Read Vargas Family Case Study: Module 2. Complete a Cultural Formulation Interview based on the “cultural formulation” section in the DSM-5 and given the new information learned in session two of the Vargas case study. Refer to the attached CFI form for guidance and complete the CFI template.
Include a citation for the Cultural Formulation Interview. APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
Part 2: Review the Vargas Family Case Study: Session Two. Write a 750-1,000-word paper in which you demonstrate how therapists apply psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral theories to analyze the presenting problem(s) and choose appropriate interventions.
Be sure to answer the following questions in your paper:
A. What are the two main presenting problems for the Vargas family?
B. How are the problems maintained according to:
- The psychoanalytic perspective?
- The cognitive-behavioral perspective?
- What interventions would you plan to use in your next session?
- From the psychoanalytic perspective (identify and describe your plan for two interventions)
- From the cognitive-behavioral perspective (identify and describe your plan for two interventions)
Cite at least three academic sources (peer-reviewed journal articles, books, etc.).
Elizabeth arrives on time with Frank and Heidi for the
second session. Elizabeth appears
somewhat frazzled and tells you that she had just heard from Bob who said he
would be “a little late” because he “lost track of time.” You note Elizabeth’s
frustration which she confirms by saying is “typical.” She proceeds to share feeling “completely
disregarded,” especially after having shared with him the night before how
important these sessions are to her. You notice that Heidi seems upset as well
and looks as if she has been crying. You ask her how her day is going and she
tearfully tells you that Frankie tore up her school paper with the gold star on
it. Elizabeth elaborates that Frank had
become angry and ripped up the picture that Heidi was proudly sharing with her.
Frank, who had gone directly to the Lego’s, appears oblivious to the others in
the room. When you ask him about his sister’s sadness, he replied, “Who
cares? She always gets gold stars!”
As you were about to further explore these feelings, Bob
arrives stating, “She probably told you I’m always late but hey, at least I’m
consistent.” You notice Elizabeth’s eye rolling and direct your attention to
the children, asking them about what brought them to your office. Heidi said,
“I’m good but Frankie’s bad at school and it makes mommy and daddy fight.” Frank,
who had helped himself to one of your books to use as a car ramp argued, “I
hate school. It’s boring and my teacher is mean.” Bob attributed Frank’s
boredom to being “too smart for the second grade…what do they expect?” Elizabeth
responded that they, like her, expect him to follow rules and be respectful,
and suggested that Bob should share those same expectations. Bob dismissed
Elizabeth’s concerns by saying, “He’s a normal boy, not like all your friends
from work who you say are “creative.”
You notice Elizabeth’s reaction and decide to redirect your
attention to Frank. You ask him what bothers him most about school to which he
replies, “I get in trouble then I don’t get to have all the recess time, then I
can’t play soccer because they already started and they won’t let me
play.” You notice Frank’s interest in
sports and probe for more information. You learn that he is quite athletic and
has been asked to join a competitive youth soccer team that plays on Saturdays
and Sundays. You discover another source of discord when Elizabeth shares that
Bob “feels strongly” that Sundays are to be spent only at church and with
family. Bob confirms that after church on Sundays, they spend the rest of the
day with his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. Elizabeth says that Sunday mornings are the
only time she gets to herself and that she typically joins the family around
1:00. Bob adds, “Apparently Liz needs time to herself more than she needs God
and her family,” and suggests she should appreciate his family more because
“it’s the only family she has.”
