Case Studies relating to adolescence

The case of Alex

Alex, a 17 year old student, faces bullying after coming out as gay at his small town high school, where he is the first one in his school to come out. Classmates mock Alex's sexuality and starts spreading rumors about who he likes, which has lead to social isolation and withdrawal from group activities. Viewed through Vygotsky’s sociocultural perspective, Alex’s development is shaped by these interactions among his peers and creates a negative environment. The bullying restricts Alex from healthy identity formation and sense of belonging. Alex has found that his english teacher has been supportive of him and has offered support or conversation for Alex many times.

Alex's best friend, Robert, has been supportive as well for the most part. But since rumors have started spreading that Alex and Robert are a couple, Robert has been pulling away from Alex at school and lessening his interactions with him, as Robert does not want this to affect his reputation on the football team. Alex is not only facing this struggle, but is starting to face alone now that his best friend has been starting to ignore him. Alex is curious of how to handle the bullying aspects, but also wondering how he can save his best friend from it as well.

What are some counseling techniques that can be used here?
- It would be important for Alex to seek therapy and with this cognitive behavioral therapy and reframing may help support Alex in any negative thoughts he may be having from the bullying. CBT would also help support Alex in building his coping strategies as well.

- Another great thing for Alex to attempt to find an LGBTQ+ support group where Alex can feel seen and heard, but also allow for him to hear from others who may have gone through similar situations and how this may support him in seeking advice about how to handle his situation at school.

The Case of Maria

Maria is a 22 year old college student in her senior year at a big university. She was previously a strong student, but this last semester her grades have declined. She has begun failing most of her classes, skipping lectures, and avoiding her assignments all together. Maria has recently started coming to therapy sessions as of two weeks ago. She reports increased alcohol consumption and frequent marijuana use. She also reports that these behaviors have escalated as coping mechanisms for stress relating to her academics, pressure from family expectations, and feelings of isolation. She describes drinking and smoking as ways to avoid thinking about her academic struggles and a way of "numbing the pain" in her words. She states that she is not like herself anymore and is feeling lost and like she is going down the wrong path.

Maria is in the stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation when it comes to Erikson's Psychological stages of development. Her struggles with identity are resurfacing due to academic failure and how she feels she is not like herself anymore. Substance use brings about feelings of isolation which is preventing her from forming healthy, supportive relationships during this important time in her life and stage of development.

As Maria's therapist, I would want to conduct some motivational interviewing to help gain an understanding as to why and how the substance and alcohol use came about, but also to help motivate her to change these behaviors in a positive manner. I think it's important for not only to support Maria in seeking social support in friends, but also seeking academic support in studying groups but also other supports on campus as well. Academic supports will help Maria get back on track and maybe help her seek the motivation she may need to finish out her senior year.