designing three levels of intervention number 1
Maria is paralyzed from the waist down following an accident three years ago in a swimming pool. She is hoping to complete her degree in accounting, but she is complaining of depression and an inability to focus on school. When you see her, she looks anxious and tired. Her affect is flat, and she tells you nothing interests her. At the local college, she has had trouble finding appropriate parking and misses many days of class when the weather is bad because of the parking situation. One of the professors she must work with rather closely has made remarks about the difficulty of "other people getting around that wheelchair." She believes her boyfriend, who was there the night the accident happened, has remained with her simply out of pity. When they fight about other things, she throws this up to him, although he vehemently denies it and tells Maria this is a hurtful accusation.
micro level- Micro is where I need to be looking at Maria's personality and motivation. It is obvious she doesnt have alot of motivation. Maybe talk to her about going to a support group. There are many different social groups out there and we could find one that would be right for her, maybe a disabled support group so she could talk to others that have some difficult times in their lives too because of being in a wheelchair. Maybe some motivational speakers would brighten her up a little more.
meso level-Meso level is focusing on certain things that are really bothering her. So I should set up a meeting for her to talk with her issues with the parking lot and arrange something for her so she can attend her classes and not miss any. It is important for everyone to have a good education and if she finishes school, I think thats something that would make her feel better about herself. Also, after class or before class, she could sit down and have a face-to-face meeting with her teacher and talk to him about how she is offended by some of the things he sayss and does and hopefully that will fix the problem. And the issue with her boyfriend, she could bring him for a session with me sometime, and then they can figure out what's bothing each of them and figure out the problem.
macro level- This is where we need to be focusing on the big picture. Yes, Maria is having a hard time dealing with the wheelchair and society. She has had many changes in her life and it is very hard to cope with them all. So I, as a social worker, need to find ways to help stregthen her as a person. We need to find thigs that will help the client as well as the environment around her. If she does have depression, I should maybe set her a doctor's appointment so she can get the medication needed to treat it. Also, maybe set up regular appointments with a counselor or just someone that she can talk to.
