Watkins 1Rebecca WatkinsMarch 7, 2022Midterm ExaminationSWCL700: Advanced Clinical InterventionsProfessor KoskinenPresenting Issues & ProblemsSara is a 29-year-old Hispanic female married to David and stepmother to Crystal, David’sdaughter from his first marriage. Sara is currently unemployed due to her company restructuring.Sara showcases jealous, possessive behavior towards David, specifically towards his workschedule and increased time with Crystal. However, Sara has a history of intense, short-livedromantic relationships and attention-seeking behaviors (e.g., self-harm) in high school andadulthood. In the case study, Sara has argued and been physical with David over his workschedule and increased time with Crystal, resulting in her throwing items and yelling at David.Sara’s parents and older brother immigrated to the U.S. before she was born. Sara’s father wasnot present due to working long hours to support the family, while Sara’s mother wasunemployed. Sara is a survivor of sexual abuse from her older brother from 6-10 years old.When Sara disclosed the abuse to her mother, her mother denied the abuse and rejected affectionfrom Sara as a result.Identification of Sara’s StrengthsThough Sara does exhibit presenting issues and problems, it is essential to identify her strengths,both outwardly and inwardly. The most crucial strength showcased in this case study is that Saracame to seek counseling independently. She expresses that she does not want to lose David, asshe initially fell in love with his composure and steadiness and is willing to try out therapy “if ithelps.” Next, Sara was able to speak up for herself regarding sexual abuse from her older brother,even though her mother denied her claims. Sara also has a supportive husband. David hasaccompanied Sara to the initial appointment of the counseling center and has consoled Sara withher outbursts by spending time and comforting her. Sara has demonstrated self-sufficiency, as shewas able to work at various computer jobs after her relationship with Horace ended andgraduated in the top three of her computer programs. Finally, Sara has a bubbly and livelypersonality, showcased as her being popular in high school and David falling in love due to herenergy and high spirits.Establishment of Therapeutic Relationship & Potential BarriersSara's lack of healthy relationship role models has led to her intense feelings of love, anger, andjealousy in her past and present relationships. Due to Sara's unhealthy past relationships, Sarastruggles to maintain a healthy relationship with her husband, despite his kind-natured ways ofcomforting her after her outbursts. Though she could engage in a healthy relationship with herhusband, Sara falls back to her learned behavior of unhealthy relationships. As a result, the socialworker should take on the role of an object of transference. This approach could help Sara in the
