Marital Issues and Approach of the Therapy
As a counselor in the field of gerontology, Ms. N appears to be a victim of marital challenges that have eventually dictated how she handles her affairs. Due to the marital experiences that she suffered in her marriage, she tries to be independent to exercise freedom. It is practical to explain that the oppressive nature of Ms. N before her rehabilitation is an indication of the limited space that she experienced during her time with her husband. Fundamentally, it is clear from the case that Ms. N tries to do things alone, which indicates deprived freedom, which took place in the past.
To address the issue, I would approach her case with assertiveness and help her open up and, in the process, release the pressure in her heart. By permitting Ms. N to express her suggestions, feelings, and opinions concerning her past challenges openly, I will be in a way opening up her mind and giving her the chance to heal. Moreover, the approach helps Ms. N understand that the deprivation and challenges that she encountered from her marriage should be the cornerstones that inform her present behavior. I will also explain to Ms. N systematically the essence of staying around people who offer assistance. According to Lynch et al. and Abanyam et al., counselors should utilize a number of techniques when addressing the issues that affect the elderly in a systematic manner (133, 11). As such, with a systematic explanation, Ms. N will understand that transferring pain to others is not the correct way. She will also realize that her stay in the rehabilitation center is productive and worthwhile for her overall wellbeing.
The condition that Ms. N presents compels the need for her to stay in the rehabilitation center. Her reliance on her daughter, who is aged and experiencing some level of stress, is a challenge that amplifies the relevance of her stay in the center. Moreover, the fact that she suffers from sight and hearing challenges makes it necessary for her to remain in the center. It is imperative to explain that the injury sustained prior to her rehabilitation was occasioned after a fall from the staircase. Therefore, I will ensure that Ms. N understands the importance of her stay in the center. One of the main points that should come before my explanation is the role that attitude plays in the counseling process. In the perspective of MacKinlay and Dundon, a positive attitude is a crucial factor that determines the magnitude of success during therapy (43). Therefore, to ensure that Ms. N appreciates her stay in the rehabilitation center, I will first explain the benefits that she has enjoyed while in the center. The explanation will help Ms. N understand and realize that the center is essential in her life.
Lack of Appreciation and the Counseling Approach
In the second case, the victim, Isabelle B, suffers from caregiver depression that, in most cases, has a close relationship with the absence of appreciation. According to her statement, her mother accords all the love to her sisters, who do not care for her. Isabelle B complains that regardless of her effort and unending care, her mother does not seem to be appreciative. Besides the love that Isabelle’s mother accords to her sisters, she also has a preoccupation associated with her conditions and frequently whines about her present state. In addition, the recent discovery by Isabelle B that her mother has her sister as a sole beneficiary in her insurance benefits amplified feelings of anger and hate. The feelings are very evident in the explanation provided by Eisdorfer et al., who states that lack of appreciation from the care recipient initiates feelings of hatred and anger from the caregiver (521). Although Isabelle B is categorical that she has not explored these feelings, it is apparent that without the requisite gerontological advice, she may eventually entertain them.
In my approach, I will commence by addressing the issue of appreciation, which has triggered the feelings of anger, suicide, and hatred in the mind of Isabelle B. Remarkably, the feelings of anger, hatred, and stress experienced by Isabelle B emanate from the absence of appreciation from her mother. To address the issue, I will take the time to understand the expectations of Isabelle in relation to appreciation. I will explain to Isabelle that although her mother may not be expressly appreciative of her unending love, she has her unique ways of appreciation. To substantiate my statement, I will request Isabelle to point out the instances when her mother thanked her. In addition, I will also request Isabelle to outline the times when her mother demonstrated some level of kindness towards her. The opportunity to outline these moments opens the mind of Isabelle and helps her realize that although her mother may not be expressive in her appreciation, she still does appreciate her acts in a unique manner.
Regardless of the instances of appreciation and demonstration of kindness, I will still take my time to explain the issues associated with aging individuals and how the overtime become demanding and less appreciative. I will inform Isabelle B that as people age, some conditions associated with negativity come into play. These conditions, which comprise ‘Health Anxiety Disorder’ also known as Hypochondriasis, lead to continued whining and misguided perceptions about the acts of others (El-Gabalawy et al. 1097). Furthermore, Lynch et al. associate the absence of appreciation from the elderly with the several mistakes that they make during their lifetimes, a factor that makes them rigid and negative about life and those around them (132). The assertions play an instrumental role in addressing the issue experienced by Isabelle B. Besides helping her continue helping her mother, the advice will also go a long way in restoring her relationship with her mother.
Despair, Loss, and Anxiety and Counseling Approach
The Case concerning Rhonda revolves around despair, loss, and anxiety. From her statement, it is clear that Rhonda has suffered losses and challenges that make her look at life from a negative perspective. The initial loss of her husband and son plunged her into a state of despair, a state that she has not overcome. The fact that she has difficulties narrating the loss is a confirmation that, indeed, Rhonda has not overcome the experience. Another issue associated with the negative perspective and feelings of suicide is the long battle with Celiac Disease and a partial mastectomy. Feelings of suicide are common among individuals suffering from terminal illnesses (El-Gabalawy et al. 1097; Cheung, Merry, and Sundram 19). Consequently, Rhonda is lonely, with only her son, who visits her daily. Notably, thoughts of suicide emanate because, according to her, life has no meaning, especially after the loss of her husband and son. The fact that she suffers from cancer, which is a terminal illness, is another issue that amplifies the ideation of suicide because she believes that she will eventually die.
The counseling advice that I will provide to Rhonda focuses on the religious provisions. The relevance of applying religious principles occasions because Rhonda is a Christian. I will explain to her that God has a reason for her situation and that she needs to be an example to others suffering from similar challenges. Moreover, I will try to look for elders who are going through similar problems and have them share their experiences with Rhonda. By sharing their experiences with her, the elders will help address the ideation of suicide. I will also let her know that life is sacred and that only God gives and takes life. The fact that she still has a son is one of the reasons that I will use to let Rhonda know that she needs to be strong.
In the fourth case, although Lisa has a strong desire for sex, which is her right, it is practical to ensure that her health is in check. While the center accords her husband three days to visit her and fulfill the conjugal rights, it is chief to address the issue of weakness and frailty that is gradually taking a toll on Lisa’s health. While sex is a conjugal right that Lisa should enjoy from her husband, it is important to look for ways that either reduce the effect on her health or minimize the frequency.
To address the issue, I will arrange a meeting with Joe. The purpose of the meeting with Joe is to explain Lisa’s condition to him. In effect, I will try to make him understand that although Lisa appears to be happy about the rights accorded, her health is at risk. Moreover, I will encourage him to look for a medical practitioner in order to ascertain the right approaches that can be useful in ensuring that Lisa enjoys conjugal rights without any compromise on her health.
Works Cited
Abanyam, Lumun, et al. “A Sociological Analysis of the Impact of Premarital and Marital Counseling in Preventing the Global Trend of Divorce.” American International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, vol. 5, no.1, 2014, pp. 1-17.
Cheung, Gary, Sally Merry, and Frederick Sundram. “Late-life suicide: Insight on Motives and Contributors Derived from Suicide Notes.” Journal of affective disorders, vol.185no.1, 2015, pp. 17-23.
Eisdorfer, Carl, et al. “The Effect of a Family Therapy and Technology-Based Intervention on Caregiver Depression.” The Gerontologist, vol. 43, no. 4, 2003, pp. 521–531.
El-Gabalawy, Renée, et al. Health Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conceptualizing Complex Conditions in Late Life. Clinical Psychology Review, vol. 33, no. 1, 2013, pp. 1096–1105
Lynch, Thomas, et al. “Treatment of older adults with co-morbid personality disorder and depression: A dialectical behavior therapy approach.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, vol. 22, no. 1, 2007, pp. 131-143.
MacKinlay, Elizabeth, and Colin Dundon. “An Exploration of Health and Religion in Elderly People Through the Lens of Scriptural Reminiscence.” Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, vol. 24, no.1-2, 2012, pp. 42-54.