Client Case Scenario – Brief History

• Brad is a middle aged man who lives with his two sons in a small trailer. Eric is 13 years old, and Joey is 15 years old
• One year ago, Brad’s partner, Marge, died of a heart attack. Brad has been trying to hold the family together since Marge’s death, but he has been very lonely
• He does have two neighbors who have been supportive
• Marge provided the major financial support for the family, as Brad is disabled. Brad has been disabled for 3 years, and receives SSI benefits
• Brad worked as an electrician before becoming disabled

The Current Situation

• Six months ago, Eric and Joey decided that they wanted a dog. Brad agreed to this, as he felt that the dog might be a comfort to his sons, since they had lost their mother
• The dog has caused a tremendous amount of damage to the family’s home
• Furniture has been ripped apart, and the carpet is beyond repair
• The dog keeps running away, getting injured, and running up vet bills
• The dog is not trained and has knocked Brad over on a number of occasions
• Eric and Joey really love the dog and enjoy playing with him
• They walk the dog every evening. They do not walk the dog in the morning, because they are having trouble waking up to walk the dog before school
• Brad cares for the dog when Eric and Joey are in school

Brad’s Dilemma

• Brad is distraught. He is totally unable to afford the dog, yet he feels that the dog has been a comfort for his sons since their mother’s death
• He is worried that Eric and Joey will become depressed if he gets rid of the dog
• He is also angry that the dog has destroyed his home
• Brad admits that the dog provides him with company when his sons are at school

Please answer the following questions:

1. What strengths do Brad and his sons have that will help them solve this problem?
2. What emotional needs does the dog fulfill? How else can the family meet these needs?
3. How can you help Brad and his sons use their strengths to find a solution/s to this problem?