Case Study: At-Risk Teen
HN220
Professor Patricia Grace
Sara Henderson
Teenagers can be difficult at the best of times. A rebellious teen who is dealing with depression can make parents feel as though managing their behaviors is impossible. Teenagers are struggling to find their independence, and must be in a family system that allows both autonomy and nurturance (Kanel, 2007). In order to address behavioral concerns with an adolescent, it is important to look at the family structure and have the family directly involved in any adolescent treatment program (Kanel, 2007).
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have come in to seek help for their teenage son, Adam. They believe that Adam is suffering from depression, and have noticed an abrupt change in his behavior over the past 6 months. For this intervention, it will be important to utilize the Family Systems Theory. Systems theory is based on the idea that, although one member of the family may work on changing their behavior, the rest of the family will continue to act in a manner which prevents change and healing (Kanel, 2007). In this situation, I will go through the ABC Model of Crisis with Adam to address his possible depression, while also working with the family to restructure the environment in which he is living.
The first step in the ABC Model of Crisis is to work on establishing and maintaining rapport (Kanel, 2007). In this case, I will ask Adam to discuss with me how he has been doing over the last 6 months. As Adam is being brought in by his parents, this portion may take some work before Adam fully opens up. I would utilize open-ended questions in order to encourage Adam to explain why he feels that he is in counseling. Open-ended questions allow clients to express themselves without limitations set by the counselor (Kanel, 2007). It is important to utilize questioning effectively to move the interview along (Kanel, 2007). For example, I will ask clarifying...