Case Background
The case study presents Mike, a 14-year-old Asian American student who struggles to maintain a healthy relationship with his father. The parent expects Mike to earn high grades and ultimately aim for a specific job that is out of his interests. Despite having a good relationship with his supportive mother and siblings, as well as befriending a person who shares his hobbies, Mike is bullied at school and pressured at home for having a “lazy American” attitude” by his father.
Case Hypothesis
The presented problem can be hypothesized as being interconnected with Mike’s racial background. On the one hand, his father does not accept him for his American traits, while, on the other hand, his classmates call him derogatory names for being Asian. The negative relationship with one of his caregivers and the prejudice experienced at school are hypothesized to cause anxiety and depressive moods that cause Mike to become isolated.
Counseling Goals
The treatment goals relate to the problem itself. On the one hand, the objective is to facilitate a feeling of empowerment. On the other hand, it is essential to highlight the unconscious thoughts that are exemplified through Mike’s behavior (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2022). As a result, Mike will not be reliant on certain defensive techniques when the problems are easily identifiable.
Counseling Techniques
Two techniques can be highlighted in relation to practical employment in Mike’s counseling. For example, reframing will allow the patient to look at the present situation from a different perspective (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2022). Furthermore, the reflection of feelings is another technique that will assist in determining the emotions that generate specific behavior, such as isolation. Concerning interventions, empowering ones are examples of recommended tools in diversity counseling (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2022). Self-psychology will also assist in improving the relationship with the caregiver.
Counseling Outcomes
Several outcomes are expected as a result of counseling. For example, Mike will be able to identify with his background despite external world barriers. Furthermore, he will have the tools to express his needs more clearly without implementing coping mechanisms. Additionally, Mike will feel more empowered in social and family contexts when interacting with his classmates or communicating with his father.
References
Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2022). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (7th ed.). American Counseling Association.