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Running Head: THERAPY PAPER
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Therapy Paper
Name:
Course:
Institutional Affiliation:
Instructor:
Date of Submission:
THERAPY PAPER
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Self-Determination
Self-determination is a preventive determinant against the harmful effect of adverse life
events on suicide thoughts in juveniles. Mack seems highly self-determined; therefore, the
negative life events such as his parents going through a divorce, fighting daily, and his brother's
disappearance substantially impact him. According to NASW (2021), it is a social worker's duty
to respect and encourage the client's right to self-determination and help them in their endeavors
to recognize and explain their goals. However, social works may restrict clients' right to selfdetermination, when in their professional perception, client's actions or prospective deeds may
lead to serious, expected, and threatening risks to themselves or other people. In Mack's case,
self-determination is an essential concept, which is Mack's capability of making choices and
managing his own life. He & Xu (2021) further elaborate that this ability plays a vital role in his
mental health and well-being and will allow him to feel control over his choices and life.
To respond to Mack's request to keep his suicidal behavior a secret, I would identify the
depression warning signs and his suicide risks as a youth worker. Mack has already given
warning signs by telling his group members of his intentions to commit suicide by letting them
know that he could get painkillers and take them with alcohol. I would also take his suicidal
statements seriously. Mack's behaviors and the mental depression he has been going through
usually relate to suicidal feelings; thus, it would be prudent to take these close signs seriously.
Besides, listening to what Mack says and asking him direct and open questions would indicate
my willingness to discuss anything with him and his suicidal feelings. I would tell Mack that I
am concerned about letting him know that I care, that he is not alone, and that such feelings are
temporary and a psychologist can treat depression. I would also encourage Mack to seek
THERAPY PAPER
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immediate professional assistance from a psychotherapist or a physician. It can be a great relief if
Mack brings his suicidal feelings into the open and freely discuss them without shock or
criticism.
Strengths of Mack
One of Mack's strengths is optimism, which he lately indicated by his willingness to talk
and express himself in group meetings. This readiness involves establishing the capability of
viewing the world from an optimistic viewpoint. From my observations, Mack can now
challenge negative talks and replace them with more positive ones; thus, he will be able to learn
how to become optimistic. This attitude will make Mack continue working towards his goals,
even when facing obstacles, challenges and setbacks. Besides, optimism will be an encouraging,
positive perspective on Mack's future and the world around him. It is an essential part of
resilience and his inner strength to help him get through the tough times. This feeling may also
substantially affect Mack's mental and physical well-being by promoting a healthy lifestyle and
modifiable behaviors and cognitive responses.
Coping skills have also helped Mack tolerate, reduce and handle stressful situations in his
life. He can share with his group members that his brother ran away from home and worried
about him. By managing his stress well, Mack will feel better physically and mentally, which can
influence his capability of performing at his best. It is also clear that Mack has not tried to
manage his suicidal feelings independently. He can get assistance from a youth worker who
could refer him for professional help and support from his loved ones and make it easier for him
to overcome the hurdles causing his suicidal thoughts. The juvenile delinquency prevention
support group can also help him cope with suicidal feelings. Furthermore, these groups would
enable Mack to recognize that suicide is not the right option ...