During my past fieldwork experience, I dealt with a 60-year-old man of African American origin. He suffered from depression after his wife’s death, which made him feel lonely and isolated, and the client’s daughter was concerned about his mental health.
Firstly, it is possible to ask an exceptional question to identify when the problem is less intense. Thus, I would ask the client the following: When do you not feel lonely and isolated? Secondly, relationship questions can help individuals consider how their significant others respond to the problem and possible changes (Turner, 2017). Regarding the client under consideration, the question is as follows: How would your daughter feel if you manage to cope with the mental health issues?
The objective of these two questions is to help the client find a possible solution. On the one hand, the exception question is useful since it makes the client draw attention to times and situations when the problem is not intense (Turner, 2017). Thinking over this information can demonstrate what the client can do to minimize the impact of depression and negative thoughts on him. On the other hand, the relationship question draws the client’s attention to the fact that his condition is challenging his daughter. Thus, asking this can help the individual establish specific goals to solve the situation (Turner, 2017). The rationale behind this is that the question makes the client imagine his life without the problem, which can be a significant motivational factor.
When asking these questions, I could feel more connected to the client because his answers revealed his feelings, thoughts, and emotions against the problem’s background. Simultaneously, the client would receive assistance in coping with the issue, which could make him feel motivated and dedicated to solving the problem.
Reference
Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.