Section 4: Basic Counseling Skills Role-Play CASE STUDIES 1

 The following exercises are case study examples where you will be presented with a client scenario. Using the knowledge you have learned on active listening during counseling, you will then provide your response to the client. 2

Exercise 1 Case Study 1: Reflection of Feelings Client: My life is going pretty well now that I have not used any bango for a month. I have a new job and I have begun making some friends at work. Things with my wife are going much better and she seems happier and more trusting in me, especially after I got the new job. I am tired much of the time because I still am not sleeping very well. I think if I smoked just a little bango at bedtime, it would help me sleep. However, I am fearful that if I started smoking bango again, it could ruin all the progress I have made. I’m not sure what to do. I really need to get a good night’s sleep. 3

Exercise 2 Case Study 2: Expressing Empathy Client: I am here because my family thinks I need treatment, because I take 6 Tramadol pills every day. I can barely get up in the morning without taking Tramadol and I need to take it 3-4 times a day. I started taking it to control the pain I had when I was injured in a serious car accident 3 years ago. I am still having flashbacks of the car accident. It is always the same thing. The other car slams into my car in slow motion, glass flies everywhere, and I look over to see my husband unconscious and bleeding. I am scared because every little thing that happens in my life sends me into a panic. Yesterday, three teenagers ran in front of my car to cross the street; I had plenty of time to stop, but my heart was beating so fast I thought it would burst. The only thing that relieves me of this anxiety and pain is more Tramadol. 4

Exercise 3 Case Study 3: Summarizing Client: My wife complains constantly that I haven’t been a good husband because I don’t make enough money and I spend money on bango. My children are always misbehaving and they talk back at me, even the youngest who is only eight years old. Furthermore, they always refuse to do their chores. They seem to take, and take, and take – and to never be satisfied or appreciative. Today I was very angry at my wife and children and I left the house and smoked bango all afternoon; afterwards, I felt guilty and started blaming myself. This situation must be my fault. If I had been a better husband and father, things would be better. If I didn’t have all the stress and fighting I wouldn’t need to use bango. 5