Identity Development Case Study

The purpose of this assignment is to discuss the case of Liliana, Raj, and Cherie. Each of these individuals is experiencing issues in race, ethnicity, language, gender, immigration and religion. The focus of this assignment is to explain these problems from a clinical perspective and how they influence these individuals lives and perceptions. Since each case presents a different scenario, there would be different questions that a therapist would ask to gain more insight. These questions will be addressed and analyzed. Furthermore, identity development will be discussed as it is prevalent in the case. For instance, if there are any issues with identity development in any of the cases the issues will be discussed and described. Any countertransference …show more content…
Despite dropping out halfway through college, she was able to obtain a high position in a successful technology firm as she completes her college degree. Recognizing these inner strengths and how she has been able to excel despite her adversity and conflicting familial issues is crucial to her identity development. Another important factor is that despite coming from a low economic status, her level of educational attainment has helped her provide for her family. Although, Liliana is humorous and has a positive attitude towards those that know her best she still is having difficulty comprehending other people's emotions and reasoning. Lastly, Liliana is experiencing issues in understanding other people's reasoning. When coming into contact with authority figures, she seems to get hesitant and impatient. At times Liliana balks when she deems the work is irreverent or unimportant. It seems that Liliana's familial issues and migration experiences have affected her identity development. Also, her experiences in public school may provide insightful information as to why she deems certain individuals as unjustifiability imposed. The biggest issue is that Liliana seems to have been experiencing issues of racism within her family and maybe even at public school due to her status in the United States as an illegal immigrant. Religion has also imposed a barrier …show more content…
Do you believe in a God? How do you feel about attending church with your mother and siblings? Do you feel compelled by your family to attend? How did your grandmother's decision to reject your sibling make you feel? How did not speaking to your grandmother affect you? Do you feel there is something different that could have been done at that moment? If something could have been done differently, what would have changed? Do you believe there is still time to heal the relationship? How was attending public school for you? What are some things that you experienced? Did you experience an impactful moment that made you truly think during that time? Depending on the therapeutic setting and pace of the session asking these questions might aid the therapist in understanding the deep-rooted issues in Liliana's story. A countertransferential issue I might experience is my beliefs on family values. Understanding how her family is so divided and spread I have a compelling desire to tell her to try to communicate and make peace with all members of her family. As a therapist, however, I understand that my client does come from a different family background. Liliana may not place a strong emphasis on the family, but instead, she places an emphasis on what is right and wrong. Not only must I step back and not allow myself to enforce my views and opinions on her, but, I must aid her in the