Case Study: The Case Of Mary
Mary is 42 years old, poor, periodically homeless, and often can be found delusional and talking to herself. When she has had a place to live, she has been placed on antipsychotic medication from the local mental health center. She reports that the medication helped her considerably. She talks about "needing to talk to someone" because of her "depression and crazy thoughts" and would like to try to eventually get a job. She says she has two children who live with her former boyfriend, but does not want to see them in her current state. However, she yearns to see her children again and realizes that if she were to do so, she would need to better her current situation. She is hoping that someone can help her with her depression and her "crazy thoughts" and believes that if she could get some help, she could eventually get a job and a new home. This, she states, would allow her to feel good enough to see her children.
List the personality characteristics you believe the effective counselor should embody
Sample Solution
Empathy and Compassion:
- Understanding Mary's complex situation and experiences with poverty, homelessness, and mental health challenges without judgment.
- Connecting with her emotions, such as her longing for her children and desire to improve her life.
- Valuing Mary as a person, acknowledging her strengths and resilience despite her struggles.
- Treating her with dignity and respect regardless of her past or current circumstances.
- Recognizing that progress may be slow and setbacks may occur.
- Adapting communication and support strategies to Mary's specific needs and fluctuating mental state.
- Encouraging Mary to openly express her thoughts and feelings without interruption.
- Clearly explaining information and resources while validating her concerns and frustrations.
- Understanding the social and economic factors that may contribute to Mary's situation.
- Being familiar with resources and support systems available for people experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
- Gently challenging Mary's negative self-image and self-doubt.
- Encouraging her to set realistic goals and identify her own strengths and resources.
- Partnering with Mary to develop a plan that aligns with her values, goals, and pace.
- Providing options and respecting her autonomy in making decisions about her care.
- Maintaining clear professional boundaries while offering warmth and support.
- Recognizing the possibility of transference and self-referring when necessary.
- Being open to cultural differences and avoiding biased assumptions about Mary's background or experiences.
- Adapting communication and support strategies to be culturally sensitive and respectful.