Multicultural Case Study

Multicultural Case Study
Presenting Problem The subject of this case study is a Caucasian homosexual male who was born, raised, and still lives in a very rural, religious southern community. Approximately a year ago he began to experience relationship problems, culminating in the termination of his 20-year relationship. Additionally, he has begun to experience difficulty relating to his bipolar disorder diagnoses. Specifically, he reports he has been experiencing brief episodes of mania and more prolonged episodes of depression for the first time in over 15 years.
Currently, he focuses on his work at a local inn and spending time with family and friends. He wishes he could undo the mistakes he has made particularly as they relate to
Clay describes Jason as heterosexual because that is how Jason described himself even after having sexual encounters with Clay. Initially, they flirted via text, but then they began meeting for lunch, dinner, or drinks. Clay would fund any activity that they did. Clay admits to applying a lot of pressure to Jason to try engaging in a sexual activity with Clay. One evening after they had met for dinner, Jason agreed and their relationship turned sexual for a brief period of time. After a couple of weeks though Jason told Clay that he was heterosexual and that he wanted to be heterosexual so he ended the sexual portion of their relationship. Additionally, at that time Jason’s ex-girlfriend was contacting him as well asking to reconcile. Clay decided to try to be supportive of Jason, because he felt that he loved him and that he loved him whether or not they had a sexual relationship. He helped him do things and supported him financially in having Jason’s girlfriend move in with him and providing things that they needed. Eventually Jason’s girlfriend left again, but Clay and Jason did not resume their sexual relationship. However, Clay says they were very affectionate, hugging and kissing each other every time they were together. He also said that Jason would tell Clay that he loved
Steve had just started a nursing program and was busy with school and a part-time job. Clay also believes that Steve was giving him space because of the losses Clay had been experiencing in his family. Additionally, both Clay and Steve were used to working long hours (Jason had previously been in hotel management) away from each other. Yet, Clay recognizes that more distance began to be created between he and Steve, especially after the sexual relationship ended and Clay’s relationship with Jason became more emotional and financial. Clay felt he was always hiding what he had done with money. Furthermore, he described being obsessed with Jason and wanting to be with him. However, Clay said that he was often torn, because he wanted more from Jason, but he also wanted to be able to provide unconditional, supportive love to Jason even if the relationship was not fully mutual. Along with this he described feeling euphoric when he was with Jason, but when they were apart he would begin to question himself and start getting