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1. Johnny Jones is a 15 year old African American male who is referred to you du

ID: 3484559 • Letter: 1

Question

1. Johnny Jones is a 15 year old African American male who is referred to you due to behavioral concerns. Johnny comes from Paterson, New Jersey, and is currently living with and being raised by a single mom. Previously, he witnessed his father hitting his mother on several occasions and, as a result, his father was removed from the house via a court order. Johnny has recently become more argumentative and dismissive to both his teachers and his mother. He recently threw a plate at the headmaster's head in the cafeteria after being confronted for skipping the lunch line. Johnny is also failing several classes and is on the verge of being dismissed from school. Using the examples we discussed in class, explain Johnny's current psychological state. How would you help his teachers deal with his behavior? Lastly, how would you help Johnny become more vulnerable therapeutically? How does this help?

Explanation / Answer

Nature and Nurture are two important facets of life. The environment at home, school and other surroundings of the child play a very important role in shaping and moulding the child. The tempraments of the parents too is an important factor to decide the course of the childs behaviour.

From the above case study, it is clearly seen that Johnny Jones had a violent and aggressive environment with an impulsive father. The very crux of the issue is that he is clearly frustrated, distrubed, and feel left out. The absence of the the father clearly shows the fragmented family dynamic which is a clear indicator of the presence of his impulsivistic behaviour.

In such a case, one of the effective therpay that can be used is the Rogers' Self Centered Therapy, which focuses on Unconditional Positive regard and acceptance. Johhny wants to be felt that he is also an important member in every affairs in the school and at home. The lack of acceptance, the broken attitude, and his impulsive behavior has to be addressed in terms of acceptance and be provided a space to vent out all of his emotions, a process called as Emotional Catharsis. This particualr therapy not only makes him vulnerable but also try to induce a sense of purpose within him. A behavioral therapy, focusing on reinfocements and punishments can also be used to counter his implusive behaviors and a Cognitive Behavioral therapy could be used to help him come out of the distroted thought process that may be a blockage for his right attitude.

It is important that teachers do take into account of his background and having the teacher to have a single session with him would make him feel that teachers are interested in His growth, but it does not mean that teachers can be partial, let the teachers be little authoritative yet understanding. This would help him grow on par with other students in the class making him feel normal.