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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Patience SchobertPsychology, 2011

Personal Statement

Personal Statement My name is Patience Schobert. I live in Guntersville, a small town in

North Alabama. I have been working full-time while pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology for over two years. I will graduate in March of this year and plan to search for a job in a related field while I continue my education and obtain a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. I may secure employment in a position that I will continue while in graduate school, especially if it is fulfilling and a position with possibility for advancement in the future.

I am a widow of sixteen years and have one daughter and three grandsons. Five years ago we lived together in Alabama until my son-in-law received a job offer in California. My daughter and her family chose to move and have live there since July of 2005. It has been an adjustment for me to learn to live by myself with no family members nearby. An advantage to being totally on my own is that it has helped me to realize that I should pursue the lifelong vision for my career.

Personal Statement 2

My dream has always been to be a therapist. From the age of five, peers and adults have come to me with their problems. I find great joy in listening to others share thoughts and feelings about issues in their lives. One of the most gratifying times for me has been my work with drug addicts. Seeing an addict change from being dependent on drugs to a someone who is independent, drug free, and happy with him or herself makes all the pain and frustration we went through together worthwhile.

One of my brothers is addicted to heroin, and this may be one of the reasons I am drawn to helping drug addicts. Since my brother thinks he does not need help, he will not accept it from me or other sources. This may be a driving force behind my desire to help those who are willing to work to overcome their addiction and make their lives better. I have been considering obtaining a license to be a drug counselor. A master’s degree is not required where I live, and I would be working in the psychology field while continuing my education toward in graduate school. In five to ten years I envision myself in a clinical practice, whether continuing my work with addicts or working with clients with other issues and problems.

The process of getting to where I am now has been long. I started working for an agency that investigated child abuse. Basically the agency investigates the alleged child abuse and serves as the child’s voice in domestic court. While working in that position, I created the family advocate at the Child Advocacy Center in my home county. I was offered the job because I am a self starter. The families I dealt with sometimes left the abuser with just the clothes on their back. My job was to fulfill their needs in their new situation. One social worker commented that I was “a pain” but if they ever found themselves in dire need or in trouble, they would want me fighting for them. I regarded this as a compliment. I was also their advocate in court, working with them from grand jury through trial.

After working at the Child Advocacy Center, I began working for the social workers. This position was where I had my first experiences working with drug addicts. I would do just about anything to help the addict become clean and sober. These clients would tell me they would get clean for their children. At this point, I knew to tell them get clean for themselves since that is the only way to succeed at breaking away from drugs and rebuild their lives. Sometimes clients would relapse and hate themselves for it. I would encourage them to try again. Quite a few clients would take up to four or five relapses and recoveries in order for them to finally succeed. The Social Service Agency always gave me the cases that other workers would not attempt. I am proud to say I considered it a personal challenge to take the cases others would not.

I do not think it is coincidence that all of my adult life my motto has been “Never give up.” I desire to motivate others to embrace this attitude of hope and perseverance for themselves, especially when they need an advocate or counselor.

Personal Statement 3

The process of getting to where I am now has been long. I started working for an agency that investigated child abuse. Basically the agency investigates the alleged child abuse and serves as the child’s voice in domestic court. While working in that position, I created the family advocate at the Child Advocacy Center in my home county. I was offered the job because I am a self starter. The families I dealt with sometimes left the abuser with just the clothes on their back. My job was to fulfill their needs in their new situation. One social worker commented that I was “a pain” but if they ever found themselves in dire need or in trouble, they would want me fighting for them. I regarded this as a compliment. I was also their advocate in court, working with them from grand jury through trial.

After working at the Child Advocacy Center, I began working for the social workers. This position was where I had my first experiences working with drug addicts. I would do just about anything to help the addict become clean and sober. These clients would tell me they would get clean for their children. At this point, I knew to tell them get clean for themselves since that is the only way to succeed at breaking away from drugs and rebuild their lives. Sometimes clients would relapse and hate themselves for it. I would encourage them to try again. Quite a few clients would take up to four or five relapses and recoveries in order for them to finally succeed. The Social Service Agency always gave me the cases that other workers would not attempt. I am proud to say I considered it a personal challenge to take the cases others would not.

I do not think it is coincidence that all of my adult life my motto has been “Never give up.” I desire to motivate others to embrace this attitude of hope and perseverance for themselves, especially when they need an advocate or counselor.

Personal Statement 4

Sometimes clients would relapse and hate themselves for it. I would encourage them to try again. Quite a few clients would take up to four or five relapses and recoveries in order for them to finally succeed. The Social Service Agency always gave me the cases that other workers would not attempt. I am proud to say I considered it a personal challenge to take the cases others would not.

I do not think it is coincidence that all of my adult life my motto has been “Never give up.” I desire to motivate others to embrace this attitude of hope and perseverance for themselves, especially when they need an advocate or counselor.

Resume

1128 OBrig AvenueGuntersville, AlabamaPhone (256)486-3650 Cell (256) 506-9892 Pat SchobertProfessional experience2002 - N.A. Counseling Center Guntersville, AlabamaBehavioral Aide Ensure families have safe visits Teach Behavior Modification and Anger Management to adults

and children Teach Parenting Skills Class to adults with at-risk children Transport parents/children to various appointments Work the most difficult cases referred by several DHR agencies2003 – 2010 Tennessee Valley Family Services Child Care Worker (daytime and overnight/residential) Work with teens that are truant, in need of supervision, ungovernable or are runaways Document teens’ behavior and actions Administer medications when indicated Facilitate group counseling sessions 1999 – 2002 Child Advocacy Center Guntersville, Alabama Family Advocate Create the family advocacy program in Marshall County Worked with families whose children have been abused Maintained these services with families until no longer needed Assisted families in obtaining food, shelter and clothing Set up a clothes, furniture, and food closet/center for needy

families including a newborn closet/center Acted as a court liaison person for families Started a family support group Taught anger management Coordinated volunteers for CAC Worked in CAC children ‘s summer program1997 – 1999 Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates Guntersville

AL Executive Assistant Kept the office functioning efficiently Help with the advocate training Set up receptions Assisted with writing grants for United Way and Children’s

Trust Fund Bookkeeping duties – CAJA payroll, letters, emails Computer work – assisted setting up data base for client

information Participated in organizing CAJA fund raisers Education  Bachelors degree in PsychologyProfessional memberships1999- 2001 Multi Needs Disciplinary Team of Marshall CountyWork with professionals from several agencies to discuss and plan

for children who are deemed high risk and in need of services from multiple agencies and community resources

- Secretary - ChairpersonCourt Appointed Juvenile Advocate training Families and Children Together Training  Community activities1988 – 1994 Operation Santa Claus - Worked all of Marshall

County obtaining gifts for the mentally ill individuals with no family1996 - Present Wholeback Stage member1988 - Present Member of Guntersville First United Methodist

Church -chancel choir member –member of missions team – District President of United Methodist Women1989 – Present Member of Daughters of the American Revolution1990 – 1996 Member of Colony Garden Club Volunteer experience1992 – 1997 Board of directors of CASA, active volunteer for CASA - Secretary and President1989 -1992 Board of directors of Mountain Valley Arts Council1991 – 1997 Board of directors of Guntersville Museum -A founding member of the museum -Was secretary for six years 1988 – 1997 Officer of Guntersville Historical Society - Secretary for nine years 1995 – 1997 Marshall County Council on Aging -- Delivered lunches and visited with shut – ins   

Resume 2

2003 – 2010 Tennessee Valley Family Services Child Care Worker (daytime and overnight/residential) Work with teens that are truant, in need of supervision, ungovernable or are runaways Document teens’ behavior and actions Administer medications when indicated Facilitate group counseling sessions 1999 – 2002 Child Advocacy Center Guntersville, Alabama Family Advocate Create the family advocacy program in Marshall County Worked with families whose children have been abused Maintained these services with families until no longer needed Assisted families in obtaining food, shelter and clothing Set up a clothes, furniture, and food closet/center for needy

families including a newborn closet/center Acted as a court liaison person for families Started a family support group Taught anger management Coordinated volunteers for CAC Worked in CAC children ‘s summer program1997 – 1999 Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates Guntersville

AL Executive Assistant Kept the office functioning efficiently Help with the advocate training Set up receptions Assisted with writing grants for United Way and Children’s

Trust Fund Bookkeeping duties – CAJA payroll, letters, emails Computer work – assisted setting up data base for client

information Participated in organizing CAJA fund raisers Education  Bachelors degree in PsychologyProfessional memberships1999- 2001 Multi Needs Disciplinary Team of Marshall CountyWork with professionals from several agencies to discuss and plan

for children who are deemed high risk and in need of services from multiple agencies and community resources

- Secretary - ChairpersonCourt Appointed Juvenile Advocate training Families and Children Together Training  Community activities1988 – 1994 Operation Santa Claus - Worked all of Marshall

County obtaining gifts for the mentally ill individuals with no family1996 - Present Wholeback Stage member1988 - Present Member of Guntersville First United Methodist

Church -chancel choir member –member of missions team – District President of United Methodist Women1989 – Present Member of Daughters of the American Revolution1990 – 1996 Member of Colony Garden Club Volunteer experience1992 – 1997 Board of directors of CASA, active volunteer for CASA - Secretary and President1989 -1992 Board of directors of Mountain Valley Arts Council1991 – 1997 Board of directors of Guntersville Museum -A founding member of the museum -Was secretary for six years 1988 – 1997 Officer of Guntersville Historical Society - Secretary for nine years 1995 – 1997 Marshall County Council on Aging -- Delivered lunches and visited with shut – ins   

Resume 3

Started a family support group Taught anger management Coordinated volunteers for CAC Worked in CAC children ‘s summer program1997 – 1999 Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates Guntersville

AL Executive Assistant Kept the office functioning efficiently Help with the advocate training Set up receptions Assisted with writing grants for United Way and Children’s

Trust Fund Bookkeeping duties – CAJA payroll, letters, emails Computer work – assisted setting up data base for client

information Participated in organizing CAJA fund raisers Education  Bachelors degree in PsychologyProfessional memberships1999- 2001 Multi Needs Disciplinary Team of Marshall CountyWork with professionals from several agencies to discuss and plan

for children who are deemed high risk and in need of services from multiple agencies and community resources

- Secretary - ChairpersonCourt Appointed Juvenile Advocate training Families and Children Together Training  Community activities1988 – 1994 Operation Santa Claus - Worked all of Marshall

County obtaining gifts for the mentally ill individuals with no family1996 - Present Wholeback Stage member1988 - Present Member of Guntersville First United Methodist

Church -chancel choir member –member of missions team – District President of United Methodist Women1989 – Present Member of Daughters of the American Revolution1990 – 1996 Member of Colony Garden Club Volunteer experience1992 – 1997 Board of directors of CASA, active volunteer for CASA - Secretary and President1989 -1992 Board of directors of Mountain Valley Arts Council1991 – 1997 Board of directors of Guntersville Museum -A founding member of the museum -Was secretary for six years 1988 – 1997 Officer of Guntersville Historical Society - Secretary for nine years 1995 – 1997 Marshall County Council on Aging -- Delivered lunches and visited with shut – ins   

Resume 4

Education  Bachelors degree in PsychologyProfessional memberships1999- 2001 Multi Needs Disciplinary Team of Marshall CountyWork with professionals from several agencies to discuss and plan

for children who are deemed high risk and in need of services from multiple agencies and community resources

- Secretary - ChairpersonCourt Appointed Juvenile Advocate training Families and Children Together Training  Community activities1988 – 1994 Operation Santa Claus - Worked all of Marshall

County obtaining gifts for the mentally ill individuals with no family

1996 - Present Wholeback Stage member1988 - Present Member of Guntersville First United Methodist

Church -chancel choir member –member of missions team – District President of United Methodist Women1989 – Present Member of Daughters of the American Revolution1990 – 1996 Member of Colony Garden Club Volunteer experience1992 – 1997 Board of directors of CASA, active volunteer for CASA - Secretary and President1989 -1992 Board of directors of Mountain Valley Arts Council1991 – 1997 Board of directors of Guntersville Museum -A founding member of the museum -Was secretary for six years 1988 – 1997 Officer of Guntersville Historical Society - Secretary for nine years 1995 – 1997 Marshall County Council on Aging -- Delivered lunches and visited with shut – ins   

Resume 51988 - Present Member of Guntersville First United Methodist

Church -chancel choir member –member of missions team – District President of United Methodist Women1989 – Present Member of Daughters of the American Revolution1990 – 1996 Member of Colony Garden Club Volunteer experience1992 – 1997 Board of directors of CASA, active volunteer for CASA - Secretary and President1989 -1992 Board of directors of Mountain Valley Arts Council1991 – 1997 Board of directors of Guntersville Museum -A founding member of the museum -Was secretary for six years 1988 – 1997 Officer of Guntersville Historical Society - Secretary for nine years 1995 – 1997 Marshall County Council on Aging -- Delivered lunches and visited with shut – ins   

Reflection

The last year and half have at times been fast and slow. If I was doing well and enjoyed the class time went fast and if I was not doing well time was slow. I have learned how to think outside the box although I still need some work. I have been frustrated at times thinking the paper I did was good only to be told that it needs work.

I know that I need to expand what I am writing by going more in depth. I have bettered my cognitive abilities but need more work in research design. I have shown significant improvement in most areas. I know that getting my master’s in psychology will help my written communication skills and help me gain the knowledge needed.

Table of Contents

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

Research SkillsCommunication Skills: Oral and WrittenEthics and Diversity AwarenessFoundations of PsychologyApplied PsychologyInterpersonal Effectiveness**Include work samples and projects with a Title Page and organized accordingly to demonstrate each of the Program Outcomes above

Critical Thinking

Ethics The Webster’s New World College Dictionary says that the

definition of ethics is the principle of conduct governing a person or a group; a guiding philosophy. It also states that morality is the sense of what is right or just (Webster's. 2007). So the way I see it a company could have a set of ethics that the employees must abide but these ethics could be morally wrong. Statisticians can be part of a company so their morals may be different from what their ethics have to be.

A statistician’s job is to take disorder and make sense out of it. He applies a process of measurements to the disorder of the data and makes a logical conclusion. At its heart, statistics is not about techniques but about honesty. It contribution to society is moral; it is about doing the right thing when interpreting experimental information. Statistics is important to our society. It can be seen when an advertiser claims the effectiveness of a product or in the many disciplines that state “the statistical significance” in articles the researchers write (Statistics & ethics.2003).

Ethics can go wrong when a statistician puts the wants of the agency over their own ethics. Ethical shortcomings have at times been associated dire consequences such as genocide. Usually unethical issues threaten the credibility of the statistical agency, this undermines the information researchers have gathered. There are times when sound science is not ethical science, this arises when outdated methodology continues to be used by an agency long after shortcomings have been identified. An example is the continued use by the U.S Census Bureau of outdated methodology for estimating poverty households (Seltzer.n.d).

Unethical issues can also be seen in something simple a data collector who misses some houses because she is running late and later fills in the blanks on the questionnaire. This may be a simple act but the information that had been collected will be off. What if this information was on a drug being tested? How about a researcher who changes the results of a study to meet the expectation of his supervisor; or the researcher who was looking for a specific answer and changed data to get the answer he wants (Medina.2007). Changing information or not completing research properly can have adverse effect, especially in the area of drug research. How many lives could be lost or made sicker by miss information? As you can see ethics are important in statistics, something I never realized until I did this paper.

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Critical Thinking 2

Ethics can go wrong when a statistician puts the wants of the agency over their own ethics. Ethical shortcomings have at times been associated dire consequences such as genocide. Usually unethical issues threaten the credibility of the statistical agency, this undermines the information researchers have gathered. There are times when sound science is not ethical science, this arises when outdated methodology continues to be used by an agency long after shortcomings have been identified. An example is the continued use by the U.S Census Bureau of outdated methodology for estimating poverty households (Seltzer.n.d).

Unethical issues can also be seen in something simple a data collector who misses some houses because she is running late and later fills in the blanks on the questionnaire. This may be a simple act but the information that had been collected will be off. What if this information was on a drug being tested? How about a researcher who changes the results of a study to meet the expectation of his supervisor; or the researcher who was looking for a specific answer and changed data to get the answer he wants (Medina.2007). Changing information or not completing research properly can have adverse effect, especially in the area of drug research. How many lives could be lost or made sicker by miss information? As you can see ethics are important in statistics, something I never realized until I did this paper.

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Research Skills

Research Design and Data CollectionThe hypothesis that high employee satisfaction is correlated with

low employee absenteeism would have two variables. The dependent variable is high employee satisfaction. The dependent variable will remain constant. The independent variable is low employee absenteeism. The independent variable can be manipulated giving me better control over the outcome. One thing I could do is have a group stay out to see if this has any affect on the hypothesis. The extraneous variables can also affect the outcome.

During the experiment I need to make sure that the outcome is not due to extraneous variables. The best way to rule out the extraneous variables is to eliminate them; that is not always possible. The way to control the extraneous variables is to have random assignment of the employees. Another way is to observe the employees at the same time every day to see if the extraneous variables affect the independent variable. The other way to control extraneous variables is to do a pretest/post-test. This involves giving the employees a pretest (questionnaire), then giving the treatment such as having the boss tell them to stay home and then administering a posttest. The problem with this is that the treatment group and the control group will not be the same (Mitchell.2010). Some extraneous variables that can have an influence on the research are an unexpected illness, someone being fired or someone being told they are not doing a good job. There are other things that can affect the outcome such as the employee’s personality and how the employee feels about the job they may have. Some of these variables could also be used in the treatment group to test the hypothesis. It would be interesting to see the results of the treatment on the research.

There are several research designs that could be used for this research. The experimental method allows the researcher a high degree of control over the when and where of the research setting. A plus of the experimental is that it allows the researcher to determine the cause and effect among variables (Riggio, R.2009). The correlational method is a good method to use in the work setting. The researcher just observes two or more variables and then examines to results of one to the other. The researcher can examine employee records for absences and can also check job performance through reviews. There is no manipulation of the variables so the experimenter has no control. The quasi experiment is similar to the experimental method in that the treatment can be used. A quasi experiment would be used when the researcher has no control over the circumstances to run a true experiment. In a quasi experiment there is no random assignment (Mitchell,M.2010) ( Riggio,R.2009).

Of the three mentioned experiment designs the one that I would use is the experimental method. The researcher has control over the method and the variables, this to me would give a truer results. I would break the employees into three groups, one the control and the other two the independent variables with one receiving a treatment, the other not.

The data I would collect for this experiment would be employee records; I would also like all three groups to fill out a personality questionnaire. This information would give me absenteeism, job reviews plus the questionnaire would give me an insight into their personality. I would also interview each employee and their boss. I would also like to observe the employees in their work environment. Doing this may cut down on the extraneous variables, plus give me better results.

The correlational coefficient can range from +1.00 to -1.00. The closer the coefficient is to either +1.00 or -1.00 the stronger the linear relationship will be between the two variables. The closer the coefficient is to zero the weaker the linear relationship. A correlational coefficient of .7 is likely to be significant, this mean that there is a relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. This means that the coefficient is not due to random error but that there is a connection between the variable high employee satisfaction and the variable low employee absenteeism (Mitchell.2010). To me this means that the hypothesis is correct.

No matter what research design that is chosen there are too many extraneous variables. The experimental design you may be able to control some of the variables but there is no way that you can control all. Every employee is different and their attitudes are going to be different. The managerial style is going to affect the outcome of the independent variable. A questionnaire on the manager’s style to be filled out by the employees could be used. The extraneous variables are many and I do not know how to eliminate all of them

Research Skills 2

The problem with this is that the treatment group and the control group will not be the same (Mitchell.2010). Some extraneous variables that can have an influence on the research are an unexpected illness, someone being fired or someone being told they are not doing a good job. There are other things that can affect the outcome such as the employee’s personality and how the employee feels about the job they may have. Some of these variables could also be used in the treatment group to test the hypothesis. It would be interesting to see the results of the treatment on the research.

There are several research designs that could be used for this research. The experimental method allows the researcher a high degree of control over the when and where of the research setting. A plus of the experimental is that it allows the researcher to determine the cause and effect among variables (Riggio, R.2009). The correlational method is a good method to use in the work setting. The researcher just observes two or more variables and then examines to results of one to the other. The researcher can examine employee records for absences and can also check job performance through reviews. There is no manipulation of the variables so the experimenter has no control. The quasi experiment is similar to the experimental method in that the treatment can be used. A quasi experiment would be used when the researcher has no control over the circumstances to run a true experiment. In a quasi experiment there is no random assignment (Mitchell,M.2010) ( Riggio,R.2009).

Of the three mentioned experiment designs the one that I would use is the experimental method. The researcher has control over the method and the variables, this to me would give a truer results. I would break the employees into three groups, one the control and the other two the independent variables with one receiving a treatment, the other not.

The data I would collect for this experiment would be employee records; I would also like all three groups to fill out a personality questionnaire. This information would give me absenteeism, job reviews plus the questionnaire would give me an insight into their personality. I would also interview each employee and their boss. I would also like to observe the employees in their work environment. Doing this may cut down on the extraneous variables, plus give me better results.

The correlational coefficient can range from +1.00 to -1.00. The closer the coefficient is to either +1.00 or -1.00 the stronger the linear relationship will be between the two variables. The closer the coefficient is to zero the weaker the linear relationship. A correlational coefficient of .7 is likely to be significant, this mean that there is a relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. This means that the coefficient is not due to random error but that there is a connection between the variable high employee satisfaction and the variable low employee absenteeism (Mitchell.2010). To me this means that the hypothesis is correct.

No matter what research design that is chosen there are too many extraneous variables. The experimental design you may be able to control some of the variables but there is no way that you can control all. Every employee is different and their attitudes are going to be different. The managerial style is going to affect the outcome of the independent variable. A questionnaire on the manager’s style to be filled out by the employees could be used. The extraneous variables are many and I do not know how to eliminate all of them

Research Skills 3

The quasi experiment is similar to the experimental method in that the treatment can be used. A quasi experiment would be used when the researcher has no control over the circumstances to run a true experiment. In a quasi experiment there is no random assignment (Mitchell,M.2010) ( Riggio,R.2009).

Of the three mentioned experiment designs the one that I would use is the experimental method. The researcher has control over the method and the variables, this to me would give a truer results. I would break the employees into three groups, one the control and the other two the independent variables with one receiving a treatment, the other not.

The data I would collect for this experiment would be employee records; I would also like all three groups to fill out a personality questionnaire. This information would give me absenteeism, job reviews plus the questionnaire would give me an insight into their personality. I would also interview each employee and their boss. I would also like to observe the employees in their work environment. Doing this may cut down on the extraneous variables, plus give me better results.

Research Skills 4

The correlational coefficient can range from +1.00 to -1.00. The closer the coefficient is to either +1.00 or -1.00 the stronger the linear relationship will be between the two variables. The closer the coefficient is to zero the weaker the linear relationship. A correlational coefficient of .7 is likely to be significant, this mean that there is a relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. This means that the coefficient is not due to random error but that there is a connection between the variable high employee satisfaction and the variable low employee absenteeism (Mitchell.2010). To me this means that the hypothesis is correct.

No matter what research design that is chosen there are too many extraneous variables. The experimental design you may be able to control some of the variables but there is no way that you can control all. Every employee is different and their attitudes are going to be different. The managerial style is going to affect the outcome of the independent variable. A questionnaire on the manager’s style to be filled out by the employees could be used. The extraneous variables are many and I do not know how to eliminate all of them

Communication

Recovery for an Enabling SpouseEileen has been a codependent for twenty-three years. She has

taken the first step toward healing herself and her family. She has broken her code of silence by wanting to talk to someone. Her husband has been a closet drinker for twenty three years. I know in that time she has had to cover for him many times whether for work or social. By covering for him she has also become an enabler. People get comfortable in the roles they play and her role as an enabler was one she was use to.

In the stages of change model, she is in the contemplation stage. She has recognized that there is a problem but has not yet made a commitment to change her life (Miller, 2005). Once she takes that first step which could be to stop covering for him. It may cause conflict but it may show that she is not going to cover for him any more (Argosy.2010). In social engagements she needs to go without him, not stay home because he is “sick”. I have heard many spouses use this excuse.

One of the best things Eileen can do for herself is join a support group. There are many but the one I like is Ala-Anon. It was founded by the spouses of recovering alcoholics. They follow a twelve step program to help them cope. It is a self help group that gives support, information, and encouragement to family member and friends of substance abusers (Lawson & Lawson, 1998). Another group she could look at is Co-Dependent Anonymous; it is similar to Ala- Anon in that it has a twelve step program. This program strives for healthy relationships helping the spouse grow without continuing the codependence life.

Eileen cannot change her husband’s behavior she can only change hers. By joining a support group she will realize that she is a viable human and not something her husband can berate. For twenty three years she has covered for him with help she will realize that is not healthy behavior. She will come to realize that there is life outside of alcoholism.

 ReferencesArgosy University. (2010). Treatment:The spouse and children.

Retrieved August 14, 2010, from http:/ / webuploadcontent.next.ecollege.com

Lawson, A., & Lawson, G. (1998). Alcoholism and the family (2nd ed.). Austin, Texas: Pro-ed.

Miller, G. (2005). Learning the language of addiction counseling (2nd ed.). Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.

  

Communication 2

One of the best things Eileen can do for herself is join a support group. There are many but the one I like is Ala-Anon. It was founded by the spouses of recovering alcoholics. They follow a twelve step program to help them cope. It is a self help group that gives support, information, and encouragement to family member and friends of substance abusers (Lawson & Lawson, 1998). Another group she could look at is Co-Dependent Anonymous; it is similar to Ala- Anon in that it has a twelve step program. This program strives for healthy relationships helping the spouse grow without continuing the codependence life.

Eileen cannot change her husband’s behavior she can only change hers. By joining a support group she will realize that she is a viable human and not something her husband can berate. For twenty three years she has covered for him with help she will realize that is not healthy behavior. She will come to realize that there is life outside of alcoholism.

Ethics and Diversity

Community Intervention The average person thinks that violence only happens in the slums

of a big city. This thinking is a fallacy; childhood violence can happen in any class neighborhood. There are some people who believe that the cause could be the rise in drug and alcohol use. There are others that think it is the breakdown in the school system (Glicken.2004). Whatever the reason there are some things you can do to make life easier for your children.

The first thing you can do is to start teaching your kid’s way to avoid violence. Show them safe routes for walking in the neighborhood; teach them how to dial 911; stress the dangers of talking to strangers and tell them never to open the door to someone they do not know (Argosy.2009). Along with teaching your kids safety techniques, the parents can form a neighborhood watch. They need supervise the children’s walk to and from school. The parents can patrol on foot or bicycle (Argosy.2009).

Ethics and Diversity

One of the best things Eileen can do for herself is join a support group. There are many but the one I like is Ala-Anon. It was founded by the spouses of recovering alcoholics. They follow a twelve step program to help them cope. It is a self help group that gives support, information, and encouragement to family member and friends of substance abusers (Lawson & Lawson, 1998). Another group she could look at is Co-Dependent Anonymous; it is similar to Ala- Anon in that it has a twelve step program. This program strives for healthy relationships helping the spouse grow without continuing the codependence life.

Eileen cannot change her husband’s behavior she can only change hers. By joining a support group she will realize that she is a viable human and not something her husband can berate. For twenty three years she has covered for him with help she will realize that is not healthy behavior. She will come to realize that there is life outside of alcoholism.

Ethics and Diversity

Middle Adulthood and Maximum DevelopmentThere are many influences that contribute to the physical

development of middle adults. The visible signs can begin in the early forties, such as the beginnings of wrinkles especially around the eyes. Some wise person named them “crow’s feet”. It is a time when bad habits can catch up to us. Aside from the wrinkles, our hair can thin and grey. We lose muscle mass and strength because the cushions for the joints become less efficient. It may sound like it is all bad but there are some good things that can happen.

Our biological functions may lessen but other areas may increase, such as career and relationships. Middle adulthood is unique, any decline we may experience is met with a growth of some kind, growth and loss balance each other out. Physically there is no change in lung capacity except for some stiffing of the chest wall. There is also less accidents and a decline in allergies and colds. Best of all there is no decline in our sex drive we just do not have it as often (Santrock.2009).

Paul is a good example of bad things that we do in our younger years coming back to haunt us. He neglected his health for years and when he had a physical found out he had a gastric ulcer. He realized the error of his ways and worked to correct his mistake. Charles on the other hand had a chance to change after his stabbing but refused. It was like his development was arrested at fourteen and he never allowed it to grow. You can take a lesson from Paul, and turn our lives around by eating right, that means a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains; exercise and if you smoke… quit. This is one step in living life to the fullest.

There are other steps you can take to make sure you are living life to the fullest. This may be a time for you to take an inventory of your life. Are you happy in your choice of career? What about your relationships not just your martial one? You also need to learn to relax and find enjoyment in your down time. It could be in the form of a hobby, travel or even volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to fill that need to make a difference in the world.

Paul has found ways to live his life to the fullest. He and his wife are involved in their church. They also have good supportive relationships with their families. Paul’s thirst for knowledge keeps his brain active. He seems to enjoy his chosen career as a physics researcher. He is giving back to the community by doing volunteer work. Charles had no career or a job for that matter so one would have to assume he had no job dissatisfaction. His girlfriend did, she had a job as a department manager and was feeling the pull to get a college degree. The only one Charles thought of was himself, he had no cognitive development.

Charles had no desire to improve himself, any stress he had in his life he tried to drown with alcohol. The only relationship he had was with Sara and he allowed alcohol to ruin it. He returned to the only other stable relationship he had and that was with the gangs. Paul’s happiness was everywhere he turned. Even though stress is a major socioemotional influence, Paul found was to deal with what life throws at him. He finds relief through physical exercise, through his relationships and his volunteer work. Charles never even tried; he took the easy way out by rejoining the gangs.

 

Ethics and Diversity 2

He realized the error of his ways and worked to correct his mistake. Charles on the other hand had a chance to change after his stabbing but refused. It was like his development was arrested at fourteen and he never allowed it to grow. You can take a lesson from Paul, and turn our lives around by eating right, that means a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains; exercise and if you smoke… quit. This is one step in living life to the fullest.

There are other steps you can take to make sure you are living life to the fullest. This may be a time for you to take an inventory of your life. Are you happy in your choice of career? What about your relationships not just your martial one? You also need to learn to relax and find enjoyment in your down time. It could be in the form of a hobby, travel or even volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to fill that need to make a difference in the world.

Paul has found ways to live his life to the fullest. He and his wife are involved in their church. They also have good supportive relationships with their families. Paul’s thirst for knowledge keeps his brain active. He seems to enjoy his chosen career as a physics researcher. He is giving back to the community by doing volunteer work. Charles had no career or a job for that matter so one would have to assume he had no job dissatisfaction. His girlfriend did, she had a job as a department manager and was feeling the pull to get a college degree. The only one Charles thought of was himself, he had no cognitive development.

Charles had no desire to improve himself, any stress he had in his life he tried to drown with alcohol. The only relationship he had was with Sara and he allowed alcohol to ruin it. He returned to the only other stable relationship he had and that was with the gangs. Paul’s happiness was everywhere he turned. Even though stress is a major socioemotional influence, Paul found was to deal with what life throws at him. He finds relief through physical exercise, through his relationships and his volunteer work. Charles never even tried; he took the easy way out by rejoining the gangs.

 

Ethics and Diversity 3

Charles had no career or a job for that matter so one would have to assume he had no job dissatisfaction. His girlfriend did, she had a job as a department manager and was feeling the pull to get a college degree. The only one Charles thought of was himself, he had no cognitive development.

Charles had no desire to improve himself, any stress he had in his life he tried to drown with alcohol. The only relationship he had was with Sara and he allowed alcohol to ruin it. He returned to the only other stable relationship he had and that was with the gangs. Paul’s happiness was everywhere he turned. Even though stress is a major socioemotional influence, Paul found was to deal with what life throws at him. He finds relief through physical exercise, through his relationships and his volunteer work. Charles never even tried; he took the easy way out by rejoining the gangs.

 

Foundations of Psychology

Theoretical FrameworkSteve started therapy because his parents made him. After an

assessment has been done, I would start his sessions with some reality therapy. Part of this therapy focuses on Steve’s needs not being met and is he doing what is necessary to change. There is an acronym WDEP that will help Steve see the changes that need to be made. WDEP stands for W(wants) – what is it that Steve wants; D(direction/doing) – what is Steve doing; E(evaluation) – is what Steve doing getting him what he wants; P(planning) – what can he do now to start a chain reaction of change in his life. Using WDEP will help Steve access the impact alcohol is having on his life it will also get him to think about something other than alcohol.

In a few weeks I may change to person-centered therapy. This therapy would allow me to get more information from Steve by listening. The more I know the better I can help him help himself. He also should be feeling more aware of self and of others; this is done by having Steve focus on experiencing his feeling in the present. He may get feelings of being overwhelmed; I will be able to help him focus on the now instead of looking at what may happen in the future.

Foundations of PSychology

Along with using person centered therapy throwing in some Gestalt therapy techniques such as role playing. I would have him exaggerate his feelings. By doing this Steve will be able to develop self-awareness and self- control

During a session Steve was having thoughts of suicide. Since he was having faulty thoughts I would use some cognitive behavioral techniques to work on these negative thoughts. I may have him keep a log of his thoughts. His negative thoughts could also be a defense mechanism and by using cognitive-behavioral therapy can help Steve identify these suicidal thoughts and show him how to respond differently.

Lastly Steve is sober but I feel that he is prone to relapse. I would continue using cognitive behavioral therapy and also would use behavior therapy. Behavior therapy works well for substance abusers because addiction is a behavior. Steve may be sober right now but will need continued reinforcement and learning to stay that way.

I feel comfortable using all these techniques because I am not stuck with using just one therapy. A person going through therapy grows and learns from each session; because of this the therapy that I started would not work in three week or six weeks. The idea of being able to use different therapies and different part of a therapy is a great one. It does not hold the therapist to one doctrine. I am all for anything that helps me help the client. There is no part of any of the theories that I would not use. I may not use them with Steve but they could be just therapy I could use with the next client.

 

Foundations of Psychology

Autistic Children: Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention

AbstractAutism is a serious disability to the child and the parents. Without

the help of early intensive behavioral intervention, most of these children would not be able to function in society. There were a total of 368 children involved in the study, the average age 49.45 months. Some of the children received treatment at home; a number of children received it at a school and other received treatment in both places. All children were given the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales before treatment and most were given the same test after treatment. The researcher’s hypothesis is that an autistic child improves according to the number of hours of treatment they receive and how rigorous the early intensive behavioral intervention sessions.

Autistic Children Show Promise with Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention

It is important that autistic children get intervention early, according to some the earlier the better. The researcher read about early intensive behavioral intervention and wondered if it really helped autistic children. The objective of the research is to prove that Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention does help autistic children and the researcher expects to show that children involved in behavioral therapy do improve. The purpose of this research is to show that early intervention does help autistic children.

MethodOverviewThe researcher reread the four research articles to extract

information needed to do the research. Article one had 195 children with an average age of 60.5 months, the next article had 29 children with average age of 45.7 months. The third article was a complication of several studies the average age 45.6 with 124 children and the last study had 20 children and the average age 41.5. There no data given on the children’s I.Q.

ParticipantsThere were a total of 368 children involved in the study. All the

participants were from various part of the country and in different stages of development.

ProcedureIn all four studies the children were tested before the start of the

program and at the end of the program. All four used the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale for the start of study and the end of study. There were a variety of programs used; all were based on behavioral modification. There was a limitation to the research; the researcher had only the information in the four studies.

Measures A chart was made that listed the age of the children, the number of

hours per week and improvements made during treatment. The researcher totaled these lists and got an average; the average age was 49.45 months, the average number of hours in treatment each week was 31.75. The statistical analysis to be used is the repeated measures t-test. The number of children and the average age are the dependent variables, the hours of treatment the independent variable and the improvement is the control.

Data collection and AnalysisThe dropout rate in the program was small, about 16. All

participants made improvements, some showed great improvement and some slight. A majority of the children started regular classes did need aids in the classroom. It needs to be noted that all the children continued to show improvement even after the research had been collected.

EthicsThe researcher used human subjects that involve children and their

parents. An informed consent form was used and filled out by the parents. The consent form allowed the parents to know that any information they gave the researchers would remain confidential. Since the research is dealing with children with special needs and their parent that may be overprotective, the researchers had anyone that is participating in the study to sign a confidentiality form. Doing this would help the parent put aside their fear. There was no deception in the research design. The participants (parents) knew what the researchers were seeking. There was a problem with the ethical situation of not allowing all children to be part of the treatment there could be no control group.

 ReferencesGoin-Kochel, R., & et al. (June 2007). Early responsiveness to

intensive behavioral intervention predicts outcomes among preschool children with autism. International Journal of Disability, development and Education, 54(2), 151-175.

Hume, K., & et.al. (2005). The usage and perceived outcomes of early intervention and early childhood programs for young children with autism spectrum disorder. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 25(4), 195-207.

Kassari, Connie. (2002). Assessing change in early intervention programs for children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32(5), 447-461.

Weiss, M., & Delmolino, L. (2006). Relationship between early learning rates and treatment outcome for children with autism receiving intensive home-based applied behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst Today, 7(1), 96-110.

 

Foundations of Psychology

Autistic Children Show Promise with Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention

It is important that autistic children get intervention early, according to some the earlier the better. The researcher read about early intensive behavioral intervention and wondered if it really helped autistic children. The objective of the research is to prove that Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention does help autistic children and the researcher expects to show that children involved in behavioral therapy do improve. The purpose of this research is to show that early intervention does help autistic children.

MethodOverviewThe researcher reread the four research articles to extract

information needed to do the research. Article one had 195 children with an average age of 60.5 months, the next article had 29 children with average age of 45.7 months. The third article was a complication of several studies the average age 45.6 with 124 children and the last study had 20 children and the average age 41.5. There no data given on the children’s I.Q.

ParticipantsThere were a total of 368 children involved in the study. All the

participants were from various part of the country and in different stages of development.

ProcedureIn all four studies the children were tested before the start of the

program and at the end of the program. All four used the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale for the start of study and the end of study. There were a variety of programs used; all were based on behavioral modification. There was a limitation to the research; the researcher had only the information in the four studies.

Measures A chart was made that listed the age of the children, the number of

hours per week and improvements made during treatment. The researcher totaled these lists and got an average; the average age was 49.45 months, the average number of hours in treatment each week was 31.75. The statistical analysis to be used is the repeated measures t-test. The number of children and the average age are the dependent variables, the hours of treatment the independent variable and the improvement is the control.

Data collection and AnalysisThe dropout rate in the program was small, about 16. All

participants made improvements, some showed great improvement and some slight. A majority of the children started regular classes did need aids in the classroom. It needs to be noted that all the children continued to show improvement even after the research had been collected.

EthicsThe researcher used human subjects that involve children and their

parents. An informed consent form was used and filled out by the parents. The consent form allowed the parents to know that any information they gave the researchers would remain confidential. Since the research is dealing with children with special needs and their parent that may be overprotective, the researchers had anyone that is participating in the study to sign a confidentiality form. Doing this would help the parent put aside their fear. There was no deception in the research design. The participants (parents) knew what the researchers were seeking. There was a problem with the ethical situation of not allowing all children to be part of the treatment there could be no control group.

 ReferencesGoin-Kochel, R., & et al. (June 2007). Early responsiveness to

intensive behavioral intervention predicts outcomes among preschool children with autism. International Journal of Disability, development and Education, 54(2), 151-175.

Hume, K., & et.al. (2005). The usage and perceived outcomes of early intervention and early childhood programs for young children with autism spectrum disorder. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 25(4), 195-207.

Kassari, Connie. (2002). Assessing change in early intervention programs for children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32(5), 447-461.

Weiss, M., & Delmolino, L. (2006). Relationship between early learning rates and treatment outcome for children with autism receiving intensive home-based applied behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst Today, 7(1), 96-110.

 

Foundations of Psychology

ParticipantsThere were a total of 368 children involved in the study. All the

participants were from various part of the country and in different stages of development.

ProcedureIn all four studies the children were tested before the start of the

program and at the end of the program. All four used the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale for the start of study and the end of study. There were a variety of programs used; all were based on behavioral modification. There was a limitation to the research; the researcher had only the information in the four studies.

Measures A chart was made that listed the age of the children, the number of

hours per week and improvements made during treatment. The researcher totaled these lists and got an average; the average age was 49.45 months, the average number of hours in treatment each week was 31.75. The statistical analysis to be used is the repeated measures t-test. The number of children and the average age are the dependent variables, the hours of treatment the independent variable and the improvement is the control.

Data collection and AnalysisThe dropout rate in the program was small, about 16. All

participants made improvements, some showed great improvement and some slight. A majority of the children started regular classes did need aids in the classroom. It needs to be noted that all the children continued to show improvement even after the research had been collected.

EthicsThe researcher used human subjects that involve children and their

parents. An informed consent form was used and filled out by the parents. The consent form allowed the parents to know that any information they gave the researchers would remain confidential. Since the research is dealing with children with special needs and their parent that may be overprotective, the researchers had anyone that is participating in the study to sign a confidentiality form. Doing this would help the parent put aside their fear. There was no deception in the research design. The participants (parents) knew what the researchers were seeking. There was a problem with the ethical situation of not allowing all children to be part of the treatment there could be no control group.

 

Foundations of Psychology

Data collection and AnalysisThe dropout rate in the program was small, about 16. All

participants made improvements, some showed great improvement and some slight. A majority of the children started regular classes did need aids in the classroom. It needs to be noted that all the children continued to show improvement even after the research had been collected.

EthicsThe researcher used human subjects that involve children and their

parents. An informed consent form was used and filled out by the parents. The consent form allowed the parents to know that any information they gave the researchers would remain confidential. Since the research is dealing with children with special needs and their parent that may be overprotective, the researchers had anyone that is participating in the study to sign a confidentiality form. Doing this would help the parent put aside their fear. There was no deception in the research design. The participants (parents) knew what the researchers were seeking. There was a problem with the ethical situation of not allowing all children to be part of the treatment there could be no control group.

 

Applied Psychology

Multimodal TreatmentPeter has been doing well. He is in a satellite living program and two

of his roommates are also in the program. He has had psychological testing done and he has been found to have bipolar I disorder and adult ADHD. He is not showing any signs of having a major personality disorder. It was feared that he was exhibiting signs of a personality disorder but it is now felt that he was just showing signs of bipolar I, ADHD, childhood abuse and neglect; plus Peter’s life style added to signs of a personality disorder.

Peter has been dually diagnosed as a substance abuser and having a mental disorder. At this present time he is seeing a specialist for his HIV, has been part of our diversion program and has been doing so well the diversion representative has told Peter he may terminated from the program soon and he is seeing a substance abuse counselor. He is doing well on the services he is receiving, more is needed.

Peter has been a substance abuser for a very long time. In order for him to remain clean, I believe he needs to stay in the satellite program while we work on his mental health issues. Having a diagnosis of bipolar I and ADHD will require him to be put on medication. It can take a while for some medications to work and sometimes takes some time to find the right one. If he is allowed to leave the program before a right balance can be found it may cause him to regress. He also needs to continue seeing a counselor for his emotional problems and this also needs to be done while he is still part of the satellite program. Getting the support of others in the program will help Peter gain a better understanding of himself.

Part of his dual diagnosis is his substance abuse, he will need to continue the twelve step program. He also needs to continue addressing the reasons for his drug abuse. He has never known a time when he was not on drugs, with the help the diversion program and the twelve step program I believe he can stay off the drugs. He has come a long way but I fear that if treatment is not continued he will revert back to drugs. His taking drugs could be a form of self medicating. He has been diagnosed with ADHD as a child and again as an adult. Taking some drugs such as amphetamines would help him focus better. If not allow to remain in the program he is liable to stop taking medication because he thinks he does not need it and before you know it he is back on drugs.

He also needs to continue seeing the specialist for his HIV. He displayed anger at contracting the virus so he needs to see a counselor that specializes in HIV. The counselor can help him come to terms with the disease and how to live a healthful life to keep the virus in check. Again if he is not allowed to continue the program he may revert to his old life style.

I would also like to recommend an occupational therapist. Peter has never lived a clean life so he is basically starting life over. An occupational therapist will be able to help Peter enhance any skills he may have plus teach him new skills never learned. This could be something simple as dressing in an appropriate way or social skills he never learned. Learning these new skills will help him keep his new clean and sober life.

Peter’s aftercare therapist would like to continue as his therapist and would also like to continue as his substance abuse counselor and aftercare counselor. I find this to be a good idea. First off the therapist already knows Peter so there would be no awkward getting to know one another period. He respects the therapist. He would only have to see one therapist instead of two. These are the pluses for him to continue as Peter’s therapist.

On the negative side, having one counselor for substance abuse and aftercare plus mental health could be confusing for Peter, where does one end and the other begin. Having one therapist may cause Peter to start thinking of him as a friend and forget there are boundaries. The therapist may not be well versed in all of Peter’s needs. Peter’s needs are both physical and mental can the therapist handle this for the long haul. Having one counselor may cause problems with other residents. Being both the psychotherapist and case manager could be overwhelming, the therapist handle it.

Applied PsychologyHaving a diagnosis of bipolar I and ADHD will require him to be put

on medication. It can take a while for some medications to work and sometimes takes some time to find the right one. If he is allowed to leave the program before a right balance can be found it may cause him to regress. He also needs to continue seeing a counselor for his emotional problems and this also needs to be done while he is still part of the satellite program. Getting the support of others in the program will help Peter gain a better understanding of himself.

Part of his dual diagnosis is his substance abuse, he will need to continue the twelve step program. He also needs to continue addressing the reasons for his drug abuse. He has never known a time when he was not on drugs, with the help the diversion program and the twelve step program I believe he can stay off the drugs. He has come a long way but I fear that if treatment is not continued he will revert back to drugs. His taking drugs could be a form of self medicating. He has been diagnosed with ADHD as a child and again as an adult. Taking some drugs such as amphetamines would help him focus better. If not allow to remain in the program he is liable to stop taking medication because he thinks he does not need it and before you know it he is back on drugs.

He also needs to continue seeing the specialist for his HIV. He displayed anger at contracting the virus so he needs to see a counselor that specializes in HIV. The counselor can help him come to terms with the disease and how to live a healthful life to keep the virus in check. Again if he is not allowed to continue the program he may revert to his old life style.

I would also like to recommend an occupational therapist. Peter has never lived a clean life so he is basically starting life over. An occupational therapist will be able to help Peter enhance any skills he may have plus teach him new skills never learned. This could be something simple as dressing in an appropriate way or social skills he never learned. Learning these new skills will help him keep his new clean and sober life.

Peter’s aftercare therapist would like to continue as his therapist and would also like to continue as his substance abuse counselor and aftercare counselor. I find this to be a good idea. First off the therapist already knows Peter so there would be no awkward getting to know one another period. He respects the therapist. He would only have to see one therapist instead of two. These are the pluses for him to continue as Peter’s therapist.

On the negative side, having one counselor for substance abuse and aftercare plus mental health could be confusing for Peter, where does one end and the other begin. Having one therapist may cause Peter to start thinking of him as a friend and forget there are boundaries. The therapist may not be well versed in all of Peter’s needs. Peter’s needs are both physical and mental can the therapist handle this for the long haul. Having one counselor may cause problems with other residents. Being both the psychotherapist and case manager could be overwhelming, the therapist handle it.

Applies Psychology

He also needs to continue seeing the specialist for his HIV. He displayed anger at contracting the virus so he needs to see a counselor that specializes in HIV. The counselor can help him come to terms with the disease and how to live a healthful life to keep the virus in check. Again if he is not allowed to continue the program he may revert to his old life style.

I would also like to recommend an occupational therapist. Peter has never lived a clean life so he is basically starting life over. An occupational therapist will be able to help Peter enhance any skills he may have plus teach him new skills never learned. This could be something simple as dressing in an appropriate way or social skills he never learned. Learning these new skills will help him keep his new clean and sober life.

Peter’s aftercare therapist would like to continue as his therapist and would also like to continue as his substance abuse counselor and aftercare counselor. I find this to be a good idea. First off the therapist already knows Peter so there would be no awkward getting to know one another period. He respects the therapist. He would only have to see one therapist instead of two. These are the pluses for him to continue as Peter’s therapist.

On the negative side, having one counselor for substance abuse and aftercare plus mental health could be confusing for Peter, where does one end and the other begin. Having one therapist may cause Peter to start thinking of him as a friend and forget there are boundaries. The therapist may not be well versed in all of Peter’s needs. Peter’s needs are both physical and mental can the therapist handle this for the long haul. Having one counselor may cause problems with other residents. Being both the psychotherapist and case manager could be overwhelming, the therapist handle it.

Applies Psychology

On the negative side, having one counselor for substance abuse and aftercare plus mental health could be confusing for Peter, where does one end and the other begin. Having one therapist may cause Peter to start thinking of him as a friend and forget there are boundaries. The therapist may not be well versed in all of Peter’s needs. Peter’s needs are both physical and mental can the therapist handle this for the long haul. Having one counselor may cause problems with other residents. Being both the psychotherapist and case manager could be overwhelming, the therapist handle it.

Interpersonal EffectivenessA Letter to my ChildrenTo my darling children;This is possibly the hardest letter I will ever write. You need to know

where I am in my life right now and how you fit in. As you know, I have been in rehab for the last year. I know you think that my sobriety will not last as has happened in the past. You may be right but only time will tell, no one knows what tomorrow is going to be. I have learned this past year to take it one day at a time.

I have a great amount of guilt that I need to work through. Guilt for what I have done to you, your father and to me. I have been without you for the past year and have lost custody of you. You have to know that you children have kept me from totally losing myself in alcohol (Phoenix House). Every day I think of you and would say to myself that I am getting sober for you. I cannot think that way because if I never get you back or if you do not want to see me it could cause me to relapse. I had to get sober for myself and I believe I have. You kids are an added bonus. To help keep my mind from booze I have taken up knitting, it keeps my hands busy and the bonus is I have made something for someone else.

I feel as a parent that I am a failure. I will try to make this up to you by working at being the best parent I can be (Phoenix House). You kids need to know that while in rehab I have taken some parenting classes. So with your father’s help, I will try to keep playing one parent against the other down. To me this is important because I do not want you to end up like me. You are the most important thing to me so I will do everything I can to make sure you are the best person you know how to be. I wish I could change what has happened but I can’t. I hope that the future will be bright and the best for all of us.

I do not know what is going to happen but we can get through it together. We can sit down together and discuss the best road to follow. It is important that we talk to one another. If you are angry with me I need to know so that we can talk about it. I know that you may be afraid that if you do I may start to drink again. This could happen but if we work together the chances of this happening are slim. I have done my share of damage to this family. In order to correct the damage and make sure it does not happen again we have to talk to one another (Miller, 2005).

I know that right now you do not trust me. Right now I do not know if I can trust myself which is why I take one day at a time. Trust is something that I will have to earn and hopefully I will. To help me remain sober I will be joining Alcoholic Anonymous when I leave rehab for the support I will need. There is a group for teens called Ala-Teen that I would like you to join, this will help you to understand me and what has happened.

I would like to hear from you. I want to know how you feel right now so that if I have trouble processing it a therapist is here to help me. I know that you are angry with me and I do not blame you. I also get angry with myself for what I have done. Staying angry does not help which is why I suggest writing it is a great way to get the anger out. Together we can get rid of our anger and begin again.

I look forward to hearing from you. You need to remember that I love you and I always will.

Love alwaysYour mother 

I feel as a parent that I am a failure. I will try to make this up to you by working at being the best parent I can be (Phoenix House). You kids need to know that while in rehab I have taken some parenting classes. So with your father’s help, I will try to keep playing one parent against the other down. To me this is important because I do not want you to end up like me. You are the most important thing to me so I will do everything I can to make sure you are the best person you know how to be. I wish I could change what has happened but I can’t. I hope that the future will be bright and the best for all of us.

I do not know what is going to happen but we can get through it together. We can sit down together and discuss the best road to follow. It is important that we talk to one another. If you are angry with me I need to know so that we can talk about it. I know that you may be afraid that if you do I may start to drink again. This could happen but if we work together the chances of this happening are slim. I have done my share of damage to this family. In order to correct the damage and make sure it does not happen again we have to talk to one another (Miller, 2005).

I know that right now you do not trust me. Right now I do not know if I can trust myself which is why I take one day at a time. Trust is something that I will have to earn and hopefully I will. To help me remain sober I will be joining Alcoholic Anonymous when I leave rehab for the support I will need. There is a group for teens called Ala-Teen that I would like you to join, this will help you to understand me and what has happened.

I would like to hear from you. I want to know how you feel right now so that if I have trouble processing it a therapist is here to help me. I know that you are angry with me and I do not blame you. I also get angry with myself for what I have done. Staying angry does not help which is why I suggest writing it is a great way to get the anger out. Together we can get rid of our anger and begin again.

I look forward to hearing from you. You need to remember that I love you and I always will.

Love alwaysYour mother 

I know that right now you do not trust me. Right now I do not know if I can trust myself which is why I take one day at a time. Trust is something that I will have to earn and hopefully I will. To help me remain sober I will be joining Alcoholic Anonymous when I leave rehab for the support I will need. There is a group for teens called Ala-Teen that I would like you to join, this will help you to understand me and what has happened.

I would like to hear from you. I want to know how you feel right now so that if I have trouble processing it a therapist is here to help me. I know that you are angry with me and I do not blame you. I also get angry with myself for what I have done. Staying angry does not help which is why I suggest writing it is a great way to get the anger out. Together we can get rid of our anger and begin again.

I look forward to hearing from you. You need to remember that I love you and I always will.

Love alwaysYour mother 

My Future in Learning

You should never stop learning. In any field or endeavor new ideas or treatments are heard. In order to help the people that I want to help I will have to continue my education through extra college classes or through CEU’s or even through classes offered on a local level.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. rainbowshotstuff@yahoo.com