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 his partner, who he met via an online agency. They have lived together in a small country town for nearly two years. Lately John feels things have been very strained between them and he has concerns that his partner is using him for money. They want their family (mother, father, and younger brother) to come live with them, even though John's house is very small. They already 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. His partner has not attempted to find a job and usually spends most of their time meeting with friends to gamble and play cards. They also go out at night to local clubs to drink, and they are increasingly spending more money. John is concerned the group may be meeting up with other men, and also that the money being spent is actually being saved for preapration to leave him. John does not go out with them as he often feels too tired. They have not been intimate for six months.

When John raises any issues, his partner either refuses to discuss them or tells him he is imagining things. They say if he loved them, he would be happy to let her spend money. John is getting more and more depressed and feels he cannot talk to anyone about it.

Question 1.

Before starting counselling with John, you need to develop a contract. Fill in the template below.

Counselling Intake and Contract
Client Name	Referral date	Referral type
Date initial appt.	Date ended	Total no. sessions
DNAs	Cancelled	Total cancel/DNA
Subjects discussed for contracting	YES/NO if Discussed
Record keeping
Confidentiality
Child protection
Alcohol/intoxicants
Cancellation at short notice
Payment method
Insurance
Missed appointments
Team and other professionals

Name of Client	signature	Date
Name of counsellor	Signature	Date

Client address and Contact Details
GP contact details Address Telephone	Permission to contact GP Y N
Contact required
Dates of contact
Other psychiatric/psychological services Y N Name of professional .............................................. Professional's discipline.............................................. Address Telephone	Permission to contact other psych service Y N
Contact required
Dates of contact
Health issues	Medication
Social circumstances	Name of parent/guardian if under 16 years of age Address Telephone
Presenting issues, including goals and expectations
Previous experience of counselling/therapy

First reviewto initial contract, including goals and expectations

Counsellor's signature Date

Client Signature Date