Jamar is a 45-year-old African American man who is self-referred to the agency in which you work. The intake paperwork indicates he is seeking psychotherapy to address several life issues, yet his concerns seem vague. The intake worker indicated Jamar reported “feeling depressed and anxious” about life and did not have “anyone in his life to talk to about this stuff.” In the first session, Jamar vocalizes he is uncertain about being in counseling but does not know where else to go. Over and over he says he feels like he is going to burst. He seems listless and does not identify a particular stressor but agrees to come back for a second session. In the second session, Jamar says he just must tell you something. He asks you not to look at him for a few minutes and during this time. Jamar discloses he has been having feelings he does not understand. He feels confused and ashamed about an encounter he had with another man at work three weeks ago. Jamar said he struggled in the past with an attraction to men and had gone to a few gay bars. But through his faith, prayer, and family counseling at his church he was able to overcome those feelings and focus on dating women. Jamar said he thought God had cured him, but last week, in a meeting, Micah winked at Jamar. Jamar recalled feeling immediately drawn to Micah but since last week has avoided contact with him. Jamar said all he can think about is Micah and has been fantasizing about a life with Micah. Jamar asks you what you can do to cure him of his attraction to other men.
Respond to the following questions:
1.How do you respond to Jamar’s immediate concerns?
2.What are your priorities with Jamar in this session?
3.Who else may you involve in the conversation?
4.What advanced skills will you utilize?
5.What additional information or resources are required for you to assist Jamar?
6.What are the desired outcomes for Jamar and you in this session?
7.Describe your assessment and treatment plan.
Full Answer Section
3. Who else may you involve in the conversation?
Depending on Jamar's comfort level and goals, I may involve other professionals in the conversation, such as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a licensed professional counselor (LPC), or a registered psychologist. I may also recommend that Jamar join a support group for LGBTQ+ individuals.
4. What advanced skills will you utilize?
I will utilize a number of advanced skills in this session, including:
Active listening: I will listen carefully to Jamar's story and reflect back what I hear to ensure understanding.
Psychoeducation: I will provide Jamar with information about sexuality and gender identity.
Affirmation: I will affirm Jamar's identity and experiences.
Challenging negative thoughts: I will help Jamar to identify and challenge negative thoughts about himself and his sexuality.
Skill-building: I will help Jamar to develop coping skills for managing his feelings and stress.
5. What additional information or resources are required for you to assist Jamar?
Additional information or resources that may be helpful for Jamar include:
Books and articles about sexuality and gender identity.
LGBTQ+ support groups.
LGBTQ+ affirming therapists and other mental health professionals.
6. What are the desired outcomes for Jamar and you in this session?
The desired outcomes for Jamar and me in this session are that:
Jamar feels safe and supported in exploring his feelings and experiences.
Jamar gains a better understanding of himself and his sexuality.
Jamar develops coping skills for managing his feelings and stress.
Jamar identifies resources to help him further explore his sexuality.
7. Describe your assessment and treatment plan.
My assessment of Jamar is that he is a 45-year-old African American man who is struggling to come to terms with his sexual orientation. He is experiencing feelings of confusion, shame, and attraction to men. He is also struggling to reconcile his religious beliefs with his sexuality.
My treatment plan for Jamar will focus on helping him to:
Explore his feelings and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Gain a better understanding of himself and his sexuality.
Develop coping skills for managing his feelings and stress.
Identify resources to help him further explore his sexuality.
I will use a variety of therapeutic techniques, including active listening, psychoeducation, affirmation, challenging negative thoughts, and skill-building. I will also work with Jamar to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets his individual needs and goals.
I will also encourage Jamar to seek support from other LGBTQ+ individuals, such as through support groups or individual therapy.
Sample Answer
How do you respond to Jamar’s immediate concerns?
I would begin by thanking Jamar for his trust and vulnerability in sharing his story with me. I would then normalize his feelings and let him know that it is okay to feel confused, ashamed, and drawn to Micah. I would also assure him that he is not alone and that there are many resources available to help him explore his sexuality and feelings.
2. What are your priorities with Jamar in this session?
My priorities in this session would be to:
- Build rapport and trust with Jamar.
- Create a safe and supportive space for him to explore his feelings and experiences.
- Help Jamar to understand and accept himself.
- Provide him with information and resources to help him further explore his sexuality.
- Develop a plan to support Jamar in his journey.