Wk11 Discussion 2 Project
Wk11 Discussion 2 Project
Please no plagiarism and make sure you are able to access all resource on your own. One of the references must come from Broderick and Blewitt (2015). My assigned family is Jeong.
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Discussion 2: Death and Dying
It is useless for me to describe to you how terrible Violet, Klaus, and even Sunny felt in the time that followed. If you have ever lost someone very important to you, then you already know how it feels, and if you haven’t, you cannot possibly imagine it.
—Lemony Snicket, A Series of Unfortunate Events
Counselors must understand and prepare for the life-changing decisions and reactions that may accompany a client’s process of transition and adjustment during times of grief. In addition, identifying how personality, family dynamics, and particularly culture might impact each client is crucial when working with grieving families. Failure to make conscious connections with cultural boundaries and beliefs during this time can lead to further emotional distress for and among family members.
Consider for a moment, the culture of the Hmong, a people originally from various mountainous regions of Asia who immigrated in droves to the United States seeking refuge from the mid 1960s through the 1990s. For as far back as records indicate, the Hmong have viewed the human body as a vessel in which the spirit lives. When the body dies, the spirit leaves the body and traces one’s life back to its place of birth. To start the spirit on its journey, the Hmong employ a specific process that is to be carried out during one’s passing. This ceremony contrasts that of Western medical proceedings and can therefore cause a rift between cultures during this fragile time.
Similarly, many other cultures have distinct perceptions about using Western medicine and technology to lengthen life. As a counselor, how might you proactively support a family experiencing the many internal challenges related to grieving as well as those caused by external factors?
To complete this Discussion, review the case study presented at the end of Chapter 15 of The Life Span. As you read this case study, consider the emotional and behavioral reactions of each family member as he or she copes with the decline and eventual death of Victor, the family patriarch.
Post by Day 4 an explanation of the factors driving each family member’s individual reaction to terminal illness and death. Then, explain two healthy coping strategies for this family system. Include developmental, resiliency, and cultural influences on coping with loss. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.
Please note that in order to complete this discussion, you must review the case study at the end of Chapter 15 of the B&B text (p. 518). Your objectives for this assignment are:
1) an explanation of the factors driving each family member’s individual reaction to terminal illness and death
2) explain two healthy coping strategies for this family system (include developmental, resiliency, and cultural influences on coping with loss)
Your main discussion post should include citations to the text as well as at least one or two additional resources from this week. You have been provided with quite a few choices this week, many of which address the topic of loss, death or the related cultural practices. It’s important to include multiple resources in your work, and to demonstrate critical thinking and analysis in your response.
Remember to create an outline prior to drafting your post. Be sure to address all objectives, and to include an introduction and a summary.
As you consider your own views on this topic, please also reflect on the following:
— Why is a discussion of death and its meaning vital to your training as a counselor?
— How might your own views of death and dying influence your work with clients?
— What influences in your own development directly and indirectly affected the way in which you view, cope with, and respond to death?
— Are there cultural or personal traditions that you have associated with death? How and why are these meaningful to you?
Readings
· Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping professionals (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
o Chapter 15, “Gains and Losses in Late Adulthood” (pp. 556-596)
· Bielak, A. A. M., Anstey, K. J., Christensen, H., & Windsor, T. D. (2012). Activity engagement is related to level, but not change in cognitive ability across adulthood. Psychology and Aging, 27(1), 219–228.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Bowling, A, (2007). Aspirations for older age in the 21st century: What is successful aging? The International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 64(3), 263–297.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Davis, C. S. (2008). A funeral liturgy: Death rituals as symbolic communication. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 13(5), 406–421.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Hemmingson, M. (2009). Anthropology of the memorial: Observations and reflections on American cultural rituals associated with death. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 10(3), 1–13.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Lowis, M. J., Edwards, A. C., & Burton, M. (2009). Coping with retirement: Wellbeing, health, and religion. Journal of Psychology, 143(4), 427–448.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Ong, A. D., Bergeman, C. S., & Boker, S. M. (2009). Resilience comes of age: Defining features in later adulthood. Journal of Personality, 77(6), 1777–1804.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Schoulte, J. C. (2011). Bereavement among African Americans and Latino/a Americans. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 33(1), 11–20.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Wang, M., Henkens, K., & van Solinge, H. (2011). Retirement adjustment: A review of theoretical and empirical advancements. The American Psychologist, 66(3), 204–213.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
· Kaplan, D. (2008). End of life care for terminally ill clients. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2008/06/ct-online-ethics-update-3/
· Kennedy, A. (2008). Working through grief. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2008/01/working-through-grief/
· National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. (2013). End of life issues. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/endoflifeissues.html
· Rudow, H. (2012). The bereaved at greater risk of heart attack after loss. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2012/01/the-bereaved-at-greater-risk-of-heart-attack-after-loss/
Media
· Laureate Education (Producer). (2013d). Late adulthood [Video file]. Retrieved from CDN Files Database. (COUN 6215/COUN 8215/HUMN 8215)
This week, you will revisit your assigned client family for the final time in this course. Before watching this media, take time to reflect on all that you have learned about this family. Then, examine the new information given on this week’s featured family member, aged 65 or older. Wk11 Discussion 2 Project
Note: Please click on the following link for the transcript: Transcript (PDF).
· Laureate Education (Producer). (2013j). Perspectives: The golden years [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes.
This week’s presenter discusses the physical and cognitive changes experienced by older adults. The presenter offers counseling approaches and considerations for this age range.
Accessible player –Downloads– Download Video w/CC Download Audio Download Transcript
The following document gives credit for Laureate-produced media in this course: Credits (PDF)
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COUN_6215_wk11_programtranscript.pdf
© 2013 Laureate Education, Inc. 1
“Late Adulthood” Program Transcript
Instructions:
Post by Day 4 a description of two developmental factors that impact late adulthood. Explain how these factors might impact emotional and psychological well-being. Then, describe a protective factor that could optimize the older adult’s health and resilience. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.
Respond by Day 7 to at least two of your colleagues using one or more of the following approaches:
Select a colleague who was assigned a different client than you. Suggest at least one counseling goal or strategy he or she might use to support the health and resilience of the older adult.
Select a colleague who was assigned the same client as you. Contrast your conceptualizations of the client’s developmental factors and state of well-being.
[Martinez Family]
General Background:
The Martinez family consists of Miguel, Jeannette, Gabby, Tommy, and Christina (the adopted daughter of Jeannette’s cousin).
The family’s ethnicity is Hispanic, and both Miguel and Jeannette come from very large extended families—many of whom live in the area.
They are Seventh-Day Adventists who are very involved in their church; they both hold leadership positions in the church and attend services multiple times each week. Wk11 Discussion 2 Project
Presenting Issues:
It’s been over 10 years since the Martinez family lost their home and friends in the tornado, and the family is doing well.
Miguel (70) and Jeannette (72) live in a small home in the area now, and the children have remained close by.
Gabby (42) is married with two children (ages 15 and 10) and works as an office manager at a large doctors’ practice.
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Christina (35) is married with three children (ages 10, 6, and 4). She is a full-time mom.
Tommy (29) is engaged to a woman he met while living in a transitional adult community for individuals with Down syndrome. He works as a production assistant at a large non-profit organization.
The extended family spends holidays and children’s birthdays together, and Jeannette often helps out with childcare for both of her daughters’ children.
Miguel and Jeannette have come to see you seeking some guidance in resolving what Jeannette calls “Miguel’s late-life crisis.” She shares that she is very content with her life right now and with the routine that goes along with it. She adds that she feels like she’s “earned” this period in her life, where she can enjoy her grandchildren, be available for Tommy if he needs her, and “finally relax a little.”
Jeannette also adds that she has always had a vision of her “golden years” to include lazy days on a front porch rocking chair, watching grandkids and sipping iced tea—unlike Miguel, who she claims is trying to “regain his long-lost youth.”
Miguel responds to this by saying that he loves his wife very much and appreciates her vision of “old age,” but he doesn’t think he is “old” yet. He tells you that they are finally in a place where they can go where they want and do as they please, but Jeannette never wants to do anything.
Miguel also shares that all of his children were a blessing, but being a parent was very hard and very draining, and he wants to have their time now. He wants to travel and to try things he’s never tried before—like skydiving. Jeannette rolls her eyes at this and claims that Miguel “just can’t accept getting old.”
[Reeves Family]
General Background:
The Reeves family consists of Lucas, John, Justin, and Emme. Lucas’ wife, Anne, left him and the children shortly after Emme was born.
The family is Caucasian and of mixed European ethnic descent.
Their faith is Protestant, although Lucas notes that they do not attend church regularly.
Lucas also shares that the he has no family in the area to help him with the children, and he often feels overwhelmed. Wk11 Discussion 2 Project
Presenting Issues:
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It’s been a couple years since you last saw Lucas.
Lucas’ father moved in with the family shortly after Lucas’ mother passed away following a battle with cancer. Lucas asked his dad to move in with the family so his father would not be alone, but also so he could help out with Lucas’ children.
Jacob (or “Grandpa Jake” as everyone calls him) is 68 years old and has been retired for several years. Jake comes to see you at Lucas’ insistence and tells you immediately that he thinks counseling is “a bunch of hooey…no disrespect intended.” He tells you that just because he’s forgotten a few things here and there, Lucas is “all up in arms” and worried that something is wrong with Jake. He also admits that he’s “been a little moody lately” but adds that “[He’s] old – [he’s] allowed to be!” and chuckles.
Jake tells you of a recent incident in which he and Lucas “got into it a bit” over Jake’s accusation that John, his grandson, stole a book out of his room. Jake tells you that John was the only one who would have taken it, and Lucas is just covering for his son. He goes on a short tangent about Lucas’ lenient parenting and says that it wasn’t the first time something like that has happened.
While he speaks, you note that Jake refers to the table in your office as a chair and refers to Emme as “Ella.” You do not share these observations with Jake, instead validating his concerns and frustrations.
As you chat more with Jake in an effort to get to know him, you ask casual questions about his late wife—Jake’s answers are inconsistent and he seems confused when answering. He suddenly becomes uncomfortable and asks when the session will be over.
[Jeong Family]
General Background:
The Jeong family consists of Kimball (“Kim,” a physician), Meg (a nurse), Steven, Kelsey, and Joey.
The family is of Korean descent and describes themselves as “very Americanized.”
They are Christian Buddhists and embrace their faith strongly.
Both Kim’s and Meg’s extended families live within about an hour of the Jeongs, providing the family with both support and unsolicited advice. Wk11 Discussion 2 Project
Presenting Issues:
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Kelsey is now 65 years old.
Following her difficult divorce from Jin, Kelsey struggled for a while but eventually found a niche for herself by creating an online craft supplies company. The company expanded into digital products and services and became very successful.
At this point, Kelsey works few hours, as she has hired people to work for her and run the day-to-day operations of the company. Kelsey remains the CEO but enjoys a lifestyle she calls “every person’s dream”—she travels frequently and remains very active. In fact, she is training for a masters sprint triathlon, about which she is very excited. She shares that just this past weekend she learned how to surf with her “new beau.”
She sighs a bit at this last part, and the mood turns sullen. Kelsey shares that she has been having conflicts with her daughters recently, as they do not approve of her “lifestyle.” The girls do not think it’s “proper” for her mother to date much younger men or to be “globetrotting” around all the time. They have told Kelsey that she pushes herself too hard and does not take proper care of her body.
Kelsey denies this and tells you, “Yes, I know my bones are a bit brittle and my joints a bit weak, and maybe my eyesight isn’t what it used to be…but I am going to live life while I still have it!”
She is disappointed that her girls do not understand this and wishes they were more supportive. Kelsey also shares that the girls don’t seem to judge their father, who at 68 is coaching his 10-year-old son’s soccer team (“Can you believe that?” she asks rhetorically, “His grandkids are older than his son!!”).
Kesley also shares with you that she enjoys a very active sex life, which her daughters think is appalling (“I think they are jealous!” she says). Kelsey does admit that she has a few concerns in the relationship arena, including how to maintain her sex drive and how to compensate for some of the biological changes she has experienced without “killing the mood.”
You continue to gather information about Kelsey’s present concerns and experiences and ask her what she specifically wants you to help her with. She responds, “I want to figure out how to make my girls respect me, my choices, and my life.” Wk11 Discussion 2 Project
[Crane Family]
General Background:
The Crane family consists of Carol, Hunter, and Olivia.
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Carol is a single mother living in the inner city under very poor conditions. Although she has a job, she barely makes ends meet. She cannot afford good food, nor can she afford to live in a safer area. She currently lives in a subsidized housing development.
The family is Caucasian, of European descent, and agnostic.
Presenting Issues:
Carol is now 67 years old and is facing retirement. She has come to see you because she feels “lost” as she faces this transition.
For the past 20 years, Carol has been working for a local healthcare system and has worked her way up to the Director of Community Outreach. She feels good about her success but acknowledges that—because it came later in life—she is not well prepared financially for her retirement. She also notes that she “has no idea what [she] will do with her time” once she is no longer working every day.
Carol is divorced now, as well; she was married for about 8 years to a man she describes as “a kind man, but a mistake for me.” She shares that she never intended to grow old alone, and with the children and grandchildren living far away, she is often lonely.
Carol sighs and states, “Sometimes I just wonder what my purpose on this Earth is.”
[Anderson Family]
General Background:
The Anderson family consists of grandparents Ernie and Audrey, Jamal (diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder), Marcus, and Artesia.
Ernie and Audrey gained custody of their three grandchildren after their daughter and her husband were killed in a car accident. Their daughter and her husband— the parents of the children—had been living with them prior to the accident, as they had fallen on hard times after both parents lost their jobs and subsequently had to give up their home.
The family is African American, Southern Baptist, and very involved in their church.
Presenting Issues:
Audrey (now 72) has come to see you at her grandchildren’s insistence, following the sudden loss of Ernie.
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Two months ago, Ernie passed away from complications following a massive heart attack. Audrey has not been sleeping or eating well and rarely leaves the house. Her grandchildren are very worried about her, although Audrey insists she just misses Ernie and is doing fine. Wk11 Discussion 2 Project
She tells you that it helps to know that her grandchildren are happy and healthy, and she enjoys the pictures of the great-grandchildren that they send her on a regular basis. Audrey wishes that her grandchildren and their families lived closer, but she understands that they “have their own families now.”
As you chat with Audrey, you also learn that her two closest friends—long-time confidants and fellow church members—also passed away within the last year.
Audrey sighs and says, “Sure, I’m lonely, but I know I will be with Ernie and my Holy Father soon.”