Week 2 6650

It is critical to comprehend that assessment in counseling makes it possible to gather essential information about an individual and the entire family. Additionally, assessment is ideal for understanding and predicting the behavior of one or the whole family. Besides, the evaluation may involve different methods, such as interviews, behavioral observations. It may also be done through formal tests that help gather information about a person or the entire family. Most importantly, since families may have one individual who may be identified as the problem, having an effective assessment process makes it possible to examine and comprehend family roles and evaluate if the individual identified is the root of the family issues. This literature will represent a family assessment based on the Hernandez family.

Demographic information

The Hernandez family are Mexicans, and they have financial challenges. Elena explains that it is difficult for them to attend the parenting classes because they are held at night, when Juan gets his overtime and that they cannot afford to lose the money because they need it for survival.

Presenting problem

The issue surrounding the Hernandez family is about child punishment. Juan explains that the social worker told them that they punish the boys too hard. However, both Juan and Elena disagree with these claims since they give their sons a good life and have to punish them when they do not follow the rules.

History or present illness

Juan and Elena present the worries and risks of having their two boys taken away since the social worker thinks the parents discipline the children harshly. However, Juan and Elena claim to be excellent parents are defending their actions by suggesting that the children should be punished when they become deviant. Besides, the parents also report that they were also punished when by their parents when they were young.

Past psychiatric history

Both Juan and Elena have not offered any information about past psychiatric history. Besides, although their parents punished them severely when they were young, the parents were of sound mental health,

Medical history

The Hernandez family has not provided any information about medical history. This may be acquired through better assessment, such as through the use of interviews.

Substance use history

Juan and Elena did not report about the substance use problem.

Developmental history

Both sons in the Hernandez family met the developmental milestones and did not record any issues that would facilitate developmental challenges. It is, however, crucial to determine whether the kids have problems that could impact their development.

Family psychiatric history

Juan and Elena did not report cases of psychiatric history. It would be crucial to examine whether their parents had any mental disorders.

Psychosocial history

Ideally, both Juan and Elena are from Mexicans, a minority community, and they are therefore exposed to numerous social issues such as lack of employment. Juan employed full time and is also required to work overtime so that he can get enough money to support his family.

History of abuse and trauma

Both Juan and Elena reported that they went through misery when they were young. Their parents often gave them severe punishments whenever they got mad. For instance, Juan has indicated that his dad forced him to get books and hold them on his hands until he would be told to stop. Juan indicated that this punishment caused unbearable pain. Besides, he also explains that the situation would get worse if his mother got mad because he would make him carry more books than what the dad demanded. Juan indicates that he might have inherited his punishment techniques from his parents. It is, therefore, clear that their parents physically abused both Juan and Helena.

Review of systems

General: No sweats and fever reported

Head: No head injuries recorded

Ears, Nose, Throat: Denied nasal discharge, tinnitus, and tonsils

Neck: No swelling and stiffness

Gastrointestinal: The client denied abdominal pains, blood in the stool, and no changes in bowel habits.

Genitourinary: Denied prostate problems, frequent urination, and bladder problems.

Musculoskeletal: Recorded no problems related to joint pains and aching muscles

Heme/ Skin: Reported no itching, rash, or bruising.

Neurologic: Denied frequent headaches and loss of consciousness

Psychiatric: No cases of depression, anxiety, and mood swings.

Physical assessment

The clients did not exhibit signs such as muscle tension and a pounding heart. Besides, there are symptoms of distress

Mental status exam

Ideally, both Juan and Elena appear oriented and understand what they are doing. However, Juan is more worried about the parenting classes because they will hinder his efforts to provide for his family because he is the breadwinner. Elena is also concerned because she does not want to lose custody of her children.

Differential diagnosis

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD)- An individual may be diagnosed with PSTD after exposure to psychological distress for an extended period (McFarlane, 2010). Besides, both Juan and Elena explain that they went through misery during their childhood because of the punishment they received from their parents.

Acute stress disorder- The past suffering of both parents would have caused this condition. Also, the clients are facing financial stress since Juan is the breadwinner, and he is required to work overtime. Such pressures can trigger stress.

Case formulation

Both Juan and Elena were required to enroll in parenting classes because the social worker felt that they punished their children harshly, and this would affect their development. The parents supported their actions because their parents also punished them and that they punish the boys when they disobey the rules. Therefore, a therapist would be concerned with helping the parents to change their parenting styles and improving their disciplining methods.

Treatment plan

Using a family therapy would be ideal in helping the family members to improve their communication and also address conflicts effectively whenever they occur. Additionally, this approach would help reduce distress and would also help improve systems of interactions that the family members (Varghese, Kirpekar, Loganathan, 2020). Moreover, cognitive-behavioral therapy would also be incorporated to help address and change the behaviors of the caregivers and help improve how they punish their kids.

References McFarlane, A. C. (2010). The long-term costs of traumatic stress: intertwined physical and psychological consequences. World Psychiatry, 9(1), 3–10. Varghese, M., Kirpekar, V., Loganathan, S. (2020). Family Interventions: Basic Principles and Techniques. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(2), S192–S200.