Pings Case Study

Pings Case Study

Fr Metri

Student Number

Alphacrucis College: Online

Subject Code:

Assignment

Due date: 6/9/24

Submission date:

Final word count:

I hereby declare that the following work in this assessment is my own, except where indicated

through due referencing. This assessment has not, in full or part, been submitted for another class

or course at AC or any other institution.

Signed: AM

Date: 6/9/24

Ping Case Study

Ping's condition demonstrates considerable trauma, marked by extremely distressing and overpowering events that result in lasting psychological impacts. As someone who fled Cambodia as a refugee, Ping encountered perilous and bewildering situations, such as loss of his relatives and navigating an unpredictable journey. Upon Pings arrival in Australia, he was required to adapt to a different way of life, managing the pressing demands of his family in Cambodia. His weaknesses of anger, maintaining employment, depression and self-injury, indicate the significant impacts of trauma on his mental well-being. It is crucial to take a trauma-informed approach to ensure that appropriate interventions consider his previous experiences and current vulnerabilities. This method will assist in aid that covers his mental health needs and wider societal obstacles, contributing to his recovery, settlement and integration into Australian community.

Trauma-Informed Approach Indicators

Ping's experiences emphasise the significance of adopting a trauma-informed strategy. Being a refugee means that it is likely that Ping faced difficult experiences like being forcibly removed from his home, losing the support of his family, and being at risk of violence. His emotional state is heightened by being away from his family and having to adopt the role of breadwinner for his family in Cambodia. This can increase feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem. His struggles with controlling his anger and displaying aggressive tendencies in the workplace point to possible trauma-related problems such as hyperarousal, a common symptom in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (Van der Kolk, 2014). His signs of depression and mentions of self-harm indicate lingering trauma that requires considerate and compassionate assistance, emphasising the need for a trauma-informed strategy.

Initial Goal and Evidence-Based Strategy

Ping should prioritise improving his emotional regulation skills to better manage his anger and reduce the risk of violent outbursts. A useful method is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is effective in supporting individuals in identifying and treating negative thought patterns, leading to better emotional regulation (Beck, 2011). Ping could improve by identifying what causes his anger and finding different ways to react. This might include rehearsing various situations in a safe environment or using mindfulness methods to control his emotional outbursts, and instead respond in an appropriate manner.

Increasing Protective Factors

Building social relationships within the community could be beneficial in enhancing feelings of belonging and self-efficacy in Ping's life. Joining a local organisation for refugees or young men from similar backgrounds could provide him with a feeling of connection and belonging resulting in a reduction of feelings of loneliness. Studies show that strong social connections can lessen the negative impact of trauma by offering emotional assistance, practical aid, and a feeling of normality (Hobfoll et al., 2007). Moreover, assisting Ping in gaining access to educational or vocational training may enhance his self-assurance and provide him with the necessary skills for secure employment, which will ultimately contribute to his overall wellness and successful assimilation into Australian society.

Understanding Trauma-Informed Practice in Pings Case

Trauma is described as an experience that is "intensely distressing, temporarily overwhelming, leading to persistent psychological symptoms" (Briere & Scott, 2015, p. 10). A trauma-informed approach considers the widespread impact of trauma, emphasising the importance of providing care that is responsive to these experiences, while eliminating the reoccurrence of trauma. This method is particularly relevant for Ping, given the traumatic aspects of his past and their influence on his current behaviour and mental health.

Having fled from Cambodia, Ping probably faced severe trauma. Nickerson et al. (2017) suggest that fleeing his homeland, which was filled with uncertainty, alongside the separation from his loved ones and community, likely had a profound impact on him when he arrived in Australia without his family. His feelings of isolation and disconnection probably became stronger, as being separated from family support is a significant trauma for refugees and can increase feelings of abandonment and helplessness (Silove et al., 2017). Moreover, the pressure and burden of having to send money back to Cambodia weighs heavily on him, given his status as the youngest in a large family, which compounds the stress he faces while dealing with challenges in Australia. Losing his job because of his aggressive behaviour, as well as struggling with depression and thoughts of self-harm, suggests there is unresolved trauma present. His struggles in finding work and aggressive behaviour towards colleagues could be indications of hyperarousal caused by trauma, leading individuals to be excessively responsive to triggers from previous traumatic experiences (Van der Kolk, 2014). Ping's situation appears to show signs of hyperarousal through irritability and difficulties with emotional control and a lack of emotional intelligence.

Ping's deep-rooted trauma is strongly reflected in their depression and self-harm. Survivors frequently encounter feelings of depression, including hopelessness, decreased motivation, and thoughts of suicide, while grappling with the psychological effects of their experiences. Ping's isolation from family, unemployment, and lack of support in Australia may intensify these problems. Residing in a communal refugee housing could also add to his sense of displacement and uncertainty, since shared settings may not always offer the necessary privacy for emotional healing (Miller & Rasmussen, 2017). Hence, it is crucial for Ping to adopt a trauma-informed approach. This approach would focus on his violent conduct and sadness by recognising that they stem from his traumatic past events. The main goal is to establish a secure, encouraging setting for Ping to delve into his feelings and begin the healing process, with an emphasis on building trust, equipping him with coping mechanisms, and linking him to resources to aid in his reconstruction in Australia.

Importance of a Thorough Assessment in Trauma-Informed Practice

Conducting an in-depth assessment is crucial in trauma-informed care, pinpointing the exact impacts of trauma on an individual, and facilitating the creation of a tailored intervention plan. In relation to Ping, this assessment would deeply look into the traumatic experiences and their effects on his emotional, psychological, and social well-being. This procedure is crucial for identifying the root causes of his present difficulties, such as his anger, depression, and employment problems. Moreover, it guarantees that the interventions are suitably customised to his requirements and prevent causing additional damage. An evaluation that considers trauma, takes into consideration the individuals previous experiences, present symptoms, and life circumstances, in addition to the impact of cultural and social factors.

Areas to Assess Under Trauma-Informed Practice

Trauma History and Symptoms: The initial focus of the assessment should be on Ping's history of trauma, covering his experiences in Cambodia, the challenges faced during his journey to Australia, and his experiences since arriving. This includes identifying particular traumatic events, such as exposure to violence, the loss of family members, or other life-threatening situations. It's also crucial to evaluate symptoms associated with trauma, such as those seen in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including, nightmares, heightened alertness, and emotional numbness (Van der Kolk, 2014). Recognising these symptoms will help in directing treatment strategies, such as employing trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) (Cohen, Mannarino, & Deblinger, 2016).

Emotional Regulation and Coping Mechanisms: Evaluating Pings emotional regulation and coping strategies is also essential. This involves examining how he manages stress, anger, and intense emotions. Given his past incidents of violent behaviour, it's important to identify the triggers for these responses and to determine if he employs any effective coping strategies (Briere & Scott, 2015). Such assessment can highlight areas where Ping might benefit from interventions aimed at enhancing emotional regulation, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

Social Support and Community Integration: The next aspect is evaluating Ping's social support system and his integration into the Australian community. Social isolation can significantly exacerbate trauma symptoms, importantly assessing whether Ping has supportive relationships, whether among fellow refugees or within the wider Australian society (Silove et al., 2017). This evaluation can guide efforts to enhance Pings social connections, which are crucial for his mental health and overall well-being.

Ping can strengthen his protective factors by creating a strong social support system in the Australian community. According to (Hobfoll et al. 2007), social support is crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of trauma and aiding in the process of settling in and integrating into a new setting. This might involve Ping participating in community groups or initiatives designed for refugees, giving him the opportunity to connect with people who have encountered comparable obstacles and access support in various forms. Developing these connections can create a feeling of fitting in, reduce feelings of being alone, and assist Ping in developing a more positive outlook on his life in Australia.

Initial Goal- Enhancing Emotional Regulation

A key initial goal is to enhance his emotional regulation abilities. Considering his previous episodes of aggressive behaviour in the workplace and his continuous difficulties with controlling anger, this objective is essential. Emotional regulation relates to managing and responding to emotional experiences in a constructive and advantageous manner. Ping's emotional control may improve his relationships, job stability, and overall mental health. This objective is especially important considering his background of trauma, as individuals who have encountered trauma typically deal with increased emotional sensitivity and difficulties in managing emotions (Van der Kolk, 2014). Utilising CBT could greatly assist Ping in reaching this objective. CBT is a brief, organised therapy approach aimed at recognising and changing negative thoughts and beliefs linked to emotional dysregulation (Beck, 2011). Ping can use therapy to recognise what causes his anger, comprehend the thoughts driving his emotions, and create better thought and behaviour habits.

Cognitive restructuring is a CBT technique that could be helpful for Ping. This method includes identifying twisted thoughts like "I am constantly failing" or "Everyone is against me," and swapping them with more rational and balanced viewpoints. For instance, Ping could start questioning the idea that he needs to constantly achieve to be respected and instead adopt a kinder perspective that recognises his hard work and understanding that everyone occasionally errs. Ping can reduce the likelihood of aggressive outbursts by remaining calm and rational in stressful situations through adjusting his thought patterns (Hofmann et al., 2012). CBT may involve teaching Ping techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to help him cope with the physical arousal linked to anger. Consistent use of these methods can assist Ping in improving his management of emotional reactions (Hofmann et al., 2012). It may be beneficial to incorporate mindfulness practices into cognitive behavioural therapy. According to (Kabat-Zinn 2013), focusing on the present moment without judging can encourage Ping to be more cognisant of his emotions and exhibit less impulsive responses.

Conclusion

Ping's experiences have significantly impacted his emotional and psychological health. His aggressive behaviour, depressive symptoms, and struggles with social integration all indicate unresolved trauma, showing the impact clearly. A thorough evaluation of Ping past trauma, ability to manage emotions, and his support networks, is crucial for creating a successful intervention plan. CBT is a proven technique that can aid Pings emotional regulation, leading to improved relationships and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, enhancing his protective factors, particularly through the cultivation of a supportive social circle, will significantly mitigate his adaptation and overall well-being.

References

Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.

Briere, J., & Scott, C. (2015). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2016). Trauma-focused CBT for children and adolescents: Treatment applications. Guilford Press.

Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry, 26(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/1047840X.2014.940781Hobfoll, S. E., Watson, P., Bell, C. C., Bryant, R. A., Brymer, M. J., Friedman, M. J., ... & Ursano, R. J. (2007). Five essential elements of immediate and midterm mass trauma intervention: Empirical evidence.Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes,70(4), 283-315.Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1Maguen, S. (2007). Five essential elements of immediate and mid-term mass trauma intervention: Empirical evidence. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes, 70(4), 283-315.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Bantam Books.

Miller, K. E., & Rasmussen, A. (2017). The mental health of civilians displaced by armed conflict: An ecological model of refugee distress. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 26(2), 129-138. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796016000172Nickerson, A., Bryant, R. A., Steel, Z., Silove, D., & Brooks, R. (2017). The impact of fear for family on mental health in a resettled Iraqi refugee community. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 89, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.01.009Silove, D., Ventevogel, P., & Rees, S. (2017). The contemporary refugee crisis: An overview of mental health challenges. World Psychiatry, 16(2), 130-139. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20438Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.

Marking Rubric: SSC218/518 Working with Trauma Assessment 1, Case Study for Counselling Specialisation

Fail Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction

1. Understanding of Trauma Informed Practice 25%

Demonstrate a connection to the definition of trauma given in the question; and discuss elements of Pings story might alert you that a trauma informed approach is needed? Fails to adequatelydemonstrate a connection to the definition of trauma given in the question; or discuss elements of Pings story that might alert you that a trauma informed approach is needed. Lacks reference to appropriate academic sources. Satisfactory work that demonstrates slight connection to the definition of trauma given in the question; and discusses brief elements of Pings story that alert a trauma informed approach is needed. References one or two academic sources. Good work that clearly demonstrates a connection to the definition of trauma given in the question; and discusses elements of Pings story that alert a trauma informed approach is needed in depth. References three academic sources. Excellent work that demonstrates thorough discussion of a connection to the definition of trauma given in the question; and clearly and concisely elements of Pings story that alert a trauma informed approach is needed. References three or more academic sources. Outstanding work thatdemonstrates superior discussion of a connection to the definition of trauma given in the question; and discusses clearly and concisely elements of Pings story that alert a trauma informed approach is needed. References several academic sources.

2. Assessment (counselling specialisation) or Protective Factors (Other specialisations) 30%

Discuss the importance of a thorough assessment and THREE areas that might be assessed under trauma informed practiceDiscuss one way Ping can increase protective factors in his life to aid settlement in AustraliaFails to adequately discuss the importance of a thorough assessment and THREE areas that might be assessed under trauma informed practiceLacks reference to appropriate academic sources.

Fails to adequately discuss an evidenced based way to promote protective factors.

Lacks reference to appropriate academic sources.

Satisfactory work thatsuperficially identifies the importance of a thorough assessment including THREE areas that might be assessed under trauma informed practiceReferences one academic source.

Satisfactory work that superficially discusses an evidenced based way to promote protective factors.

References one academic source.

Good work clearly identifies the importance of a thorough assessment including THREE areas that might be assessed under trauma informed practice, including discussion. References three academic sources.

Good work that clearly discusses an evidenced based way to promote protective factors, with one clear example/illustration. References three academic sources.

Excellent work thathas given a detailed discussion of the importance of a thorough assessment including THREE areas that might be assessed under trauma informed practice, discussed with detail. References two or three academic sources.

Excellent work thatdiscusses in detail, an evidenced based way to promote protective factors, with clear example/illustration demonstrating good understanding. References two or three academic sources.

Outstanding work that hasgiven a detailed analysis of the importance of a thorough assessment including THREE areas that might be assessed under trauma informed practice, with rationale of why. References several academic sources.

Outstanding work thatdiscusses in detail, an evidenced based way to promote protective factors, with clear example/illustration demonstrating deep understanding. References several academic sources.

3. Goals and Interventions 35%

Identify one relevant initial goal Ping might have and what evidenced based intervention/strategy might be helpful in attaining this goal? Fails to adequately identify one relevant initial goal Ping might have and what evidenced based intervention/strategy might be helpful in attaining this goal. Lacks reference to appropriate academic sources. Satisfactory work that demonstrates basic identification of one relevant initial goal Ping might have and an evidenced based intervention/strategy that might be helpful in attaining this goal. References one academic source. Good work thatclearly identifies one relevant initial goal Ping might have and ONE evidenced based intervention/strategy that might be helpful in attaining this goal, with discussion. References three academic sources. Excellent work that clearly identifies one relevant initial goal Ping might have and ONE evidenced based intervention/strategy that might be helpful in attaining this goal, with discussion on rationale. References three or more academic sources. Outstanding work that identifies one relevant initial goal Ping might have and ONE evidenced based intervention/strategy that might be helpful in attaining this goal, with discussion on rationale that displays critical thinking. References several academic sources.

4. Academic Research 5%

Academic Research and Organisation: use of academic sources and literature, strength of argument, coherency of discussion and analysis, interpretation and integration of learning from literature. Difficult to follow, did not adequately integrate key sources into assessment, requiring more use of subject terminology.

Insufficient organisation and structuring of thoughts and ideas. Does not fully address the topic, context or main idea(s), lacks a main idea and no clear conclusion. Good standard of academic resources and literature used, mostly referred to course text or course readings with limited reference to journal literature and a basic structure used. High standard and range of academic sources used; interpretation of literature to inform discussion; clear structure and sequence of ideas & argumentation. Excellent breadth and depth of academic sources and literature used; coherent interpretation of literature to inform the argument or discussion; effective structure and sequence of ideas & argumentation. Comprehensive breadth and depth of academic sources and literature used; coherent interpretation of literature to inform the argument or discussion; highly effective structure and sequence of ideas & argumentation.

5. Academic Language and Mechanics 5%

Academic language and tone, including originality (APA 7th Edition)

Mechanics: expression and English conventions (spelling, punctuations, grammar), word count, referencing using APA 7th Edition Lacking language devices and writing techniques; and did not demonstrate originality of thought (plagiarism).

Absence of effective and sufficient referencing.

Incorrect academic style of referencing.

Headings, layout, word count, absent or incorrectly adhered to. Dominated by errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Did not include a cover sheet or cover sheet not filled out. Mostly adequate standard of academic writing structure and originality of thought. More attention required to bring consistency to formatting and use of headings and overall layout.

Adequate adherence to required referencing style, with some errors present.

Few errors present.

Frequent to occasional errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Included a cover sheet or included with some missing information. Appropriate academic tone and originality of thought; with appropriate grammar and sentence construction and use of gender inclusive terminology.

Mostly adheres to guidelines associated with use of headings, layout, word count.

Ideas & quotations accurate; with correct referencing style adhered to with minor errors identified.

References: Correct style & appropriate inclusion of texts.

Minor errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Included a cover sheet that and was completed in full. Quality academic tone and originality of thought; with skilful grammar & sentence construction, including well-informed gender inclusive terminology. Adherence to guidelines associated with use of headings, layout, word count.

Ideas & quotations accurate; with correct referencing style adhered to.

References: Correct style & appropriate inclusion of texts.

May contain minor typographical errors. Included a cover sheet that and was completed in full. High quality academic style maintained throughout paper with originality of thought; use of formal language structures and features, including well-informed gender inclusive terminology. Adherence to guidelines associated with use of headings, layout, word count.

Ideas & quotations accurate; with correct referencing style adhered to.

References: Correct style & appropriate inclusion of texts.

Without error in all aspects of spelling, grammar and punctuation. Included a cover sheet that and was completed in full.

NB: A failure mark may be given for academic dishonesty or failure to submit as per ACs Academic policies