Client/Case Name: Nelson Muntz
Identifying Data: 10 year old male. Unusually tall and broad shouldered for his age. Clothing is clean but very well used and faded. Accompanied by his biological mother.
Reasons for Seeking Therapy/Presenting Problem: Client has been referred by school for behavior problems. Specifically bullying, disregard for authority, vandalism, and general truancy.
Background Information: Client has been seen in therapy before, at a clinic specializing in reactive attachment disorder in children. He was seen for 4 months when his therapist suddenly retired at the age of 32 and moved to an unknown island in the pacific. It has been 4 years since he was last in therapy.
Subjective (Mother): Nelson’s mother states that her son has had a tough childhood. When Nelson was young his father went out for pop tarts and cigarettes but never returned. The loss was hard on her and especially Nelson. Mother states son is forever seeking out father figures. When asked about her son’s bullying, client’s mom stated that “Nelson wouldn’t hurt a fly”. Her main concern is with his shyness, and lack of friends. Mother feels the school unfairly targets her son, which is evidenced to her by his mandatory counseling. Nelson is not too return to school until therapy is complete. Mother is concerned how this will affect her work/dancing/waitressing schedule.
Subjective (Former Girlfriend): Nelson’s Former girlfriend, Lisa, heard Nelson would be attending therapy and took it upon herself to call me and discuss her former beau. Lisa states their relationship ended not because she didn’t love him, but because she knew she could never change Nelson. She wanted me to know that he has a very sweet side. He is sharp and insightful, great at planning parties but greatly entrenched in his bullying ways. She wished me luck and stated she had to go to band practice.
Objective: Upon entering the session with his mother and the therapist Nelson was asked to share a drawing he had completed in the waiting room. With no reluctance Nelson showed a picture of a boy (much in his likeness) hanging a cat in a tree using a rope made out of the cat’s shaved off fur. While in session Nelson was reluctant to answer questions and kicked his chair leg a lot. His mother ultimately answered many questions for him, and when sought for confirmation he simply stared at his cat drawing and muttered under his breath “stop hanging yourself!” and then he would laugh “ha-haa” pointing at the cat. Getting information out of him may be difficult. He seems to have no interest in therapy, or ever returning to school.
Case Formulation: There is a great discrepancy between what Mrs. Muntz has stated the problem is (shyness, lack of friends), and what the school has sent Nelson to therapy for. It might be necessary to speak to a few teachers as well as speak with Nelson alone to determine what work needs to be done. Mrs. Muntz, although charmed by her son, seems to not be connected to his world. The loss of Mr. Muntz has had a huge impact on their lives, and possibly left Nelson feeling abandoned and unwanted. Being viewed as tough and mean at school may be his way of acting like he doesn’t care if anyone likes him or not. Ultimately he may care very much, but not be sure how to show that side of himself without being regarded as weak. He has used his size to his advantage, but it’s gotten him in trouble. His previous relationship with Lisa demonstrates an ability to make but not necessarily keep personal relationships. Perhaps an improvement in this area could entice him to join in therapy. Other motivations might include playing sports. School also reports that Nelson’s only “friends” are much older than him and haven’t been seen much since season 6.
Problem List:
1) Nelson and his Mother lack an engaged relationship
2) Nelson lacks boundaries with children his own age
3) Nelson is unable to make lasting personal relationships
4) Nelson has little to no relationship with his father
5) Nelson shows little interest in activities that are age appropriate
6) Nelson and his mother have few social supports
7) Mrs. Muntz’s job interferes with parenting Nelson
8) The school and Mrs. Muntz see Nelson’s difficulties differently
9) Nelson is receiving little to no education, is falling behind
10) Nelson doesn’t respect authority
Identifying Data: 10 year old male. Unusually tall and broad shouldered for his age. Clothing is clean but very well used and faded. Accompanied by his biological mother.
Reasons for Seeking Therapy/Presenting Problem: Client has been referred by school for behavior problems. Specifically bullying, disregard for authority, vandalism, and general truancy.
Background Information: Client has been seen in therapy before, at a clinic specializing in reactive attachment disorder in children. He was seen for 4 months when his therapist suddenly retired at the age of 32 and moved to an unknown island in the pacific. It has been 4 years since he was last in therapy.
Subjective (Mother): Nelson’s mother states that her son has had a tough childhood. When Nelson was young his father went out for pop tarts and cigarettes but never returned. The loss was hard on her and especially Nelson. Mother states son is forever seeking out father figures. When asked about her son’s bullying, client’s mom stated that “Nelson wouldn’t hurt a fly”. Her main concern is with his shyness, and lack of friends. Mother feels the school unfairly targets her son, which is evidenced to her by his mandatory counseling. Nelson is not too return to school until therapy is complete. Mother is concerned how this will affect her work/dancing/waitressing schedule.
Subjective (Former Girlfriend): Nelson’s Former girlfriend, Lisa, heard Nelson would be attending therapy and took it upon herself to call me and discuss her former beau. Lisa states their relationship ended not because she didn’t love him, but because she knew she could never change Nelson. She wanted me to know that he has a very sweet side. He is sharp and insightful, great at planning parties but greatly entrenched in his bullying ways. She wished me luck and stated she had to go to band practice.
Objective: Upon entering the session with his mother and the therapist Nelson was asked to share a drawing he had completed in the waiting room. With no reluctance Nelson showed a picture of a boy (much in his likeness) hanging a cat in a tree using a rope made out of the cat’s shaved off fur. While in session Nelson was reluctant to answer questions and kicked his chair leg a lot. His mother ultimately answered many questions for him, and when sought for confirmation he simply stared at his cat drawing and muttered under his breath “stop hanging yourself!” and then he would laugh “ha-haa” pointing at the cat. Getting information out of him may be difficult. He seems to have no interest in therapy, or ever returning to school.
Case Formulation: There is a great discrepancy between what Mrs. Muntz has stated the problem is (shyness, lack of friends), and what the school has sent Nelson to therapy for. It might be necessary to speak to a few teachers as well as speak with Nelson alone to determine what work needs to be done. Mrs. Muntz, although charmed by her son, seems to not be connected to his world. The loss of Mr. Muntz has had a huge impact on their lives, and possibly left Nelson feeling abandoned and unwanted. Being viewed as tough and mean at school may be his way of acting like he doesn’t care if anyone likes him or not. Ultimately he may care very much, but not be sure how to show that side of himself without being regarded as weak. He has used his size to his advantage, but it’s gotten him in trouble. His previous relationship with Lisa demonstrates an ability to make but not necessarily keep personal relationships. Perhaps an improvement in this area could entice him to join in therapy. Other motivations might include playing sports. School also reports that Nelson’s only “friends” are much older than him and haven’t been seen much since season 6.
Problem List:
1) Nelson and his Mother lack an engaged relationship
2) Nelson lacks boundaries with children his own age
3) Nelson is unable to make lasting personal relationships
4) Nelson has little to no relationship with his father
5) Nelson shows little interest in activities that are age appropriate
6) Nelson and his mother have few social supports
7) Mrs. Muntz’s job interferes with parenting Nelson
8) The school and Mrs. Muntz see Nelson’s difficulties differently
9) Nelson is receiving little to no education, is falling behind
10) Nelson doesn’t respect authority
1 comment:
once i had a therapist who had llamas and super nintendo while you waited, which seems cool, until you factor in that he told me it was my fault my parents got divorced. i think my brother bit him.
maybe he should move to nelsons therapists island :)
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