Comparing Systemic Models

 

Problem: Shereka has come to therapy for help with her 9-year-old son, Elijah, and her 7-year-old daughter, Victoria. Shereka reports Elijah refuses to do household chores, and leaves the house without asking, and is out late every night. Whenever Shereka attempts to tell Elijah he can not go out or to do any chores in the home, he screams at her, telling her he hates her. Shereka yells back at Elijah, but she still rewards him with cell phones, Nike shoes, and the latest fads in clothing. She reports Elijah’s behavior is escalating to the point she has no control over him. Elijah says his sister Victoria gets all the attention and his mom treats her better than him. 

Victoria is well-mannered is always receiving gifts from church members and the family. Victoria says, Elijah is always yelling and screaming at her, and that scares her and he might hurt her one day, and she is fearful he may hurt her mom because he hit her the other day. Shereka would like help with Elijah and does not understand why she keeps giving in to his demands and accepting his behavior. The more she gives the worse he becomes. She has also noticed Victoria is starting to pick up Elijah’s behavior too. Shereka has three sisters, and her mother, but each time they try to help out, she does not listen to their advice and continues to give into Elijah’s demands, It’s just a vicious cycle she says.