systemic and sociocultural issues
Systemic and sociocultural issues within a counselling case study
In relation to individuals struggling with fear and sadness there are several surrounding factors that may play a role on the individual’s experience. This assignment will present a case study of a client ‘Sally’ seeking counselling due to issues related to fear and sadness. A description of Sally and her background along with details of the concern which is causing her situation relating to fear and sadness will be presented. Systemic and sociocultural issues such as gender, culture and sexuality are of importance and have an impact on the client’s experience. In addition, factors such as family and personal relationships of the client will be explored. To conclude the assignment I will summarise my chosen approach of counselling that I feel is necessary to Sally and which would suit her better, whether it be one to one counselling or family therapy. Furthermore explaining and justifying why and how the chosen approach will work well with her.
Sally is a 31-year-old white single mother who was brought up in a small village in a rural area with both parents and her younger sister who now has a husband and children of her own. Sally lives alone with her children in the same village, close to her parents and sister who she regularly visits. Whilst Sally has a close relationship with her family, she feels that her family do not understand her distress leaving her feeling very lonely and isolated and longing for a family unit with her own children and a husband. Sally was in a stable 8 year relationship with the father of her children, when he suddenly left the family home after a minor argument and decided not to return, leaving her alone with a 12-month-old baby and a 5-year-old. Eventually the children’s’ father got in contact, stating that he could not handle the pressures of family life. Two years on and after many months of Sally pretending to be okay, she sought help at a local counselling
In relation to individuals struggling with fear and sadness there are several surrounding factors that may play a role on the individual’s experience. This assignment will present a case study of a client ‘Sally’ seeking counselling due to issues related to fear and sadness. A description of Sally and her background along with details of the concern which is causing her situation relating to fear and sadness will be presented. Systemic and sociocultural issues such as gender, culture and sexuality are of importance and have an impact on the client’s experience. In addition, factors such as family and personal relationships of the client will be explored. To conclude the assignment I will summarise my chosen approach of counselling that I feel is necessary to Sally and which would suit her better, whether it be one to one counselling or family therapy. Furthermore explaining and justifying why and how the chosen approach will work well with her.
Sally is a 31-year-old white single mother who was brought up in a small village in a rural area with both parents and her younger sister who now has a husband and children of her own. Sally lives alone with her children in the same village, close to her parents and sister who she regularly visits. Whilst Sally has a close relationship with her family, she feels that her family do not understand her distress leaving her feeling very lonely and isolated and longing for a family unit with her own children and a husband. Sally was in a stable 8 year relationship with the father of her children, when he suddenly left the family home after a minor argument and decided not to return, leaving her alone with a 12-month-old baby and a 5-year-old. Eventually the children’s’ father got in contact, stating that he could not handle the pressures of family life. Two years on and after many months of Sally pretending to be okay, she sought help at a local counselling
References: D240 Course team (2010) Video Excerpt 13: The process of systemic family therapy, Milton Keynes, The Open University. D240 Course team (2010) Video Excerpt 15: Race, culture and gender in counselling, Milton Keynes, The Open University. Barker, M (2010), Chapter 10- Sociocultural issues. In Barker, M. Vossler, A and Langdridge, D. Understanding counselling and psychotherapy pg. 211-232. The Open University, Sage Publications, London. Vossler, A (2010), Chapter 9- Systemic approaches. In Barker, M. Vossler, A and Langdridge, D. Understanding counselling and psychotherapy pg. 191-210. The Open University, Sage Publications, London.