Case study 2

Client is between 45-50 years of age. Male and is Black British.

Lost father at the age of 7, older brother and three sisters.

Client experienced abuse (sexual, emotional) as a child, by someone that the client looked upto as a parent. The abuse carried on until adolescence and into young adult life but not by the same abuser. The client got into drugs, and became very vulnerable to people who took advantage of him on all levels. Thereby, client got into a pattern; offered his body, dignity and pride, wanting to be loved.

Client was questioning his sexual orientation, was confused and was ashamed of his body. He could not look at own body, felt dirty and there was a compulsiveness to clean and never felt clean enough. There was a possibility of self harm and the client was suicidal.

Therapy has helped client mourn loss of child and accept his past. Client is able to deal with the pain of being let down by someone trusted. Client is able to move from the stuck child to accept the adult. Quick to find solutions and better able to self help.

Since counselling, client wants to progress in adult education, has taken up volunteering and identifies with his sexuality

 

(Clients' details have been changed to ensure anonymity and confidentiality)