Your "Intervention Methods" Assignment

Complete an Exhaustive Problem list; then, complete the Focused Problem list. Write one goal for each of the problems that you listed.

Here is the Case Study...

Frank was a 27-year-old white single male who came to counseling because of a “panic disorder.” Frank stated that he had been treated for the disorder when he was younger, and the panic attacks had returned – worse than they were previously. Frank stated that he was treated with a benzodiazepine, and an anti-depressant which “didn’t work.” He remained on the benzodiazepine for about three years.

Frank came to the interview neatly dressed in designer label clothing. He spoke softly and displayed impeccable manners, including referring to this interviewer as “sir.” He demonstrated intelligence in his responses, and an unusually strong knowledge of prescription drugs and their effects.

Frank was the only child of a successful podiatrist and stay-at-home mom. Both of his parents were deceased, so he lived alone in the family home that he had inherited. He sometimes rented out bedrooms to local college students to “earn spending money.” Both parents died of “natural causes” but at relatively young ages. Neither of his parents had siblings, and both sets of grandparents were deceased. Frank stated that, while his mother was “pretty nervous,” he knew of no history of mental illness, substance abuse or addiction.

Frank did not work “because of the panic.” He was able to support himself through inheritance. His only job, at nineteen, was when he worked for a local “rent to own” center as a furniture delivery man. He worked there for “about seven months.” Frank had never served in the military, had two arrests for simple trespass. And he had one arrest for marijuana possession when he was twenty-years-old.

The simple trespass arrests were made because he was accused of watching his neighbors when they were in their bedroom. Frank quickly stated that he was “no pervert.” He stated the use of marijuana was to diminish his panic attacks; he also stated that he used alcohol “occasionally,” about three times per week; he averaged “four or five” drinks each time.

Frank stated that his family life was normal. He was distant from his father, and spent a great deal of time with his mother who taught him how to play the piano. He had wanted to be in some sort of soft rock band, but was never able to “get it together.” He was an honors student throughout his schooling, and, while accepted at a top tier college, refused to go because of his anxiety. He never played team sports, and stated that, because his neighborhood had very few kids in it, he had few childhood friends.

Frank had not had a girlfriend in about two years because he felt that he had lost interest in sex. He stated that he did not have erectile dysfunction. Previously, he stated that he had two long-term relationships with women that both ended abruptly. Both women were about ten years older than him because, he asserted, women his age tended to be immature and “gold-diggers.” He added that he did not believe in one-night stands.

Frank asked if he could resume treatment with benzodiazepines. He stated that he would also like to attend counseling to “get to the bottom of his panic.” He presented as sincere but sad. When asked to explain when his panic attacks typically occurred, he stated, “Whenever I smoke crack.”