Blog 6 Chapter 8

I feel that the story in the beginning of the chapter about Phillipe and his anger is relatable to other clients I have seen who are just angry, and misplace their anger onto others.  I think that the school counselor Dovey, did a good job trying to use play therapy with Phillipe, it’s a great way for younger children to express their emotions without using words.  Some children are unable to use their words in an affective manner, and this could be another reason for the aggression.  It sounds like to me from what Phillipe said that he have been or still is being sexually abused.  

The victims of his play were always little boys, which raises some serious questions about his home life, who he lives with, where he goes with, and with whom.  I think that the group experience at his age could be beneficial if the older boys participate in a mentor type way.  If the older students go into it feeling it’s a joke, or to bully the other members of the group, I feel that will be a negative reinforcer for Phillipe to continue his aggression, as it is “cool” because the older students are also doing it.  If the older students participate in a positive way, by participateing in conversations and give examples of why they act the way they do, maybe Phillipe can identify with one of them and then be able to express himself and why he has these aggressive episodes. 

A question I would pose for this vignette is,  “why haven’t the parents been called?” and “Why isn’t someone calling a social worker or someone going into the home to see what the home life is like.”  If this situation walked into my office those would be the first two questions I would have, followed up with police activity in the home or in the neighborhood.  This student is angry with someone and needs an outlet; moreover he needs someone to help him express his anger in a positive way.  A counselor can do all of those things, but if the student is going back to the same abusive household everyday and that is not changing, neither will all the counseling sessions in the world.  It seems to me that this student is crying for help and attention in a real way, and if he is continually overlooked, his behavior will get worse. 

Reference

Dollarhide, C. T., & Saginak, K. A. (2011). Comprehensive school counseling programs, k-12 delivery systems in action. Pearson College Div.