Susan, a 49 year old white female, sought counseling about three months after her youngest of three children left for college. She has been married for 25 years, and for most of that time her focus has been on her family. She has not been a salaried employee since she was 24 years old, although she has done a great deal of volunteer work in organizations such as the Girls Scouts and Sunday School, which her children attended, and in organizations for abused and displaced homemakers, to which she has a strong commitment. Susan had enjoyed her years of childrearing and, although she expresses some regret that she had not used her college degree professionally or pursued occupational goals, felt comfortable with the lifestyle she had chosen.

In recent months, however, she has become aware of a lack of direction. Her children were at college, and her husband was involved in his own successful career. Her volunteer activities and tennis games with friends do not seem to be enough for her. She is often tearful and sad. In addition, the family has some financial concerns because of the expense of college tuition and would benefit from another income. However, Susan feels that she might not be able to locate employment because she has been out of the job market for so long. She feels hopeless and scared.