CASE OF KIAN VIGNETTE:
Kian is a 17-year-old gay, cisgender male from a middle-class Iranian-American family. He is being
referred to counseling by his mother, who expressed concern about his increasing depressive
symptoms and lack of direction regarding college and career planning. His mother attributes some
struggles to his ADHD diagnosis from middle school. As a junior in high school, Kian describes
upcoming career decisions as “overwhelming and stressful.”
Academic Performance: Kian maintains strong grades in English literature, creative writing, and
art classes, where teachers praise his originality. However, he struggles with focus in mathematics,
sciences, and business courses, describing them as “meaningless” and “not for people like me.”
Work Experience: Kian recently quit a part-time administrative job at his uncle’s accounting firm
after three months. The family arranged this position believing office experience would be
“practical,” but Kian received feedback about missing deadlines and appearing disengaged. He felt
“completely out of place” but enjoyed occasional tasks like drafting newsletters that used his
creative skills.
Interests and Aspirations: Kian is passionate about creating digital art, reading graphic novels,
and analyzing science fiction films. He dreams of working as a concept artist for films or illustrating
graphic novels but frequently expresses self-doubt: “I’m creative, but probably not talented enough
to make it professionally.” He has never taken formal art classes and worries his self-taught skills
aren’t “legitimate.”
Family Dynamics: His mother runs a real estate agency, and his father is an architect who
immigrated from Iran. Both work extensive hours and frequently discuss financial pressures. His
older brother Darius recently graduated with an accounting degree and secured a prestigious firm
position, earning frequent family praise for his “practical” career choice. When Kian shares artistic
interests, family responses include “be realistic about making money” and “art is a nice hobby, but
you need a real career.”
Kian came out to his parents six months ago. While they expressed acceptance, he senses subtle
shifts in family dynamics and sometimes wonders if they worry about additional challenges he
might face.
Current Challenges: Kian describes himself as “non-confrontational” and often retreats when
family discussions about his future become intense. He feels anxious about college applications
and struggles with “living in two worlds” – his authentic interests versus family expectations. His
goals include figuring out “how to be excited about my future instead of dreading it” and finding “a
way to honor my family while being true to myself.”
3 hours ago
1. What new insight or perspective about the case did you gain during your discussion that you would like to apply to your future work? (one paragraph minimum)
2. What specific content from the reading(s) did you find of most value to your conceptualization/discussion? (one paragraph minimum)
3. What additional questions regarding the theory/theories and/or the theoretical applications do you still have?
Requirements: 3 paragraphs