Case Study of Myra and Rose

Case Study Review

Tara Sloan

BSHS / 335

March 2, 2015

Nicole Zmuda

Case Study Review

Case Study of Myra and Rose

The case study that I chose to review is Myra and Rose. I chose this case study because I believe that this type of case happens way too often. In the case study of Myra and Rose, they chose to seek professional help to find ways to communicate with each other better. They clearly stated to the counselor that they have not problems with their sexual orientation; they just want to find ways in which they could communicate better with each other. The first counselor (counselor A) agrees to see them, but during the first session he feels that they need to examine the couple's sexual orientation, even though the couple has already told them they are happy in that area. He expresses much concern about not discussing their sexual orientation, so they decide to go see another counselor.

Counselor B also agrees to see the couple, but during his first session he feels that he has negative reactions toward them and their sexual orientation.(Cory, 2007) He explains himself to the couple and decides to give them a referral to see another counselor due to his negative feelings toward them. He felt as if he would not be able to help them with their problem because they were lesbian. So, they moved on to the next counselor.

Counselor C agrees to see the two ladies and told them that she would try and help them in any way possible. They express to her that they are happy with their sexual orientation and would like some advice in ways to help them communicate better. Counselor C agrees to help them solve their communication problem and tells them that if at any time they feel like they would or need to explore their sexual orientation to let her know and they would. She also explains to them that if they are comfortable with their sexual orientation then she sees no need to explore it any further.

In my opinion, counselor A should have listened to the couple and if the couple later realized that their sexual orientation had become a problem for them, then he could have explored it deeper. I do not believe that it is ethical for a counselor to suggest that there is a problem where the client says that there is not. Clients come to you looking for help in certain areas, and if it comes up in a later session that something could be going on in that area and they would like your help in it, then and only then is when you would want to suggest your concerns about the issue.

As for counselor B, I believe that his whole outlook was unethical of him. As a professional helper, you should never show discrimination between any clients no matter their sexual orientation. After reviewing the code of ethics, I believe that he violated the ACA Code of Ethics. This was "referring a client based solely on personal beliefs was unethical" (Wollheim, 2014) and should never occur in the helping professionals agenda. "Refusing to see clients because of sexual orientation or any other subjective reason is clearly discriminatory" (Wollheim, 2014).

Counselor C done just what needed to be done, she let them know that she would help them in any way that she could and if at any time the couple's sexual orientation became a problem, she or they would address it at that time. Out of the three counselors, I believe that she did the best job in making sure that the couple received the help that they deserved.

I would approach this case in about the same way that counselor c done. I would let the couple know that I was here to help them no matter what their sexual orientation was and that I would do every way possible to help them resolve their issue. I would let them know that I have no problem with same sex couples