To prepare for this Project Assignment:
Jennie, a first year practicum student, was off to a good start with her client, Sue. However, at their session, Sue entered in true crisis. “I have breast cancer!” she cried. “My doctor says I have breast cancer!” With undisguised anguish, she went right to her biggest fear: “My girls may not have a mother to help them grow up!” Taken aback by the intensity of this raw emotion, Jennie didn’t know what know what to do at first. Thinking of what she could say, Jennie jumped in and began doing what she had always done best: getting the facts, making plans, and solving problems: “Have you got a second opinion? Have they talked to you about your treatment options yet? They can do much more now than they used to chemo has become so much more effective…”
The next day, in supervision Jennies supervisor tried to help Jennie see that she had moved right into problem-solving and reassuring mode without responding directly to Sue’s profound fear. The supervisor commented, “Such bid feelings, Jennie, such vulnerability. It sounds like you wanted to help Sue figure out what to do. Instead, what do you think would have happened if you had just tried to stay with her feelings longer?” Jennie was rather quiet, and vaguely suggested that she wasn’t sure how to do that. Her supervisor tried to be more specific: “I’m thinking of several ways you might be able to do that in the future- like expressing more directly your own compassion or concern for her. Or perhaps helping her clarify or name her feelings that seem so overwhelming, or maybe just affirming how frightening all of this is right now? I think the sequence is important her. If you respond to her feelings first with this type of understanding or empathy, I think that then she could better use your suggestions about what to do.”
As their discussion unfolded, however, Jennie disagreed and said, “The client wasn’t ready to go that deep yet—we haven’t been working together long enough to push her into feelings like that.” Jennie looked puzzled as the supervisor replied, “But you weren’t ‘pushing’ her to ‘do deeper’ than she wanted. Sue initiated this—she bought these feelings to you.”
It was too new and too much for Jennie to absorb now, but, by the end of her practicum year, Jennie had become at better at letting her clients feel what they were feeling.
Review the above client, and consider the case of Jennie, a first-year practicum student, and her client, Sue. (
As you review this case study, consider the various techniques used throughout the therapy session demonstrated. Consider the appropriateness of the technique exampled in this case study, as it relates to the Interpersonal Psychotherapy approach, and how you might view the therapist effectiveness with this particular client, from an Interpersonal Psychotherapy approach to treatment. Also, consider any implications for social change that may be related to the client’s treatment.
To complete this Assignment:
Based on your review of the case of Jennie, a first-year practicum student and her client, Sue, write a 3- to 5-page paper (not including title page and reference page), and include the following:
Identify and summarize the Interpersonal Psychotherapy approach, and identify, if any, techniques used throughout the therapy session indicative of the Interpersonal Psychotherapy approach.
Explain why each of the techniques used was or was not appropriate for this session, from an Interpersonal Psychotherapy approach’s perspective. Justify your explanation. Note: Be sure to include any implications for social change that may be related to the client’s treatment.
Explain what other techniques might have been more appropriate in this instance. Justify your explanation.
Use Learning Resources to support your conclusions. Use proper APA format and citations.
