Homicide Intervention Case Study
Running Head: HOMICIDE INTERVENTION CASE STUDY 1
HOMICIDE INTERVENTION CASE STUDY 2
Comment by Imelda N. Bratton: Nice cover page here
HOMICIDE INTERVENTION CASE STUDY
NameShannen Carambia
10 April 11, 2021
HOMICIDE INTERVENTION CASE STUDY
Description of intervention
The inability to adjust to stress events causes one or more severe psychological symptoms, and in some cases, physical symptoms are manifested. A crisis is when a person experiences an event that can be perceived as very difficult to cope with or tolerate. This patient is suffering from “adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.” This is due to his relationship with his husband. He has a lot of jealousy and anger for James that has continued to create a wedge between them. This patient presents with the symptoms of mixed anxiety and depressed mood. He is, for instance, very agitated and cannot sit still; he keeps popping up and pacing the room, among other signs and symptoms.
The biggest issue is that there is no effective communication between these two, prompting will to fear the relationship. This is the stressor that has to be removed. The stressor must be removed, and the patient learns how to adjust and cope with the situation, which will help the symptoms to diminish. Therefore, it is critical to focus on social-emotional skills to support the patient’s initial adjustment of this patient. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most effective therapies to help the patient adjust (Dattilio, & Collins, 2018). Comment by Imelda N. Bratton: CBT is a theory, but it is not an intervention. You might check out the rubric before completing the assignment as this assignment rubric requires an assessment to be selected to use with the case study Comment by Imelda N. Bratton: What do you think would be helpful to help assess risk factors for clients? This is a theory that you can use; however, selecting a theory in itself is not an intervention. An intervention is an activity or assessment that is selected and gives a plan of what to do in session. It is similar to a lesson plan that teachers do when teaching.
Rationale
CBT is a multiparty process taking place between a psychotherapist and the patient. It involves reality testing, investigation, problem-solving, and new behaviors through the psychotherapy process (McNichols, et al., 2016). The clients are taken through a process that helps them cope with a wide variety of psychological disorders. Through this approach, the clients are alerted of their cognitive challenges and negative behaviors through planned sessions and measurable goals. This usually helps monitor the progress of the clients. The good thing with this intervention is that it offers greater flexibility in addressing change in the targeted psychological issue modified to suit the patient’s needs. Comment by Imelda N. Bratton: Chapter 11 of our textbook goes into some nice detail of risk factors to consider with regard to homicidal risk, as well as considerations for managing these cases. Options for elevated risk include hospitalization, notification of the police, as well as our Tarasoff obligation to warn the intended victim. Comment by Imelda N. Bratton: This is a great overview of theory of CBT and can be effective. Consider what assessment you would use when a client is in crisis though. Comment by Imelda N. Bratton: Establishing safety is always the first concern. In the case study, it was stated that Will was thinking of going to the boss’ house to confront James. May there be a risk to others if Will goes to this apartment and finds his husband there? How will you assess for homicide risk? If Will discloses in session that he does intend to harm his husband and/or the husband’s boss, what steps can you take?
Explanation of support
It is easier for individual clients to open up regarding their personal life especially their psychological challenges. The client can gain more insights into their mental health issues and feelings of empowerment. The clients are less anxious during these sessions, which allow them to open. It becomes more accessible for the professional to help the patient set realistic and achievable goals. Comment by Imelda N. Bratton: We are not expected to be all knowing. All we can do is look at the evidence presented and make the best determination based on this—with collaboration, ideally. To justify breaking confidentiality, we need solid justification, such as a statement from Will that he intended to hurt his husband or his husband’s boss or a pattern of violence that is clear. I do not see this in Will’s case, but an assessment needs to be conducted. You chose a nice assessment, and your goals would be to ask these questions to the best of your ability, while doing your best to safeguard your therapeutic relationship with Will. It is tough, but over time, your skillset will grow. Remember that you are young and inexperienced now. Give yourself some time. Difficulty with trust is a common problem after having been cheated on. Are you interested in couple’s counseling? I did couple’s counseling and individual (although more individual). Infidelity is a fairly big issue in couple’s counseling. I agree with many of the techniques that you are overviewing as helpful for a couple in getting past an affair. However, in your case, you are seeing James individually. In order to shift to couple’s counseling, you would need to stabilize Will. I would consider shifting the format of therapy if a client that I was seeing individually was talking about couple’s issues without the couple present, and if that was the main focus of counseling. However, shifting from one form of counseling (individual) to another (couple’s) is complicated, especially since you have already been seeing Will for a month. James may have difficulty trusting, because he may feel that you have favoritism towards Will. Therefore, the best option in this case would probably be to refer Will and James to another couple’s therapist if Will tells you that this is what he would like to do and continue seeing Will individually until he stabilizes.
Future application
CBT in both family and individual settings is effective, and therefore it is one of the most critical interventions that I will use in handling most psychological issues. For instance, in this case, this intervention can be applied in the form of family therapy involving the two partners. This is essential psychological counseling that helps families enhance their communication and solve the conflicts arising in the family (Sanders, 2018). This is helpful, especially in this troubled relationship among the partners.
After starting therapy, the patients can learn about their weaknesses and their strengths, anxiety, depression, effects, and how they can cope with this condition. When the session is ending, the couple's relationship, which was not best, will be strengthened. The partners will create respect and trust among themselves. Educating people on the coping skills and strategies that will help them maintain good mental health is critical. Different people in different cultures will respond differently to the various mechanisms ad strategies applied to cope with their situations. It is therefore critical to first understand the various cultures before the social workers applying any coping strategy. Similarly, cognitive adaptation is critical to understand the challenges involved.
References
Dattilio, F. M., & Collins, M. H. (2018). Cognitive-behavioral family therapy. Guilford Press.
McNichols, C., Zinck, K., Witt, K. J., & Neel, J. (2016). Counselors as Agents of Change: Writing Behaviorally Stated Goals and Objectives. Vistas Online, Aca Knowledge Center. Article, 36, 1-12. Retrieved from: https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/article_365efd25f16116603abcacff0000bee5e7.pdf?sfvrsn=c0eb452c_4
Sanders, A. D. (2018). Assessment of Interpersonal Communication and Counseling Skills: Perspectives from NCOs (No. Research Report 2022). ARMY RESEARCH INST FOR THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES FORT BELVOIR VA FORT BELVOIR United States. Retrieved from: https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/1060682.pdf