Casey is a 39-year-old Caucasian woman whose addiction has created issues within her marriage and immediate family. She and her husband have been married for eight years and have two children, ages 10 and 6. After being discharged from an inpatient treatment center, Casey believes that her husband and children should forgive her for the issues she caused while struggling with addiction, but her husband feels betrayed and is skeptical that she will remain sober. Casey cheated on her husband during her addiction and was not the best mother to their children. The trust is broken within their marriage, and their children have begun to act out at school and home. She feels her sobriety is a testament to her commitment to a better future and wants to seek family and marriage counseling. However, her husband, Joe, a 40-year-old African American with a Baptist upbringing, believes her involvement in the church community would help her sobriety and strengthen her relationships. After significant consideration, Casey and her husband have decided to pursue marriage counseling to address their past experiences, deal with the repercussions caused by Casey's addiction, and enhance their family's well-being.

Background of Family/Couple Casey and her spouse met through mutual acquaintances and became more committed after the birth of their first child. While Casey's husband enjoyed social drinking, Casey's drinking habit evolved into a problem over time. Casey comes from a religious family who disagreed with her choice of having children before marriage, resulting in a strained relationship between them. Her family's choice to cut her off contributed to her depression and drinking problem. Her husband's family supports their relationship and plays an active role in their children's lives.

I am completing the first part of my case conceptualization, and this is my fictitious scenario. My instructor asked me to complete the background of the couple and include the family dynamics and life cycle, but I am confused about precisely what she wants.

I needed help with some ideas about the couple's background, including the family dynamics and life cycle?

And Multicultural Issues in Counseling