Vargas Case Study: Session 2

Elizabeth arrives on time with Frank and Heidi for the second session. Elizabeth appears

somewhat frazzled and tells you that she had just heard from Bob who said he would be “a little

late” because he “lost track of time.” You note Elizabeth’s frustration, which she confirms by

saying this is “typical.” She proceeds to share that she feels “completely disregarded,” especially

after having shared with Bob the night before how important these sessions are to her. You

 

notice that Heidi seems upset as well and looks as if she has been crying. You ask her how her

day is going, and she tearfully tells you that Frankie tore up her school paper with the gold star

on it. Elizabeth elaborates that Frank had become angry and ripped up the picture that Heidi was

proudly sharing with her. Frank, who had gone directly to the Legos, appears oblivious to the

others in the room. When you ask him about his sister’s sadness, he replies, “Who cares? She

always gets gold stars!”

As you were about to further explore these feelings, Bob arrives stating, “She probably told you

I’m always late, but hey, at least I’m consistent.” You notice Elizabeth’s eye rolling and direct

your attention to the children, asking them about what brought them to your office. Heidi says,

“I’m good but Frankie’s bad at school, and it makes Mommy and Daddy fight.” Frank, who had

helped himself to one of your books to use as a car ramp argues, “I hate school. It’s boring and

my teacher is mean.” Bob attributes Frank’s boredom to being “too smart for the second

grade…what do they expect?” Elizabeth responds that they, like her, expect him to follow rules

and be respectful, and suggests that Bob should share those same expectations. Bob dismisses

Elizabeth’s concerns by saying, “He’s a normal boy, not like all your friends from work who you

say are ‘creative.’”

You notice Elizabeth’s reaction and decide to redirect your attention to Frank. You ask him what

bothers him most about school, to which he replies, “I get in trouble, then I don’t get to have all

the recess time, then I can’t play soccer because they already started and they won’t let me play.”

You notice Frank’s interest in sports and probe for more information. You learn that he is quite

athletic and has been asked to join a competitive youth soccer team that plays on Saturdays and

Sundays. You discover another source of discord when Elizabeth shares that Bob “feels

strongly” that Sundays are to be spent only at church and with family. Bob confirms that after

church on Sundays, they spend the rest of the day with his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Elizabeth says that Sunday mornings are the only time she gets to be by herself and that she

typically joins the family around 1:00 p.m. Bob adds, “Apparently Liz needs time to herself more

than she needs God and her family,” and suggests she should appreciate his family more because

“it’s the only family she has.”

As the session comes to a close, you share your observations of the family by noting their

common goal of wanting to enjoy family time together. You also suggest that while Frank’s

behavior challenges are troubling, perhaps you could focus next week on learning more about

each parent’s family of origin in hopes of gaining a better understanding of the couple’s

relationship.