Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Assignment

Assignment Task

Background Information

This assessment looks at the principles of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care. Throughout their lifetime many people will experience trauma, potentially leading to mental illness. We know that many of the consumers we work with have experienced significant trauma. Completing this assessment task will assist in developing knowledge and understanding of trauma informed care, and ways of practicing with the aim of reducing the likelihood of re-traumatising consumers. Individuals often find change difficult, even when there may be benefits for them in the change. It has also been identified that change is more likely to be successful when the reason for change is intrinsic, comes from the individual, and not from external sources. Applying the principles of Motivational Interviewing can assist the individual to identify intrinsic reasons for change, and also support and encourage them though the change process, recognising that change is individual, and will occur at the individual's own pace.

This assessment task aims to develop an understanding of Motivational Interviewing and give. an overview of the principles that may be used with consumers.

Assessment Task

John is a 27-year-old male, the oldest of 4 siblings. He grew up in a household with regular verbal and physical aggression towards his mother, from his father who has a long history of alcohol misuse.

From his early years John took on the responsibility of protecting his siblings, from the arguments and violence. When John was 8 years old, he returned home from school to find his mother in her bedroom, with a bottle of wine, and a half empty bottle of tablets. She wasdrowsy and difficult to rouse, leading John to run to the neighbours for assistance. This created a belief in John that he needed to protect his mother, so that she would not attempt suicide again, so he has continued to live at home to “protect everyone”.

John had always struggled with his schoolwork, often finding it difficult to concentrate and feeling tired and ‘on edge’. He left school at age 16 and has worked in labouring jobs, having held his current job for the past 5 years. He enjoys the physical work, being outside, and likes the current company he works for, feeling his boss ‘looks after’ him. From his late teens John has had periods of depression, marked by poor sleep, reduced energy and decreased motivation. In the past his GP has suggested treatments, however John has always refused any intervention. He worries that if his dad found out, Dad would verbally abuse him for ‘being soft’ and not being a man.

Over the past two months, John has experienced declining mood, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, low motivation and feeling chronically exhausted. At times he states feeling “anxious and agitated for no reason.” His current mental state has impacted his functioning at work, a concern for John as he doesn’t want to lose his job. He is currently on sick leave. John’s mum has recently disclosed to him that a paternal uncle suicided in his mid 20’s, however the family never mention this, saying his uncle passed away after an illness.

You are John’s contact nurse and John has requested to talk with you after his mother hasstepped out to take a call. John is distressed and discloses that he is really concerned his bossis about to sack him for taking time off. Two days ago, he had planned to end his life afterdrinking a bottle of whiskey. He used a kitchen knife and made several lacerations to his

wrist. He stopped when he experienced memories of the distress he experienced when he was a child and found his mother. He shows you his wrist from his recent lacerations. He states he cannot stop thinking about “ending it all” and doesn’t know if he can be helped.

Details of the Task/Instructions

1. Identify and discuss what Motivational Interviewing skills can be utilised to explore treatment planning and engaging with John.

2. Explore the role Trauma informed care will have in your engagement with John.

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