Therapy

Reflection #2

Please read the attached case example

· and answer the prompts below. Reminder that your reflections do not need to be exhaustive. Think if them as a 1-2 page exercise designed to help you apply some concepts from class. What trauma-related symptoms are present in the case example? List anything that you feel more certain about as well as anything you are wondering about/want to assess further.

· What are some assessment tools and/or techniques you might employ with this client during their initial clinical interview and intake assessment?

· What are some questions you might ask to better understand and explore the cultural symptoms of distress reported by this client? If they don't neatly map onto Western diagnostic criteria, how might you incorporate these symptoms in your diagnostic feedback and psychoeducation?

· Word document. It should be 1-2 pages and will

Case Example for Reflection #2

Ahmed is a 35-year-old, married, Somali man (he/him). He was referred for assessment and

individual therapy at the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services (IPC) by the

Immigration law Practice Group due to ongoing emotional distress and difficulties in adjusting

to life in the United States. Ahmed reports experiencing significant trauma in Somalia, including

exposure to violence, displacement, and the loss of close family members. He frequently

experiences strong fear/horror and a racing heart when reminded of his experiences. He also

reports disrupted sleep. In addition to these symptoms, Ahmed mentions idioms of distress

specific to his Somali culture, such as "murug" (a deep sadness and despair that is often hidden

from others) and "qaracan" (feeling like you will come to die). He believes that these

expressions accurately capture his emotional turmoil.

Ahmad and his family, including his wife and two children, fled Somalia due to ongoing conflict

and threats to their safety. His journey to safety was marked by many hardships, including

extended periods of displacement and separation from his family. He previously worked as a

teacher and is currently seeking employment. Though connected to the Somali community in

Minnesota, Ahmed has become increasingly socially isolated and withdrawn. He avoids

community gatherings and has limited contact with others, including his own family, which is

straining his marital and family relationships. Ahmed also reports various unexplained physical

symptoms, including headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and muscle tension, which he

attributes to his psychological distress.