CASE VIGNETTE

Family Members:
Subject of Referral – James (age 40)
Girlfriend – Michelle (age 40)
Girlfriend’s daughter – Melissa (age 13)

Instructions to Standardized Client

You have not attended counselling before but disclosed feeling comfortable talking with the Social Worker. You indicated that you enjoy spending time alone, and occasionally attend the local community centre by yourself to watch people swim, which helps you to not think about work. You further explained that you enjoy watching a girl’s competitive swim team practice every two weeks. When the Social Worker asked what you find enjoyable about watching the competitive swim, you admitted that on one occasion you were “turned on” seeing adolescent girls in their bathing suits. You reported that the physical changes for 13-year-old girls during puberty are beautiful and what you are doing is harmless.

The Social Worker later discovers that your girlfriend, Michelle, age 40, and her daughter Melissa, 13-years-old, moved into your apartment a few weeks ago. You reported falling asleep beside Melissa while watching TV on a few occasions. You revealed that you have gone swimming alone with Melissa on a couple occasions and that you were happy that she wore the bikini you bought her. The first time you went swimming together, Melissa’s bathing suit top unraveled and you reported feeling “turned on” by this. You admitted to holding Melissa very close to you while swimming. You like “rinsing off” with her in the family bathroom because you are able to touch her. You like to dry her off, brush her hair, and watch her get dressed. You describe feeling close to her in these moments. The second time they went swimming together, you reported “rinsing off” with her in the family bathroom. When you accidentally exposed yourself to her while showering, she smiled and you two began fondling one another. You hope Michelle does not find out about the incident. You reported that you have not disclosed these behaviours to anyone and are glad that you can trust the Social Worker.

Background

1. Demographic Information
   You do not have many friends or family supports and have learned to enjoy spending time alone. You are really interested in sports but do not feel comfortable participating in your community’s leagues due to risk of hurting yourself. You have a younger sister, Jackie, who you are estranged from after a falling out within your family. You met your girlfriend, Michelle, on an online dating website where you have spoken for four months before meeting officially.Michelle is a hairstylist at a salon and is quite extroverted. She finds James’ home-bodied nature to be endearing and sees him as a fitting father figure to Melissa. Melissa is currently in the eighth grade and is happy that her mom found someone to share her life with but is still apprehensive about James as she is still getting to know him. She maintains a very close relationship with her biological father.
2. History of Presenting Problem
   You find it hard to open up to people due to previous incidents with your friends and family. The loss of the relationship with your sister, Jackie, really took a toll on you as you were very close with her growing up. You felt very lonely until you met Michelle and her daughter. You find Melissa’s innocence, joy for life, and overall naiveté to be very attractive qualities, and you see quite a bit of similarities between her and your sister. Additionally, you asked Michelle and Melissa to move in with you as you felt that this will help to offset your loneliness and allow you the opportunity to start building a new family. You have always found younger girls to be very attractive. These feelings have become stronger since you have been experiencing the stressors at work, as well as growing fonder of Melissa.
3. Emotional State
   You are very stressed about work, and often spend a lot of time worrying about your future at your company. You feel overwhelmed at the thought of having to continue ongoing learning to keep up with the changes in technology. You have felt isolated for a while but feel a sense of hope in getting to speak to the Social Worker. You have also been feeling more connected with others since your girlfriend and your girlfriend’s daughter moved in and are starting to open up.
4. Verbal and Behavioural Scripts to be Used by Client
   
   Sexual abuse concerns:

• “Melissa’s just beautiful… She really reminds me of Jackie. I miss her. I do think about her a lot.”
• “I’ve just been so stressed lately. I need an outlet.”
• “I miss being young myself. There wasn’t much to worry about then.”

Reporting to Child Protection Services:

• “What will you tell them?”
• “I have done nothing wrong.”
• “I’m harmless.”