Personal Information
The first thing that needs to be obtained is Janet's informed consent. This is necessary for all clients as it is the legal documentation that allows a patient to be treated. In this process clients should be made aware of the types of treatment they will receive, risk involved in treatment, and the cost. It is also necessary for the client to be competent when signing consent.
The first session would then begin with an interview to learn important demographic information about Janet and her family including dates and timelines. This would consist of asking for such information as where she lives, her educational background, family history, history of trauma, history of domestic violence, financial status, medical…show more content… In this case a personal bias could potentially cause one to mistreat a client. Every counselor must be aware of their own personal bias as to avoid doing harm to one's clients. For this writer, the personal bias with Janet is minable. Having personally witnessed the effects drug and alcohol abuse may have on their abusers, this writer is aware of the stronghold that can exist. This writer has witnessed the effects that drug and alcohol abuse have on the abuser and the abuser's loved ones. Given the available information, this writer feels that Janet's abuse stems from her childhood and the sexual abuse, thus this writer feels inclined to help Janet. If this writer found that her own personal bias prevented her from treating her patient without bias she would have to find suitable referrals for her…show more content… According to Convington (2008) research supports that there are gender differences. Covington (2008) further explains that females develop a sense of self and connecting with others, which is the key to reaching out to others within a gender community for support. Janet needs such support as she pursues complete healing.
Addiction theory finds its beginnings in the holistic platform. It allows, according to Convington (2008), one to understand "every aspect-- physical, emotional, and spiritual-- of the woman's self as well as the environment and socio-political aspect of her life in order to understand her addiction," (p. 379). This will help Janet to see not just the addiction but the root cause.
It would appear that the majority of Janet's problems began as a result of the reoccurring trauma she experienced as a teen, thus this writer finds it necessary to address said trauma in Janet's therapy. The purpose in using traumatic theory is to have Janet explore what happened to her, what effects the trauma have had on her, and the nature of such events. This will empower Janet to no longer be the victim, thus allowing her to take responsibility for her own recovering.
Therapeutic Progress and