As a counselor, it is important to be able to identify and demonstrate values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward other

Intake Scenario #1

Juan presented to a local agency after being referred by his Probation Officer for Substance Use services. After completing the intake paperwork, the Licensed Mental Health Counselor greets him in the lobby and says “John, come on back”. The Counselor introduces herself and asks Juan for the correct pronunciation of his name prior to proceeding with gathering information for the assessment. At the conclusion of the assessment, the Counselor obtained written consent to exchange information with the Probation Officer and assisted Juan with scheduling his first session with her.

After escorting Juan out of the office, the Counselor took the initiative to make phone contact with the Probation Officer to confirm Juan’s completion of the Assessment.

Disposition(s) Demonstrated Well:

Areas of Improvement (reference specific dispositions):

Intake Scenario #2

Aaron recently experienced the death of a very dear friend. Aaron shared during the intake that the death has resulted in poor appetite, the inability to sleep, and passive suicidal ideations. During the intake, Aaron also identified as transgender. The Counselor asked Aaron which pronouns were preferred to ensure that the correct pronouns were used in conversation as well as in the documentation. At the conclusion of the intake, the Counselor provided Aaron with a list of Counselors who specialized in treating members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Disposition(s) Demonstrated Well:

Areas of Improvement (reference specific dispositions):

Intake Scenario #3

Sarah presented 30 minutes early, as instructed, for her scheduled intake appointment. She was provided an intake packet, gathering demographic information, to complete while waiting to be assessed.

As a result of the Counselor assisting with a crisis, Sarah was seen 30 minutes later than her scheduled time. Although Sarah was offered the option to be seen by another Counselor or to reschedule, Sarah was willing to wait. As to not extend Sarah’s time in the office, the Counselor only gathered clinical information from Sarah during the assessment interview. After Sarah left the office, the Counselor finished the written Assessment by copying the demographic information from the completed intake packet.

Sarah’s first counseling session was scheduled a week later, at which time the Counselor reviewed with Sarah the written Assessment. Sarah immediately corrected the Counselor about the first sentence which read “Sarah is an African American female.” The Counselor was extremely apologetic and shared with Sarah that her race was not identified on the intake packet, and it was an incorrect assumption made. The Counselor again apologized and asked Sarah which race she identifies with. The correction was made on the Assessment.

Disposition(s) Demonstrated Well:

Areas of Improvement (reference specific dispositions):

Counseling Session Scenario Comment by Jackie Pelegrin: Add “Scenario” to the end of this to match others.

A Judge has referred Tanya for Anger Management services following multiple pending assault charges. Tanya stated that the charges resulted from altercations that she has had with her fiancée and described her long-term relationship as “toxic” and “dysfunctional”.

During one of the sessions, the Counselor self-disclosed that she too had previously been involved in a domestic violence relationship and identified herself as the victim. After the session, the Counselor immediately scheduled a clinical staffing with her Clinical Supervisor with concerns about counter transference. The Counselor shared with her Clinical Supervisor that after the self-disclosure, Tanya shared that the courts have identified her as the aggressor.

Disposition(s) Demonstrated Well:

Areas of Improvement (reference specific dispositions):

Counseling Session and Termination Scenario Comment by Jackie Pelegrin: Recommend changing to “Counseling Sessions and Termination Scenarios” so it is clear for the students.

Sharon is a single mother in her thirties, referred to the Counselor by the Department of Social Services. Sharon is reporting anxiety and feelings of guilt and anger after her 12-year-old daughter disclosed that she was sexually abused by a family friend. Although Sharon reported that she too was abused as a child, she was adamant that she was able to work through her own trauma through therapy. Sharon identified that her goal for therapy was to work through negative thinking and self-blaming.

The Counselor acknowledged Sharon’s feelings throughout the sessions and utilized interventions to assist her with challenging the cognitive distortions. During their last session, the Counselor asked Sharon to revisit her own trauma. Sharon was not as engaged during that session and did not return for her next scheduled session the following week. The Counselor attempted to reach Sharon by phone to notify her of the missed session, but Sharon has not responded.

It’s now day 29 since contact was last made with Sharon and per the agency’s policy, after 30 days of no contact services are terminated. The Counselor is preparing a letter to inform Sharon of case termination if contact is not made.

Disposition(s) Demonstrated Well:

Areas of Improvement (reference specific dispositions):

References:

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