Case Study: Samantha B

Samantha B. was referred by the school and her parents for counseling to discuss her relationships with others. The school indicated Samantha B. was having problems in regards to fighting with her peers and teachers. There was further notification about Samantha B.’s relationships and interactions with boys. The school seemed concerned that Samantha was having grown-up interactions with boys at such a young age. The issue of hygiene was also brought up as an issue.

Summary of sessions:
Samantha B. has a lot going on in her life, and based off what she has told me in sessions she enjoys being a support system for other kids. She doesn’t like or stand for bullies and helps students who are being bullied by becoming their friend.

Samantha and
I talked about her home life, her friends, and her boyfriends. Samantha indicated that she sometimes must get in the middle physically between her father and mother or her mother and father when they get into arguments. Samantha indicated she enjoys spending time with her family and wants to be there for them. Samantha also stated her mother has cheated on her father multiple times, and the latest time Samantha was forced to go and find the mother and bring her home from the boyfriends’ house. Samantha stated her mother has a drinking problem and that sometimes her father spends their rent money on alcohol. When the power goes out Samantha stated that she stays with her grandmother, which is where her brother is currently living.

Samantha indicated her relationships with her peers and friends have positives and negatives. Samantha noted that some boys in her class had found out she was getting clothing from the school and started calling her names such as “dirty whore,” “slut” and “cunt.” Samantha stated that two boys in her class will not leave her alone and when she tries to ignore them it gets worse. Samantha did indicate that she has good supportive friends on the basketball team.

In regards to Samantha’s relationship with boys, I find this area to be of most concern. Samantha seems to be put into positions where allegedly boys are asking her to have sex with them. While Samantha has indicated that she tells them all no, she also states that the boys will only leave her alone when she promises to have sex with them when she’s ready. Another note of concern is the indication I got when working with Samantha on connections. Samantha seems to want any sort of connection, healthy or not, with anyone who will give her attention. It is this paired with boys asking her for sex that concerns me. Samantha has said no to sex thus far, and seems to have an understanding that having sex could lead to having a child. However, I am unsure if she understands the emotional toll having sex with someone who doesn’t truly care for her will have.

Samantha seemed to be making progress throughout the sessions. She had begun coming to the sessions clean having bathed, wearing clean clothes, make-up, and often having her hair done. Samantha also indicated she would like more female friends. She had said she wanted to have the sessions into the summer, but then later stated she wanted them to end early.

Recommendations:
After concluding the sessions, my recommendations would be to have Samantha come in for counseling with either the social worker or the school psychologist a couple times a month. To further this, I also think it would be beneficial for Samantha to be paired with a high school girl who has a steady healthy life at school with peers, and teachers to talk to.