This brief hypothetical consultation case study (Assignment 2.1) that I completed for CNS 786: Consultation and Program Development in Counseling outlines how a counselor may work as an advisor. This work demonstrates my understanding of how counselors can act as advocates to help inform other professionals in the community on how to prevent and treat mental illnesses. Click here to download a PDF version.
Case Study Using Cognitive-Behavioral Consultation Model
Client Characteristics A local 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on providing after-school programs for at-risk teen girls has experienced an increase in students with eating disorder symptoms in their programs. Clients have reported binging and purging behaviors to staff and others are markedly underweight. The fact that the clients have shared some of these concerns with the consultee shows that they have established rapport and open communication. However, the clients are very hesitant to speaking with outsiders.
Consultee Characteristics The program directors have a lack of knowledge in noticing and addressing signs of disordered eating. However, they are very engaged and eager to learn. They are invested in their relationships with the clients and tactful and responsible in their approach. The consultees view the problem as a cultural issue than can be lessened through preventative psycho-education. They also hope to incorporate screenings and resources into their current programs’ curriculums. The consultees’ main expectations are that they will learn to identify the warning signs associated with eating disorders and become aware of local resources for these struggling clients. The consultant works as an eating disorder specialist in the area and plans to draw on her network by bringing in nutritionists and wellness coaches that will be able to provide workshops for the clients and consultees.
Immediate Environmental Characteristics Due to their family circumstances, these girls do not have access to mental health care or eating disorder specialists. Lack of insurance and finances prevents them from seeking professional help. However, there is a growing number of online resources that can be utilized through the organization’s computer lab. Additionally, there are cultural considerations many of these girls face, such as family norms to keep your problems to yourself and to maintain cultural beauty standards. Lack of access to healthy foods and nutritional information leave many of these girls seeking weight loss through unhealthy means.
Larger Environmental Characteristics Media images are a major factor on the way the clients view themselves and their bodies. Again, structurally, insurance and income inequality lead to a disparity in who is able to seek treatment. The non-profit organization hopes to join national networks that advocate for free and affordable eating disorder treatment in addition to implementing smaller-scales changes to their programs. As the goal of the organization is to empower their clients to be their healthiest and most educated selves, the goals of psychoeducation, nutritional education, and symptom screening and management is very much in line with the organization’s values.