Discussion post

Imagine you are working as an assistant in a behavioral health office. The following family has scheduled their initial appointment with a therapist in the office:

Joseph and Sandra Madison have been married for nine years. They have two children, William age 10 and Melissa age 4. They have become concerned with behavioral issues they have noticed in both children. Melissa, who is fully potty trained, has begun wetting the bed and having accidents at daycare. William has been acting out at school, often forgetting to do his homework, arguing with other children on the playground, and yelling during silent reading time. Joseph worries that time spent away from his family on business and recent difficulties he has had expressing his feelings towards Sandra and his children might be contributing to his children’s behavior. Sandra has felt increasingly overwhelmed with responsibilities at home and at work and does not know how to handle her stress or where to turn for help and support.

Before the family comes in for their first session, the therapist they are going to see has asked for your help in planning for the session. In your initial post this week please address the following:
List the questions and questionnaires you think the therapist should use in assessing the family.Explain how the therapist can ensure they are using the microskills we learned about in lecture last week. Detail how these microskills will be beneficial in fostering trust and respect with the Madison family.
Make sure it is clear which family member(s) should answer each question or questionnaire.
Justify your rationale for why that particular question or questionnaire should be included. How will the knowledge benefit or help to inform the treatment plan?
Explain how the therapist can ensure they are using the microskills we learned about in lecture last week. Detail how these microskills will be beneficial in fostering trust and respect with the Madison family.
In order to engage in an active discussion environment, submit your initial discussion post by Wednesday. For detailed grading criteria, refer to the Discussion Rubric.