Type up case or planning conference notes on the following case (The Case of Tom Smith) in
Question:
Type up case or planning conference notes on the following case (The Case of Tom Smith) in detail.
Tom is currently seeking counseling for what he describes as depression. He reports that he has been feeling fatigued with little desire to do much of anything other than going to work and come home and go to bed. He reports difficulty in sleeping as he wakes up in the middle of the night and finds he cannot go back to sleep. He also reports eating difficulty, as he doesn’t have much of an appetite. He has lost 20 pounds in the last six months.
Tom currently works as a loan officer at a local bank. He has had this job for five years. He reports liking his job, but is beginning to feel stressed over the fact he can’t seem to be as productive as he once was. He reports both his supervisor and coworkers have complained about his being absent from or late to work. He reports that some days he just doesn’t feel like going to work so calls in sick.
Tom reports that he is currently divorced. He states his wife left him and subsequently filed for divorce about a year ago. He reports being uncertain as to her reason for leaving. He states he simply came home on day from work to find her gone leaving nothing but a note indicating she needed some time away from him. The two had been married for three years. There are no children from the marriage.
Tom states he has always been a social drinker, but is feeling somewhat troubled about his increased use of alcohol as a way to cope with his situation. He reports that over the last six months he has been drinking to intoxication two to three times a week. He denies any other drug use.
Tom is a Caucasian, 40 year old individual. He grew up as the eldest in a sibling string of three. He has a younger brother and sister whom he seldom has contact with. He grew up in a small town in Iowa. His father is a retired banker. Tom reports he had and continues to have a good relationship with his father. He reports that his relationship with his mother is and has been somewhat antagonistic. He reports that his mother is a retired elementary school teacher. He states that growing up his mother tended to be critical and continues to be so today. He reports that his mother has never drank but that his father went through treatment for alcoholism 15 years ago. He denies any abuse growing up but states that when his father would have too much to drink, he would come home and sometimes become physical with Tom’s mother. Tom has an MBA degree from the state university and reports he has always done well in school.
Tom reports that he finds little in life enjoyable at this time. He does report that in the past he liked to be involved in creative activities such as painting and composing music. He has one close friend he sometimes dines out with, or goes to a movie or play with, but has found himself distancing himself from this friend.
Tom reports he has thought about suicide, but currently has not intent to act out on his thoughts. He denies ever attempting suicide.