Case Study Overview

Mary Anne, an 18-year-old Hispanic female, presents with comorbid opioid use disorder (OUD) and non-suicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID). Admitted voluntarily to a women’s treatment facility offering equine-assisted counseling (EAC), Mary Anne initially concealed her self-harming behavior. However, during EAC sessions, the horse facilitated her honesty about her self-harm tendencies. This case underscores the importance of cultural considerations and best practices in treatment.

Cultural Differences

Relevant Biases

1. Struggle with Patience: Patience is crucial in allowing the therapeutic process to unfold between the client and the horse. Attending multicultural Gestalt technique trainings can enhance understanding of client-centered therapy across cultures.

2. Age as a Barrier: Age should not be viewed as a barrier to long-term recovery. Engaging with research on NSSID and young adults, seeking supervision, and continuous learning are essential for addressing biases related to age.

Best Practices

• Working With a Hispanic Female: Establishing trust is paramount, considering potential conflicts with cultural beliefs (Moitinho et al., 2015).

• Working With an 18-year-old: Early prevention and intervention coupled with respect and authenticity are vital for building rapport (Colizzi et al., 2020).

• Working With a Client in Treatment: Emphasize empathy, clear communication, and respect to foster a therapeutic alliance (SAMHSA, 2020).

• Working With a Client That is Still Medicating: Understanding the complexity of self-harming behaviors and seeking consultation to enhance competency (Gulbas et al., 2015).

Conclusionary Statement

Understanding the client’s cultural background and issues, addressing personal biases, and demonstrating multicultural competency are integral to effective treatment approaches.

References

Carter (2016). Reflecting Humanity: Biological, Psychological, and Sociological Perspectives – Capella University (2nd Edition). Kendall Hunt Publishing.

Colizzi, M., Lasalvia, A. & Ruggeri, M. (2020). Prevention and early intervention in youth mental health: is it time for a multidisciplinary and trans-diagnostic model for care?. Int J Ment Health Syst 14, 23.

PSY FPX 5110 Assessment 2 Multicultural In- Service on Addiction, Biases, & Ethics: A Case Study

Gulbas, L. E., Hausmann-Stabile, C., De Luca, S. M., Tyler, T. R., & Zayas, L. H. (2015). An exploratory study of nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidal behaviors in adolescent Latinas. The American journal of orthopsychiatry, 85(4), 302–314.

Moitinho, E., Garzon, F., Freyre, F., & Davila, Z. (2015). Best Practices for Counseling Hispanic/Latino Clients. Presentation at the American Association of Christian Counseling World Conference, Nashville, TN.

Pegasus ECT (2017). EAC packet: Pegasus Model of EAC and EAT and Orientation. [PDF].

PSY FPX 5110 Assessment 2 Multicultural In- Service on Addiction, Biases, & Ethics: A Case Study

Salter, B., & C. Salter (2018). The politics of ageing: Health consumers, markets and hegemonic challenge. Sociology of Health & Illness (40)6, 1069–1086.