3. toward her. Brandon admitted to using inappropriate language
toward the female peer but appeared to have a limited
understanding of what the phrases used meant. Brandon’s
mother noted during intake that she is concerned that her son
will become a violent sexual offender or a pedophile and noted
that his use of sexual language was likely the start of sexual
behavior problems.
At the beginning of treatment, Brandon reported that he
frequently feared for his physical safety but often could not
pinpoint what made him feel unsafe. He had searched the
Internet to find registered sexual offenders in his neighborhood,
and he had begun sleeping with a loaded BB gun under his
pillow in case someone entered the home to assault him again.
Brandon had flashbacks when trying to fall asleep and described
feeling like he was floating outside of his body when he thought
of his abuse. He had seen a television show where victims spoke
at the parole hearings of their perpetrators, and he spent many
hours thinking about what he would say if he went to his
father’s parole hearing in 3 years. Brandon felt like he loved his
father very much and that his father was a great father except
for when he hurt him. Brandon identified wanting to feel less
worried, sleep better, and fight less with his mother as primary
treatment goals.
I worked with Brandon in both individual and family sessions to
address his symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Utilizing the trauma-focused cognitive
behavioral therapy approach, early sessions focused on coping
skills and emotional regulation. As Brandon became more
comfortable with expressing feelings and utilizing coping skills,
he began discussing his sexual abuse history and the ongoing
effect this experience had on his life. I met with Brandon’s
mother for collateral sessions in order to help her identify and
process her own feelings about his abuse and to develop skills
to support Brandon through his treatment. Brandon’s mother
4. was provided with psychoeducation regarding childhood sexual
abuse, and her belief that her son would become a violent
sexual offender as a result of his experience was challenged
through cognitive behavioral therapy. She agreed to meet the
agency psychiatrist, and after the initial consultation she agreed
to have Brandon meet with the doctor. After a psychiatric
evaluation, Brandon was prescribed a low dose of
antidepressant medication.
Brandon completed a trauma narrative that addressed the details
of his sexual abuse experience, his disclosure of the abuse, and
the trial and subsequent imprisonment of his father. Brandon
included a description of his feelings at each point in his
narrative, as well as what he learned in treatment about
childhood sexual abuse and coping skills to deal with
uncomfortable feelings and impulsivity. Brandon shared his
trauma narrative with his mother, who provided a safe and
supportive space during this experience through the use of skills
learned and practiced during collateral parent sessions.
Brandon’s symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress
decreased steadily during the course of treatment. After 8
months of sessions and the successful completion of his trauma
narrative, the family and I agreed that Brandon was ready to
terminate trauma-focused treatment. Brandon continued
receiving medication management with a psychiatrist and
transitioned into home- and community-based treatment that
focused on his ongoing impulsive behaviors.
Law Offices
123 Main St.
Anytown, CA 11001
5. February 6, 2017
Workers Compensation Board
100 Maple St.
Anytown, CA 11001
Re:
Appearance, Mary Peterson v. Employer A
To Whom It May Concern:
(Student inserts text here regarding attorney appearance)
Sincerely,
Name
Title
I hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing was served on
(Insert parties who were served) via first class mail postage
prepaid.
___________________________
Signature