ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights Jie, an 18-year-old Taiwanese male college student studying in the United States who was referred due to academic difficulties and significant health concerns. How clearly and comprehensively a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder fits him, in comparison to other DSM-V-TRTM Diagnoses, and if there is an appropriate ICD-10-CM code for him, are considered. Diagnostic exercises challenge clinical reasoning concerning whether symptoms might be a realistic response to environmental issues, including racism or the impact of violence and trauma, during development rather than reflecting personal or family dynamics. In addition, diagnostic decisions are challenged as to whether they accurately reflect a balance between client resilience and/or factors supporting resilience in comparison to the factors supporting risk in the client’s life. The interviewing skills highlighted in the chapter include commenting on nonverbal behavior, nonverbal attending, process comments, and summarizing. Thought questions challenge professionals to consider their own and their clients’ possible thoughts, feelings, and actions when they first meet, and what steps they must take to develop the most effective working relationship with the client. Thought issues for building clinical reasoning skills using this client include academic concerns, health issues and/or physical symptoms, racism and/or harassment, and suicide risk.
