Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Short Story Essay

Client Success Story for the Quarterly Status Report (QSR)Background Info: The client success story is written at least one week ahead of the quarterly report due date (due dates are: 1/20, 4/20, 7/20, 10/20). They are submitted to Tamara, who sends them to Kathi for review. Kathi may send them back for edits, which is why we submit them a week early.Purpose: To highlight client successes and share the impact county services have had on clients. We specifically highlight county services, which specifically include individual therapy, group therapy, healing club groups, psychiatry, and clinical case management.Procedure: Share very basic client demographics. Do not share name, country of origin – change these. Say that they were tortured, and what kind of torture they experienced. Discuss current status of client, how services have helped them to get to this place. Don’t include any identifying information. Specifically highlight county services1- This firtst story is about a female client who began services with SURVIVORS in late 2016 after fleeing horrific repeated sexual and physical torture at the hands of her government because of her human rights advocacy in her home county. She initially presented with severe depression and PTSD symptoms – evidenced by tearfulness, minimal eye contact, and reports of insomnia, increased startle response, and feelings of hopelessness, uncertainty, and fear. The following is a report from one of our volunteer drivers, who witnessed a “touching” exchange between this client and another client before their Women’s Group meeting together:“When I picked up the first client there was no doubt this was her first group session and that she was very nervous. There was a man (I later found out was her son) encouraging her to go and enjoy. When she got in the car she told me she only spoke French, so our conversation was brief. Then we went to pick up the second woman. Now we had three women who spoke French, Arabic and English and there was little doubt there was not going to be much conversation but it became clear to me we don’t necessarily need to speak the same language to communicate.The first woman was very nervous but the second woman came to her aid and they made it upstairs. But the most touching part came at the end of the session. It was obvious that the first woman was upset …she looked like she was very lost and sad and the second woman took her hand and smiled and said ‘it’s ok’ and the first woman smiled back and shook her head ‘Yes.’It was so beautiful the way these two women, who spoke two completely different languages but were able to show each other such kindness and understanding. I was so taken by the two of them and wanted to cry on the spot … It gave me hope in humanity to see these two lovely ladies.”2. This client is an adult male from Honduras began receiving services at Survivors in 2015 and presented with depression and PTSD after experiencing prolonged physical and electrical torture by police in his home country after seeking protection from a cartel there. This client initially presented with hunched-over body posture, reduced eye contact, slightly pressured speech. Client also frequently covered his face while he spoke. He reported many sources of anxiety and stress – particularly related to not having access to a work permit and subsequent feelings of financial vulnerability. He also initially reported insomnia, daily fear and depressed mood, and uncontrollable worry thoughts and feeling “overwhelmed and desperate.” This client stated, “My hands start to sweat when I feel desperate and my ahead will start to pound fast.” Through SURVIVORS client has been receiving psychiatry services, group therapy through Men’s Group, and has been accessing medical and clinical case management support. He recently received a large grant for dental work. After receiving his dental work, this client exhibited a marked improvement in his mood and affect; he now presents smiling without hunched body posture, without covering his face, and with increased eye contact. He also reports feeling relief and happiness about recently earning his work permit and reports that he is happy to be able to support his children.3Client is 45 years old single female from Afghanistan who requested mental health treatment. During the intake, client reported severe symptoms being confused, fearful to go out, having regular nightmares about the past trauma, waking up numerous times during the night due to having high fear, checking her door at home to make sure that the door and the windows are locked, high anxiety to leave home by herself, difficult time to regulate her emotions and trust others, avoids watching any news or show that reminded her of the past trauma that she experienced at her country. She was not open to meet other individuals to socialize due to lack of trust and the only person that she could connect was her sister who also immigrated with her to U.S. Client had problem with concentration and was not able to study. After one year being in treatment, client reported significant decreased in her symptoms such as decreased in having nightmares which happened 2-3 times per week compare to the last year which was happening every night, decreased in having flashback, being able to go out by herself and attend her school. She also was able to find a job on her own and was able to earn income to have her own place with her sister. Client reported that she is feeling better compare to last year, as she is able to socialize with other individuals without having any fear or anxiety. Now client is learning English and is able to retain the information that she is learning at school. Client reported that she is very happy with her accomplishment and she will continue to follow the treatment to decrease her mental health symptoms and to improve and pursue her goals to improve her English proficiency. In addition, she is looking forward to search for more employment opportunities to increase her income.