1. How to help the mother restructure her cognition:

Step 1: Identify the negative thought: The mother’s negative thought is “I am a loser.“

Step 2: Challenge the negative thought: Is there any evidence to support the negative thought? The mother may have made some mistakes in her past, but that does not mean that she is a loser. She is a mother of three who has survived a violent relationship. She is strong and resilient.

Step 3: Generate alternative thoughts: The mother can replace her negative thought with more realistic and positive thoughts, such as:

• I am a strong and resilient woman.
• I have made mistakes in the past, but I am learning from them.
• I am a good mother to my children.
• I deserve to be happy.

Step 4: Test the alternative thoughts: The mother can test her alternative thoughts by asking herself if they are more realistic and helpful than her negative thought. She can also ask herself if her alternative thoughts are consistent with her values and goals.

Step 5: Adopt the alternative thoughts: The mother can adopt her alternative thoughts by repeating them to herself often. She can also write them down and post them in places where she will see them often.

2. Answers to the questions:

a. What are the macro level issues that appear to influence the problems or conditions experienced by this client?

The macro level issues that appear to influence the problems or conditions experienced by this client include:

• Gender inequality: The mother is a woman in a patriarchal society, which means that she is more likely to experience violence and discrimination.
• Poverty: The mother may be living in poverty, which can make it difficult to access resources and support.
• Lack of affordable housing: The mother may be struggling to afford housing, which can make it difficult to escape a violent relationship.
• Lack of access to healthcare: The mother may not have access to affordable healthcare, which can make it difficult to get the treatment she needs for her physical and mental health problems.

b. Does the presenting problem or condition appear to disproportionately affect a segment of the client population?

Yes, the presenting problem or condition does appear to disproportionately affect a segment of the client population. Women are more likely than men to experience domestic violence, and women living in poverty are at even greater risk.

c. What is the role social workers have in resolving micro client issues that are influenced by macro social problems or conditions?

Social workers have a role to play in both micro and macro levels of practice. At the micro level, social workers can provide direct services to clients who are struggling with problems that are influenced by macro social problems or conditions. For example, a social worker can provide counseling to a woman who is experiencing domestic violence.

At the macro level, social workers can work to address the root causes of the problems that are affecting their clients. For example, a social worker can advocate for policies that promote gender equality and reduce poverty.

d. Using DSM 5, which diagnosis does this client meet and which intervention might be most effective with this client?

The mother may meet the DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder. The most effective intervention for major depressive disorder is typically a combination of medication and therapy.

Intervention:

The most effective intervention for this client will likely be a combination of psychotherapy and support groups. Psychotherapy can help the mother to identify and challenge her negative thoughts, develop coping skills, and process her experiences. Support groups can provide the mother with a safe space to connect with other women who have been through similar experiences.

The social worker can also help the mother to access other resources, such as affordable housing, healthcare, and legal assistance.

Conclusion:

The mother in this case study is facing a number of challenges, including physical injuries, depression, and concerns about her children. The social worker can play an important role in helping the mother to address these challenges and move forward with her life.