Grief Verbatim
INSTRUCTIONS:
Review the I am Second video to learn about the story of Jim Munroe in order to prepare for this assignment.
Assume
that you are in the role of a professional helper speaking to Jim from the
video.
Address
the assignment requirements below to write a verbatim dialogue between Jim
(from the video) and yourself.
Assignment
Requirements
•
Throughout the dialogue, portray what Jim has experienced and what he
may be thinking and feeling. Include behaviors in parentheses, e.g., (Client
stares off into the distance in silence).
•
Consider what to say/what not to say throughout the dialogue, as well
as appropriate actions, (e.g., Helper leans forward slightly, with eyes on
client). Use your comprehensive knowledge from the course.
•
Incorporate normal grief responses and special issues that may come up
due to the type of loss, and appropriate responses based on what you have
learned throughout the class. For example, it would be normal for a client to
be angry, depressed, withdrawn, anxious, etc.
•
Logical progression of dialogue; extensive use of open-ended questions;
limited use of closeended questions and no “why” questions.
Praise/encouragement and empathetic statements included. No advising.
•
Brainstorm options for effective coping within the verbatim: Identify
at least 3 relevant and clearly stated brainstorming possibilities. (Hint: ask
the client what has worked in the past to aid in challenging times, and then
brainstorm more options together. Other
options may revolve around support persons, faith practices, support groups,
music, play, art, sports, journaling, etc. Be sure that options are stage and
circumstance appropriate.
•
Create an action plan with the client: Evidence that counselor
collaborated with the client to create a specific plan. Specific times, dates, and details are
included within the plan.
o
For example: In the morning you
said you want to turn on some uplifting music as soon as you get out of bed to
help you get through the mornings. You also said that when you
1
are having a particularly challenging day you will reach
out to your mom, dad, best friend, and members of your church’s small group
until you find someone available to talk for a while. Other resources you want
to incorporate each day are: drawing in your journal over lunch and attending
the support group at the center on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm.
•
Your dialogue picks up from the following scene:
o
It has been 5 days since Jim’s diagnosis of Leukemia. Jim sets up a
time to meet with you in your office.
o
The information you are provided from the intake report is brief.
o
You know that the client has experienced a severe loss related to a
medical diagnosis, and he is having difficulty coping with the loss.
o
Your dialogue begins with the initial greeting at the door.
•
(It is likely that you have
previously written verbatim dialogues in other courses. It might be beneficial
to review your previous submissions in other courses as a refresher. However,
previous submissions cannot be submitted toward credit for this
assignment.) See sample for reference as well. *Caution statement: Do not
copy any portions from the sample. You are to create your own unique verbatim
dialogue. The suggestion is to review the sample once
to better understand the assignment and then to NOT look at it anymore, in
order to prevent potential plagiarism of exact/similar wording and/ or the
essence of the dialogue. All of the
requirements are listed in the instructions and rubric.
Helpful Hints
Note emotions, body language, the passing of time, tone,
and the like in parentheses.
For
example:
(Client displayed intense anger.
Client sat quietly for 10 minutes, looking down at the floor. I sat patiently
with client in silence while he was trying to calm down.); or (Client continued
to share details related to the event for the next 10 minutes.)
SOLUTION:
Grief
Verbatim
Jim (Client who has been diagnosed
with Leukemia)
Me (Helping professional).
(A knock is heard on my office
door. I do not hesitate; I moved to open the door and found a middle-aged man
standing at the center of the hallway).
Me: How are you? (Shaking his
hand). I hope you are Jim, right?
Jim: Yes, I am. I had an
appointment with you today.
Me: (Hurriedly) Yes. Yes. I
remember. Welcome to my office.
(Jim follows me and sits quietly
without saying a word for some seconds. He removed his phone from the pocket
and returned it after a few seconds).
Me: Today is a bright day; the sun
is up early.
Jim: (Protectively). I wish I could
say the same. The last five days have been very dark for me.
Me: (leaning forward and supporting
my chin with the left palm of my hand)
Jim: I mean, I got terrible news
about my health status. I was shocked beyond words. I have not even been able
to talk to my extended family about it.
Me: So far, who have you told about
your health status?
Jim: I have talked to my wife, but
my children are still too young to understand the gravity of the situation.
Me: (Nodding my head). I understand
your situation, and I know it must have been tough for you to even share with
your wife about the bad news from your doctor.
Jim: Yes. You are right. She froze
for a moment when she heard that I have Leukemia.
(I offered Jim a glass of water).
Me: (Offering to help him
communicate with his parent about his health status). I will help you reach out
to your parents.
Jim: I don't even know where to
start. (Swallows water, but depicting pain and emotions). My mother is 75
years. She lives far from town. My dad passed the last six years ago.
Me: Sorry to hear that. What about
your in-laws.
Jim: They live in a different
country. We do not want to involve them in this situation until we have a clear
solution.
(Soliciting for a solution from
Jim).
