Our practice question blog a few weeks ago explored the topic of assessment. As we discussed then, therapists must conduct thorough assessments at the onset of therapy to understand why their clients are seeking treatment and what they hope to achieve in addition to managing potential crises. Armed with the information obtained through a thorough assessment, therapists are able to collaborate with their clients to develop comprehensive treatment plans, the subject of this week’s free practice question. Similar to assessment, treatment planning is an ongoing and dynamic process. What appears to be indicated at the start of therapy may change as clients’ needs change and treatment moves in unanticipated directions.
Treatment planning is a broad category, which includes identifying the treatment unit, developing short and long-term goals, identifying, accessing and collaborating with adjunctive services and community resources, and takes into account the therapist’s theoretical orientation. When taking your licensing exam, you can expect to encounter a large number of questions testing your ability to address the various components of treatment planning based on the information provided in the vignette/question stem.
With all this in mind, let’s look at this week’s practice question.
QUESTION:
A therapist meets with the parents of a 16-year-old boy who was recently suspended from school after being caught with alcohol on campus. The parents share that their son has been fighting and abusing alcohol for several years. The father cries as he expresses his sadness and frustration, noting his son’s behavior has caused a serious strain in his relationship with his wife and that is why they are seeking therapy. The wife nods in agreement, sharing their lack of intimacy and constant arguing that she hopes to address through therapy. The wife states, “our son had a difficult childhood because his sister was constantly sick and he didn’t get the attention he needed. My husband is too hard on him, he treats our son terribly.” Which of the following goals should be included in the treatment plan for this case?
A.Improve problem solving and conflict resolution between parents; Refer parents to Al Anon; Increase intimacy between parents
B.Improve problem solving and conflict resolution between parents; Refer son to Alcoholics Anonymous; Increase levels of empathy between parents
C. Increase positive communication within the family; Refer son to Alcoholics Anonymous; Increase levels of empathy between parents
D. Increase positive communication within the family; Refer parents to Al Anon; Increase intimacy between parents
So, what would we do here? Leave your answer in the comments below and be sure to tune in tomorrow for the answer and a discussion of the rationale!
Comments
D. Address the issues of the parent the son was not present ..
A. The parents reason for seeking treatment is to improve their relationship by improving coping with son, coping skills, Alanon & intimacy work would do this. Often
D. Parents and child would benefit from improved positive communication since there is verbalized tension between them as noted by Mom. The unit has empathy for each other since they agree intimacy is an issue. Therefore I would eliminate B/C. Since the son does have an alcohol issue, a referral for Al-Anon is appropriate and since the unit is requesting treatment for intimacy, we would want to foster that change.
I think it is D. Increasing better communication with the family seems to include possible issues with the son and not just focusing treatment with the parents. The son should possibly be in treatment before AA, therefore, al anon seems a better fit for a referral. The parents identified that intimacy has suffered due to the son's behavior.
Hi Anastacia, You got it! Here is a link to the answer and rationale: https://www.therapistdevelopmentcenter.com/blog/answerrationaltreatment…