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Read the attached case example and answer the prompts below.
Case Example for Reflection:
Ahmed is a 35-year-old, married, Somali man (he/him). He was referred for assessment and
individual therapy at the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services (IPC) by the
Immigration law Practice Group due to ongoing emotional distress and difficulties in adjusting
to life in the United States. Ahmed reports experiencing significant trauma in Somalia, including
exposure to violence, displacement, and the loss of close family members. He frequently
experiences strong fear/horror and a racing heart when reminded of his experiences. He also
reports disrupted sleep. In addition to these symptoms, Ahmed mentions idioms of distress
specific to his Somali culture, such as “murug” (a deep sadness and despair that is often hidden
from others) and “qaracan” (feeling like you will come to die). He believes that these
expressions accurately capture his emotional turmoil.
Ahmad and his family, including his wife and two children, fled Somalia due to ongoing conflict
and threats to their safety. His journey to safety was marked by many hardships, including
extended periods of displacement and separation from his family. He previously worked as a
teacher and is currently seeking employment. Though connected to the Somali community in
Minnesota, Ahmed has become increasingly socially isolated and withdrawn. He avoids
community gatherings and has limited contact with others, including his own family, which is
straining his marital and family relationships. Ahmed also reports various unexplained physical
symptoms, including headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and muscle tension, which he
attributes to his psychological distress.
• What trauma-related symptoms are present in the case example? List anything that you feel more certain about as well as anything you are wondering about/want to assess further.
• What are some assessment tools and/or techniques you might employ with this client during their initial clinical interview and intake assessment?
• What are some questions you might ask to better understand and explore the cultural symptoms of distress reported by this client? If they don’t neatly map onto Western diagnostic criteria, how might you incorporate these symptoms in your diagnostic feedback and psychoeducation?
