Description
Case Analysis
This assignment MUST be typed, double-spaced, in APA style, and must be written at graduate level English.
You must integrate the material presented in both texts. In addition to the texts, you are required to use a minimum of two, current (5 years or less), evidence-based research articles per case to complete this assignment. Use articles from the university Virtual Library as well as online or hard copy research on counseling couples and sex therapy.
Your responses must reflect your own understanding of both of the textbook material and research in direct and specific context to each vignette. Cite your work according to APA format. Legal and ethical issues must be addressed when relevant.
Culture, Diversity and Legal/Ethical consideration are required. This is covered in both course texts, though you are encouraged to use outside cultural resources as well as the Code of Ethics in the state in which you plan to practice.
Each case should be 4-5 pages. Each case must include current, evidence based research.
Entire assignment should be 8-10 pages plus a title and reference page.
[Do not include or copy the cases into your response]
Case One
Brenda and Tom, an African American couple in their mid 30’s, have been together for 10 years, married for 7 years. They have no children. Brenda reports concern that the marriage is not fulfilling. In the beginning of their relationship, Brenda desired Tom physically, emotionally and sexually. She states, “I felt we had the perfect relationship”. About 5 years ago, Brenda wanted to start a family, but Tom did not want any children. She was hurt and angry and found herself withdrawing from Tom. At this time, she is no longer attracted to her husband. She expresses confusion regarding her desire to remain in the relationship. She is tearful and anxious throughout the session.
Tom agrees with the feeling of distance in the relationship. Tom states, “we were so good with each other in every way imaginable.” He reports confusion regarding Brenda’s “intense” reaction to his not wanting children as they discussed this before they got married. Tom expresses a desire to strengthen their relationship and to re-kindle their romance and love.
The couple has sought counseling to find resolution and direction. As the therapist, you are wondering if their relationship can sustain their differences.
1. Discuss how a therapist might utilize two (2) of the following approaches with Brenda and Tom:
Psychodynamic
Cognitive Behavioral
Structural
Mind-Body
Discuss the sexual narratives you see with Tom and Brenda.
Case Two
Maria is a 25-year-old Latina who self identifies as a cisgender lesbian. Her partner Irene is a 28-year-old Chinese American who self-identifies as non-binary, bi-sexual. The couple has been together for 5 years in a monogamous relationship. Maria reports that the relationship started on rocky grounds. Irene had been in a 2-year relationship with a man when they met. The attraction was immediate and they wound up having an affair. Eventually, Irene ended the relationship with the man she was dating, and the couple moved in together. Maria feels that she and Irene were able to resolve their differences and develop a trusting and loving relationship. In the last year, Maria has sensed that Irene is distant, both sexually and emotionally. She feels that Irene is intentionally starting arguments so that she has an excuse to leave the house. Maria suspects that there is someone else in Irene’s life.
Irene does not deny that there is another person in her life, but refuses to disclose any details. Irene reports that over the past year, she has become bored in the relationship with Maria, that their sexual life had become “stale”. Irene states, “when Maria and I met, it was exciting to be sneaking around and being a little naughty. But I soon fell in love with her and wanted to build a life together. Then routine set in, intimacy was predictable and sex was no longer fulfilling. I asked Maria if she would be willing to have an open relationship so that we could date other people or include variety in our sex life. She was adamantly against this, so I took matters into my own hands.
The couple has sought counseling to find a mutual satisfactory compromise. As the therapist, you are wondering if trust and commitment issues are resolvable given their different relationship values.
1. Discuss how a therapist might utilize two (2) of the following approaches with Maria and Irene:
Adlerian
Constructivist
Third Wave
Integrative
Discuss the sexual narratives and challenging sexual issues you see in Maria and Irene’s relationship
Activity Outcomes
Consider factors relevant to culture and diversity in couple counseling.
Examine evidence-based research in couples’ counseling and sex therapy.
