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2/20/2021 Tabs 2 1/1 ASSIGNMENT DETAILS Directions Requirements Goal Setting and Interventions This week, you will have an opportunity to meet Reggie and Todd. They have been referred to your agency as they have been experiencing problems individually and as a couple. You have been assigned to their case and have been asked to assess and help in creating goals. For this assignment, begin by reading the Case Study for Reggie and Todd. ï Then, use the Unit 6 Assignment Template ï to describe each of the following: Three assessment tools you will use to learn more about Todd and Reggie as individuals and as a couple. Explain why each tool you selected would be an appropriate option for the clients.

Two specific goals you might establish for the couple and the rationale why. Two specific interventions for Reggie and Todd as a couple based on the goals you identified. Three specific goals you might set for Reggie individually and the rationale why. Three specific interventions for Reggie based on the goals you identified. Three specific goals you might set for Todd individually and the rationale why.

Three specific interventions for Todd based on the goals you identified. P a g e | 1 HN205: Applied Skills for Human Services Case Study: Reggie and Todd Two men are seeking services for couples coaching after being released from prison. Reggie is a 26- year-old African American man with a stocky, athletic build, and Todd is a 30-year-old Caucasian man with a slight frame. Reggie is wearing a very revealing muscle shirt and shorts and is sweaty from the heat outside. Todd is dressed in a pink cotton polo shirt with shorts and appears to have a “preppie†style.

The men are invited into the office to be interviewed; each one selects his own couch to sit. Todd takes the lead in speaking and during the interview, and he frequently talks over and interrupts Reggie. Todd reports that he was released from prison 3 months ago, 1 month prior to Reggie, and has been under a lot of pressure to find resources for himself and his partner so they could reintegrate into society. This stress, along with other issues, has taken a toll on their relationship. Todd reports that he is estranged from his family and only speaks to his mother from time to time because she is very emotionally abusive towards him and “drives him to drink.†Reggie reports that his relationships with members of his family are “very complicated.†He discloses that his mother died while he was serving his prison sentence and he has not really come to terms with it.

Reggie has two sisters from whom he is estranged — they refuse to speak to him and will not give him information about his mother’s last days. The two agree that they are left supporting each other on the “outside†and feel they are learning how to function again in the “real†world. Todd states that he has served his time, whereas Reggie has a parole officer to whom he must report regularly. Todd states that he is resentful of the ankle bracelet Reggie has to wear that monitors his every move and does not allow him to live freely. When Reggie was released, he moved in with Todd in the apartment Todd had rented.

Two weeks ago, Reggie moved out of the apartment and into a room in a local halfway house. Todd explains that after 6 weeks of constant arguing that frequently escalated into physical violence, Todd threatened Reggie with a knife because he was so scared. That day, Reggie left the apartment before it got physical, and the police were not called. Reggie did inform his parole officer, and the officer found Reggie the room in the boarding house so Reggie would not violate his parole. Todd later helped Reggie set up the room and bought him some basics so he could live comfortably.

Todd states that he wants Reggie to be able to come back home but cannot tolerate the physical abuse. Reggie states that he is extremely stressed by his own expectations and his feelings that he is not making it outside of prison. He states that he feels like he has to depend on his partner for everything, and at this point, has no other choice. He further explains that he was raised to take care of himself and not have to rely on others. The men agreed to continue to work on the relationship if referred to counseling.

Todd states that he is very anxious about the situation and wants Reggie to move back home as soon as his parole officer will give approval. Reggie states that his main goal is to get things established for himself such as finding a job, meeting the expectations of his parole, and being independent. Todd is very charming and confident during the interview process, while Reggie is quiet and keeps P a g e | 2 HN205: Applied Skills for Human Services his hands clasped tightly together in his lap. Reggie states that one of his concerns is Todd’s behavior in public and how it draws attention to them as a couple. The attention makes Reggie extremely uncomfortable.

Todd interjects that he sees a psychiatrist for his mental health and substance abuse issues. Todd also reports that his drug issue plays a significant role in the problems in their relationship. He reports that his current drug use was triggered by the stress of being released from prison first (and alone) and then later from having to endure the physical abuse by his partner. He states that his drug of choice is cocaine, which has been a problem for him for many years, sending him to prison. Todd further reports that his psychiatrist has placed him on lithium and trazodone for his bipolar disorder.

Reggie reports that he smokes marijuana occasionally and has been drinking alcohol regularly since he was a teenager. He states that he does not think either of these is a problem for him and does not see where it is a problem for him to use in front of Todd. Todd states he is resentful that Reggie is not supportive of him in his daily battle to remain clean and sober and that Reggie’s recreational drug use in front of him is extremely difficult to deal with. Todd states that he is on Social Security disability for his mental health disorder because it cost him his job as a realtor several years back and he has been unable to work since. Todd says he also receives compensation and insurance from his previous employer.

Reggie states that he has enrolled in the “STARS†program set up for people who have been recently released from prison to help him find employment and re-enter the job market; however, he says he is still struggling to find employment in this program. He reports that this is a source of tension for him because he needs to be out there working and supporting himself. He again mentions that he does not like not being able to support himself and having to rely on someone else. The two agree that they both have a lot to work on and are under a lot of stress being on the “outside.â€

Paper for above instructions

Goal Setting and Interventions for Reggie and Todd
In the case of Reggie and Todd, a couple struggling with numerous interpersonal and personal issues, systematic assessment, and intervention must be prioritized. This assignment aims to facilitate improvement in their relationship dynamics and individual well-being through structured goal-setting and targeted interventions.

Assessment Tools

1. Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI):
The CSI is a widely recognized tool that evaluates relationship satisfaction and identifies areas for improvement (Finkel et al., 2017). It includes several items focused on emotional investment, communication efficacy, and conflict resolution. This tool is particularly relevant for Reggie and Todd as it can shed light on the underlying satisfaction levels within their relationship, thereby guiding the counseling process.
2. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI):
The BDI is an effective tool for assessing individual depression levels (Beck et al., 1996). Given Todd's reported struggles with bipolar disorder and Reggie's frequent feelings of stress and dependence, implementing this assessment can help gauge their mental health more accurately. Understanding their emotional states will aid in pinpointing necessary psychotherapeutic interventions to address depression, which may be affecting their relationship and personal wellbeing.
3. Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI):
The SASSI is designed to detect potential substance abuse issues (Miller et al., 1995). Since Todd has a history of substance abuse and Reggie engages in occasional drug and alcohol use, this assessment tool can clarify the severity of their substance-related problems. This clarification can directly inform therapeutic strategies aimed at addiction recovery and coping mechanisms, which are crucial for their overall goals.

Couple Goals

1. Develop Healthy Communication Skills:
The first goal is to improve communication between Todd and Reggie to reduce misunderstandings and minimize conflicts, particularly concerning Todd's substance abuse and Reggie's dependency. Healthy communication is vital in preventing the escalation of tensions as they navigate their reintegration into society (Gottman & Silver, 2015).
2. Establish Independence for Reggie:
The second goal is to foster Reggie’s independence from Todd, allowing him to find stable employment and personal autonomy. This goal is crucial, as Reggie's feelings of reliance on Todd have been a significant source of stress in their relationship.

Couple Interventions

1. Couples Therapy Sessions:
Conducting regular couples therapy sessions can facilitate the development of communication skills essential for addressing their conflicts (Johnson, 2008). A neutral space will enable them to express their feelings, discuss past grievances, and establish a forward-looking narrative. Techniques such as role-playing and active listening can be employed to help build these skills.
2. Conflict Resolution Training:
Implementing conflict resolution training through structured exercises will help the couple manage disagreements effectively (Cramer, 2002). This intervention can take the form of workshops or therapy modules focusing on identifying triggers of conflict, managing emotional responses, and employing techniques to de-escalate tensions when they arise.

Individual Goals for Reggie

1. Establish a Steady Employment Situation:
Reggie should set a goal to secure stable employment to foster independence and self-esteem. Achieving financial autonomy can act as a significant confidence booster and reduce dependency on Todd.
2. Develop Coping Mechanisms for Grief:
Due to his mother's passing while in prison, developing healthy coping mechanisms to deal with grief is essential for Reggie's emotional health (Gonzalez & Zisook, 2016).
3. Engage in Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
Reggie should aim to engage in healthier lifestyle choices, incorporating physical activity and reducing substance use, particularly alcohol and marijuana, which may negatively impact his mental health and exacerbate feelings of dependency.

Individual Interventions for Reggie

1. Job Placement Services:
Connect Reggie with job placement services through programs like STARS that can support him in acquiring job skills and finding suitable employment. This will be essential in promoting his independence.
2. Support Groups for Grief and Loss:
Encourage Reggie to participate in support groups focusing on grief and loss, which will provide a supportive community environment for discussing his experiences (Worden, 2010).
3. Individual Counseling:
Engaging in individual therapy will allow Reggie to work through his feelings of loss and develop strategies for coping with his emotions (Neimeyer, 2010). Therapy can also assist in reducing feelings of reliance on Todd.

Individual Goals for Todd

1. Achieve Stable Recovery from Substance Abuse:
Todd needs to establish clear goals towards sobriety, emphasizing the importance of recovery and finding accountability strategies that work for him (Moos, 2007).
2. Improve Relationship with Family:
Healing relationships, specifically with his mother, could potentially relieve some emotional burdens Todd faces, positively impacting his mental health (Walsh, 2010).
3. Enhance Emotional Regulation Skills:
Todd must learn healthy emotional regulation skills to manage his bipolar disorder effectively, which will aid in reducing his impulsivity during conflicts with Reggie.

Individual Interventions for Todd

1. Regular Therapy for Substance Abuse and Mental Health:
Ensuring Todd continues regular sessions with a mental health professional specializing in addiction and bipolar disorder is essential. Emphasis should be placed on developing coping strategies for managing his triggers (Miller & Rollnick, 2012).
2. Family Therapy:
Engaging in family therapy sessions can help Todd address his parenting history and dynamics with his mother (Hooper, 2013). This could pave the way for healing and improved emotional health.
3. Support Groups for Substance Abuse:
Encourage Todd to participate in substance abuse support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, where he can share experiences and develop a supportive network for his recovery (Kaskutas, 2009).

Conclusion

Reggie and Todd's case presents multiple layers of individual and relational challenges. By employing tailored assessment tools and structured goals, interventions can be coordinated effectively to foster healing and growth for both partners.

References

- Beck, A. T., et al. (1996). Beck Depression Inventory. San Antonio, TX: PsychCorp.
- Cramer, P. (2002). Peace, love, and understanding: Conflict resolution in close relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 19(5), 815-831.
- Finkel, E. J., et al. (2017). The Couples Satisfaction Index: Development and Validation. Psychological Assessment, 29(1), 81-89.
- Gonzalez, L., & Zisook, S. (2016). Grief and bereavement. Clinical Psychology Review, 49, 1-7.
- Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. New York: Crown Publishers.
- Hooper, L. M. (2013). Family Therapy Techniques: A Practical Resource for the Mental Health Professional. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
- Johnson, S. M. (2008). Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
- Kaskutas, L. A. (2009). The role of social networks in recovery. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 9(1), 33-54.
- Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. New York: Guilford Press.
- Moos, R. H. (2007). Theory-based approaches to substance abuse treatment. Addictive Behaviors, 32(1), 162-170.
- Neimeyer, R. A. (2010). Narrative approaches to grief therapy: a review. Death Studies, 34(9), 842-862.
- Walsh, F. (2010). Family Resilience: A Framework for Clinical Practice. Family Process, 49(1), 1-21.