How would you engage them?

Respond to Krystal Kelly :
Describe your preparation and plan for a family session with Sara and Stephanie Parker. Specifically, what questions would you ask the family and why? How would you engage them? What kind of conflict or dynamic might you anticipate based on the case?
In preparation for the family session, I would start off by introducing myself and letting Sara and Stephanie know that I was sent out to see them by the APS social worker from the Day program that Sara attends. I would have the family session with both of them together so that they can hear each other’s concerns or feelings about what is going on. I would just have spoken to them one at a time and asked them questions directly to get them involved in the family session. I might anticipate arguing back and forth due to disagreements from what each other has said.
I would first start off by asking Sara to give me more information about the concerns that she mentioned to the social worker from the Day Program so I can get a clear understanding of the reasons for her concerns with Stephanie.
Then I will ask Stephanie how she feels about the statements that Sara has made about her to the social worker.
Next, I would ask Sara when the did hoarding start and why? Then I would ask her the purpose behind hoarding these items.
I would ask Sara how does it make her feel that Stephanie is throwing out her stuff to declutter the house?
I would have Stephanie tell Sara the purpose behind her throwing out Sara’s belongings
I would ask Stephanie if she is even asking Sara if the items she’s throwing out are okay for her to get rid of or if is she just throwing out stuff without asking her. I would ask this question because this could be the main reason why Sara is made about Stephanie throwing out belongings without discussing them with her.
I would then ask Stephanie to tell me about her relationship with her mother before the hoarding began up until now
Then I would ask Sara the same question to tell me about her relationship with Stephanie before the hoarding up until now to better understand their family dynamics.
I would want to know if Sara has any other children and if so how are her relationship with them and I would ask Stephanie how is her relationship with her siblings if she has other siblings to get an understanding of why Stephanie is living with her mother and not on her own and to also she if she is getting help with taking care of Sara or she doing it on her own.
Respond Second Post Nakesha Heaggins
Describe your preparation and plan for a family session with Sara and Stephanie Parker. Specifically, what questions would you ask the family and why? How would you engage them? What kind of conflict or dynamic might you anticipate based on the case?
Group therapy is a form of treatment in which emotionally disturbed persons are placed in a group, guided by a therapist for the purpose of helping individuals to bring a change in them. Within the group, each member can explore how childhood experiences contributed to personality and behaviors. In which they learn how to avoid triggers and destructive behaviors. Group therapy aims to bring about reduction in symptoms such as negative symptoms, poor motivation, as well as improvement in social functioning, better adjustment and improved interpersonal relationship skills (Ezhumalai, et al, 2018).
With the case study of the Parker, the first thing I would do would be to read the APS referral or coordinate with the APS social worker to gain more insight about the family and the necessary concerns that warranted the APS call. When speaking to Stephane and Sarah, I would let them know my specific role and why I was put in place to work with the family. I would speak to the family about their relationship, family dynamic, family history and supports. This filters good conversation to gain information, and both should begin comfortable sharing intimate details with one another. The provider should aim to resolve disruptive conflict and encourage patients to develop strong and personal relationships with one another. The reinforcement of goals and the purpose of the group can help bring patients together (Malhotra, 2022).
Resolving conflicts between Sarah and Stephanie, is important with getting to the root cause of some of their issues. I would encourage active and honest communication about their feelings as well as discuss the physical and mental needs of both Sarah and Stephanie. Also, I would speak to the Sarah and Stephanie about what they want to change to improve the situation using the “miracle question.”
References
Ezhumalai, S., Muralidhar, D., Dhanasekarapandian R., & Nikketha, B. S. (2018). Group interventions. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60, S514–S521. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_42_18
Malhotra A, Baker J. Group Therapy. [Updated 2022 Jun 11]. In: Stat Pearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Stat Pearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-