is using the money for drugs or alcohol and believes that is how his daughter is spending her free time. Family Functioning Problem Solving Based on the family’s account of problem solving situations, the family does not solve problems as a family unit, nor are problems discussed to find alternative solutions. Both Alvonne and Jenna said that Paul makes all the decisions. When Alvonne was asked how that made her feel, she said, “he doesn’t care what I have to say about anything so most of the time I just don’t talk.” Jenna was asked the same question and she replied, “I’m used to it, he is just like his father, always feels the need to be in control. For instance, I merely forgot about some chicken I was cooking on the stove, …show more content…
Jenna feels the same about Alvonne and wishes she could be close to her son again. Paul conceded to Alvonne and Jenna’s perception of the affection he displays, but added in that it was “difficult to express emotions because other things seem to get in the way, like working to pay the bills.” Paul said he most frequently expresses anger towards Alvonne and Jenna. Alvonne communicated that she mostly feels fear around Paul and happy around her grandma. Jenna voiced her concern for Paul’s persistent anger, but sympathized with his predicament of having to work so much
Presenting Problem Paul is seeking treatment for his family because he has, “no more energy left” to handle both his mother and teenage daughter. He and his daughter, Alvonne, moved in with his mother, Jenna, after Paul and Alvonne’s mother divorced. Paul is hardworking and determined to take care of his family the best he can, even if that means working 60 plus hours a week. Paul expressed a great deal of concern over leaving his mother, in the house alone. His mother, Jenna, tends to take off walking in the middle of the night with no place to go. Paul works night shift and frequently gets calls from the police to come and pick up his mother. She would be located at various areas around town “aimlessly wondering around, lost and confused.” There were a couple instances when food was left on the stove and Jenna nearly burnt the house down. As time goes on Jenna is becoming “more and more forgetful and is possibly showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia,” according to Paul. There has not been an official medical diagnosis explaining Jenna’s symptoms. Paul is also worried about his daughter, Alvonne. He suspects that Alvonne has been sneaking out of the house or letting her friends stay late at the house on the nights he works. There is a chance that Alvonne is stealing money from her Grandma, Jenna. Alvonne and Jenna both confirmed that the money is being given to Alvonne by Jenna and no thievery has been occurring. Paul’s counter argument is, “Mom may be giving the money freely to Alvonne, but she is taking advantage of her grandmother. There is a lot of money that has not been accounted for and neither Mom nor Alvonne can tell me where the excess money has gone.” Paul fears Alvonne is using the money for drugs or alcohol and believes that is how his daughter is spending her free time. Family Functioning Problem Solving Based on the family’s account of problem solving situations, the family does not solve problems as a family unit, nor are problems discussed to find alternative solutions. Both Alvonne and Jenna said that Paul makes all the decisions. When Alvonne was asked how that made her feel, she said, “he doesn’t care what I have to say about anything so most of the time I just don’t talk.” Jenna was asked the same question and she replied, “I’m used to it, he is just like his father, always feels the need to be in control. For instance, I merely forgot about some chicken I was cooking on the stove, …show more content…
Jenna feels the same about Alvonne and wishes she could be close to her son again. Paul conceded to Alvonne and Jenna’s perception of the affection he displays, but added in that it was “difficult to express emotions because other things seem to get in the way, like working to pay the bills.” Paul said he most frequently expresses anger towards Alvonne and Jenna. Alvonne communicated that she mostly feels fear around Paul and happy around her grandma. Jenna voiced her concern for Paul’s persistent anger, but sympathized with his predicament of having to work so much