Question

1. The African American male that is 48-years-old and has been referred to counseling as part of his employment to work on handling his anger issues and drinking problem. He states that he has only been late to work because he oversleeps, but he has been seen at the bar on numerous occasions until close. He states that he does not think that it is anyone’s business that he drinks. He only drinks to avoid the loneliness that is at home since his wife took the kids and left. He reported that he has always drank just like his father drank and his father never had anyone tell him he should stop.

Do an overview on the client and the client’s reason for coming, or what would be referred to as the presenting problem, as well as the best choice theory to be used with this client, why it would be the best choice, and an example of an application of Behavioral or Cognitive Theory. provide an explanation of possible issues that could arise in therapy or for the client by using this theory and how they could be addressed. explain the intended outcome for the client.

Answer 1

The client in the scenario is an African American male who is 48 years old. He has been referred to counseling due to his anger issues and drinking problem that interferes with his employment. He has been spotted numerous times at the bar until late, although he claimed he was late to work because he overslept. He drinks to combat loneliness at home, as his wife left him with the kids. He believes that drinking is fine and does not see it as anyone’s business.Best Choice Theory to be used with this clientBest Choice Theory can be applied to this scenario because it focuses on the client’s needs and their choices. According to this theory, clients can actively choose their behavior, including negative or problematic ones, based on their experiences and perceptions. Therefore, it focuses on aiding clients in making the best decisions for their lives, irrespective of past experiences. Additionally, this theory focuses on bringing about changes in the client's behavior, as well as enhancing their self-worth and dignity.Application of Behavioral or Cognitive TheoryCognitive theory would be an appropriate theory to apply to this scenario because the client's thinking is a significant factor in his behavior. The client's belief that it is nobody's business that he drinks and his father never stopped is part of his irrational thinking. Behavioral theory, on the other hand, is an appropriate theory to apply because the client's behavior needs to change. For instance, the client needs to reduce his drinking and learn how to express anger healthily and appropriately.Possible issues and their solutionsIf cognitive theory were used, the client's irrational thinking would be challenged, and he may be resistant to change or reject the therapist's attempts to help him. The therapist should create an empathetic environment to encourage the client to share more about his background and feelings, and to establish a rapport. The therapist can also collaborate with the client to create and test alternative perspectives to their irrational beliefs. In contrast, if the behavioral theory were used, the client might find it difficult to stop drinking. The therapist should offer positive reinforcement, rewards, or punishment to promote and reinforce the desired behavior, and engage in role-playing or modeling to help the client learn new and more effective ways to express anger and handle difficult situations.Intended outcome for the clientThe intended outcome for the client is to stop drinking, learn healthy and appropriate ways of expressing anger, and improve his relationships with family and friends. Additionally, he should gain insight into his behavior and beliefs, and adopt more rational ways of thinking to help him make the best decisions in his life.