Interventions Case Study

Interventions Case Study

Rachel Messina Saunders

BSHS/445

January 9, 2017

Paula Alvarez

A Verbally and Emotionally Abusive Relationship

From our textbook Case Presentations from Crisis Intervention Case Book, “A Crisis in a Verbally and Emotionally Abusive Relationship” in Ch. 5 has been presented for study.  This case displays methods of crisis intervention components and gives an overview of the first meeting with Cherie.  Through the first clinical interview and practicing active listening skills, the counselor is able to determine that Cherie is likely being verbally and emotionally abused by her husband.  This paper will examine further the crisis components related to the situation and determine what intervention strategies should be implemented.  Additionally, this paper will recommend a strategy for change for Cherie and a plan to implement (Cavaiola & Colford, 2011).

Case Description

Cherie has been referred to counseling by her primary physician for depression.  In the first clinical interview the counselor is able to determine that Cherie is having trouble sleeping at night because of depression and with further questions and active listening reveals that Cherie has severe stress at home with her husband Tyrone. While there are no reports from Cherie as to physical violence, her initial responses reveal that Tyrone is threatening, controlling, critical and intimidating to Cherie.  In addition to Cherie and her husband in the home, they also have two children. This is a pattern of Verbal and Emotional abuse that has been going on for most of their thirteen-year marriage.  Due to religious beliefs, divorce is not an option as stated by Cherie.

Crisis Components

The initial crisis component in this case is the mental health of Cherie.  She is clearly depressed and while medication may help, the underlying reason for her depression needs to be explored.  Also, Cherie is facing threats from Tyrone of being committed and having her children taken away.  Also, she is not allowed by Tyrone to reach out to her friends and family for support without threat of taking away her mode of contact and financial access.  Cherie has been coping with a high level of stress from what seems to be a conjugal or intimate terrorist abuser, which could indicate underlying Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.  Furthermore, the issue of Cherie and her children’s safety needs to considered and determined.  Counseling Cherie through this crisis will take time and patience (Cavaiola & Colford, 2011).

Intervention Strategies

Through facilitative, active and empathetic listening while meeting with Cherie will be critical in establishing trust and rapport.  The counselor wants to create not only a good relationship with the client but in this situation provide her with a safe place to learn, plan and vent.  Questions should be formulated carefully so as not to pressure Cherie into any action she is not ready to take.  Pressure for action or thinking in a direction that she is not ready for could cause Cherie to not return for help.  Furthermore, learning more about her past history with abuse can be helpful for full understanding of her views on abuse.  Practicing empathetic understanding creates an environment that allows her to feel safe, understood and lays a good foundation for working together with Cherie to develop an effective plan (James & Gilliland, 2013).