Case Study of Stan

Stan has been through a number of things throughout his life. He's trying to find psychological assistance with his problem with alcoholic abuse. Usually, the first step to progressive therapy is to recognize that there is a problem and to be open to solutions. There are many forms of therapy that can be used during the treatments, including fact therapy, feminist therapy and postmodern therapy. The truth counseling strategy works on contemporary problems without impacting the past. The aim of counseling is to fix problems and help the patient make healthier decisions in the future. This therapeutic model will be very useful to the treatment of Stan’s alcoholism. Stan constantly complains of depression which clearly arose from the lack of support from family and friends. The first step in the counseling will include creating a bonding relationship between Stan and I. This connection between us will be very helpful in facilitating his healing process. The other alternative is to evaluate his behavior and attitudes towards the environment around him. It is imperative for Stan to make his own personal judgment about his behavior, that way he will have the impression of being in charge of his life.

From his autobiography one can deduce that there is only basic need that Stan is lacking, the need for love and belonging. Before creating an action plan, Stan must accept and realize that change is inevitable for his health and general well-being. The action plan will be created by Stan since he is the only one who has control over his behavior. The plan will be for him to register himself with a help group such as the Alcoholics Anonymous where he will meet and socialize with other recovering addicts. There will be no need for a checklist as Stan already acknowledges his problem and is in dire need for a change. In an effort to help Stan explore his total behavior, it would be wise to motivate him to change his actions and thoughts about himself by not criticizing his efforts or blaming him for his failures also teaching Stan to reciprocate the behavior.

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Feminist Theory

The unique values exposed in working with Stan are that we are both equals hence can be able to seek better remedies that would help Stan recognize his social forces that empower him. Through this egalitarian relationship Stan is able to discover that there is strength associated with every problem he is experiencing. There are several negative statements that Stan has uttered concerning himself. They include for example that he does not measure up to being a real man, he is a failure, and that he is not very good in the art of sexual intimacy. These statements not only destroy his ego but also his self-confidence. The alternative responses to such statements are that he has the power to succumb to all negative comments made about him. The power comes from within him. Further the feminist theory advocates for equality therefore, Stan should acknowledge that both he and his partner are equal in their relationship.

Cognitive behavior therapy focuses on solving the current cognitive problems and behaviors of patients since emotions, thoughts and behavior influence each other. While the feminist therapy focuses on the socioeconomic factors, the cognitive behavior therapy delves on the emotions and behaviors of the patients. In the case of Stan it will be productive to integrate both approaches as they will cater for the psychological and social issues that Stan is going through. One of the techniques applied in the Gestalt therapy is the use of empty chair, whereby the patient aims his emotional outbursts on the empty chair as though he is addressing a specific person sitting on it. This method can be very efficient in the feminist therapy. The book and film that I would suggest for Stan are ‘Feminist Therapy’ by Laura S Brown (2010) and Life as a House (2001) respectively.

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Postmodern Therapy

There are three main forms of postmodern therapy which include the narrative therapy, the solution-focused therapy and the collaborative language systems. In order to help Stan, I will borrow various concepts and techniques from the narrative therapy. The concept includes the realization that Stan is different from his problems thus should focus on the effects of the issues. The technique of writing down the personal story will be very helpful to Stan as he will be able to fully understand the known and unknown aspects of his story. Under the solution-focused therapy, I would borrow the concept of creating solutions to problems which will save the time spent on therapy. I would also apply the technique of observing Stan’s responses to the questions relating to his problems. The advantage in applying both the narrative therapy and the solution-focused therapy is that solutions are sought and achieved in timely manner.

The unique values that will arise in applying the postmodern therapy on Stan, is that by rewiring his story, he will be able to acknowledge his issues and create an opportunity for the solutions for the same. The additional questions that I would ask Stan include:-

1. After today’s session, when you wake up tomorrow morning what would have changed in your perception of yourself?
2. How do you rate your current feeling about life?
3. What did you do today that was different?

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In my narrative letter to Stan I would inform him of how special he is and that he was born with a purpose. He should strive to achieve his own happiness and should not compare himself with others. On the issue of relationships, he deserves a woman who will love him for who he is without subjecting him to emotional and psychological abuse. In the long run, the future is very bright for him.