Vargas Case Study: Session 7

Since the last session, you received a call from Elizabeth who stated her family was in crisis. She

reported that her nephew Geoff, the 15-year-old stepson of Bob’s sister, Katie, had nearly

overdosed. She said that the family had noticed some changes with Geoff since his father’s

recent death, but attributed the poor mood and slipping grades to the normal effects of grief.

Elizabeth said that Geoff had never used drugs, as far as anybody in the family knew, and that

the overdose was “a total surprise.” Elizabeth reported that after learning of this, Bob’s mother,

Linda, called the school counselor but complained to Katie that “she was not at all helpful,” and

told Katie exactly how she should handle it. Katie spoke with the school counselor who told her

that she was not allowed to speak with Linda due to matters of confidentiality. Elizabeth

informed you that Katie had shared her frustration with the school counselor’s suggestions to

help him “get his mind off the sadness,” and believed he needed more help. You learned that

Bob’s father, Tim, was trying his best to help, and that Elizabeth felt his intrusion was making

matters worse. Among other things, Tim had taken Geoff out of school on a week-long camping

trip against Katie’s wishes. Elizabeth said that the involvement of Linda and Tim, despite their

good intentions, had begun to cause widespread family strife and asked if you could possibly see

the entire family.