Case Study Scenario -

You are employed in a counselling agency providing professional counselling services to people experiencing personal, relationship or work-related problems. This counselling agency abides by the Australian Counselling Association code of ethics and practice (available on the websitewww.theaca.net.au)

You have received this information prior to your counselling session from your client (by telephone).

John is 46 years old, he has recently married, after meeting his wife (28 years old) via an online agency. His wife (Celia) is from Indonesia. They went through a process to allow her to immigrate to Australia, which took about 18 months. During this time they were in constant contact by phone and email, and it was a very loving relationship. Once they married and she immigrated they set up home in a small country town.

They have lived together in Australia for nearly two years.Lately John feels things have been very strained between them and he has concerns that she just "used" him to get residency. She wants to bring out her family(Mother,father and younger brother), They would have to be sponsored and John feels that they would need to stay with them even though his house is too small.They send the family money each month. John is a mid level manager with a reasonable income, however they are struggling with a house mortgage, car loans, and the various costs living.

Celia has not attempted to improve her english skills, has no qualifications and does not work. Most of Celias friends are also indonesian ladies married to Australian men and they often meet during the day to play cards and gamble. They also go out at night to local clubs and drinkJohn is concerned that the group may be meeting up with other men ,he does not go out with Celia as he often feels too tired. They have not been intimate for six months and Celia has gradually increased the amount of money she is spending (although John believes she may be hoarding it while preparing to leave him).

When John raises any issues Celia either refuses to discuss them or tells him he is imagining things. She says if he loved her he would be happy to let her spend money and he would buy her better things.

John is getting more and more depressed, feels he cannot talk to anyone, as they will just tell him she is taking him for a ride.

Question 2

There are many counselling processes that you will come across. Do some research and pick a counselling process to explain. For each stage of the process, identify how you would apply it to John's circumstances and what communication skills you would use.

Question 3

What will you say in explaining the counselling process to John (include his rights and expectations)? Be specific, give examples. 100-150 words

Question 4

How will you alleviate any anxieties about the counselling process for the client? 50-100 words

Question 6

Describe your own values in relation to this case, and how you will ensure they will not impede your counselling work with this client. 100-150 words