The following information is related to the mock session-

My client is a 39-year-old African American male. He has experienced death with his mother 4 years ago but has not grieved until recently. He has a brother, two daughters, and a girlfriend that is nearest to him but he struggles with not having someone to express his feelings with. My client’s mother passed 4 years ago around the holidays which my client believes is the reason he is down, but he also expressed that he fears everyone around him will leave him and die. My client is struggling because he does not understand why after 4 years is he just beginning to feel the emotions of depression and anxiety.

            My client’s chief complaint was of a sudden onset of grief related to his mothers passing four years ago. He also expressed some feelings of loneliness and feeling as though his family also may pass. Initially, this client blamed much of his grief on the time of the year reminding him of his mother. Through further conversation, he revealed that he also was worried about his father’s health. This may also be related to his feelings of desertion. The client also showed some symptoms of stress related to his responsibility with children and paying bills.

Some adjustments I made throughout the conversation included funneling the topic to identifying the root cause of his grief. Several times during the conversation, the client referred to his mothers passing as “leaving”. He also referred to others “leaving” him as well. I reminded the client that it was important for him to understand his loved ones are not leaving him and his feelings of dissertation should be explored. 

We also explored his options for family and support. He mentioned a willingness to connect with family in California but did not know how. I issued an assignment for the client to contact one family member and report back the results. The long-term goal will be for the client to connect with one family member and maintain a relationship for several months.

Some additional considerations include grief counseling and relationship building advice. The client should receive long term counseling for grief. If the initial cause of Grief is not dealt with, the problem could potentially lead to issues with depression and alcohol abuse. The client’s assessment form did show a family history of substance abuse. Also, the client may have emotional stress behind a prior relationship, but he declined to comment on the subject.