After The Semester: 1/20/98

Darren: Hello, this is Darren.

Marion: Hi Darren, it's Marion. I was just calling to check in with you.

Darren: Marion! How are you? How did the semester go?

Marion: Good. The paper I had to finish took more work than I had expected, and there was a lot of reading for the seminar, but I got it all done.

Darren: So are you done? Have you got the degree?

Marion: Yes I do! They aren't going to give me the actual diploma until I finish paying off that loan. So I didn't get to go through the ceremony and all that, but that's OK. I've got the degree, and that's what counts.

Darren: You've got the important part.

Marion: Yes. You just can't believe how good it feels. I've been going around bragging to everyone about it and everything. I think my friend Donita's getting tired of hearing me talk about it so much. But I don't care. All the time I'm saying, like, "You better listen to me, I know what I'm talking about - I have a Master's Degee!"

Darren: Good for you! How are other things going?

Marion: Good. You know, lately, it's been feeling like I'm finally getting back to a normal life. I had to stop doing the volunteer work at the Independent living center for a month or so towards the end of the semester. I was having some bad days back in October. You know... I'd get confused trying to figure out the bus transfers to get somewhere, or I couldn't figure out my own notes on my homework. I'd get these sudden... like, I'd be happy one minute - every thing is fine - and then suddenly I'd be real depressed. I wouldn't want to go anywhere, I couldn't make myself do anything. I'd start snapping at Michael, or I'd start talking to Sheryl about dropping out of school - and she'd say "No you won't either!" They were both real good for me.

Between all that and school work and the holidays, I just couldn't do it all. But this time I knew I needed to take care of it and not let it overwhelm me. I could recognize what was happening. And Dr. DiMario helped me realize that, even though the volunteer work was important, school and taking care of myself and my family were more important. So I just told them that I need to stop volunteering for a while and I'll be back when I can.

And now that the semester is over, last week I started going back to help out again. Dr. DiMario and I are still working on fine tuning some of the medication, but everything is just going real good.

Darren: So what's the plan now? Have you started applying for jobs yet?

Marion: Well... no. I've been looking a little but, like I said, Dr. DiMario and I are still adjusting the medications, so there's still some... I'm just a little nervous about starting a new job until I'm more stable, you know? I mean, I want to get a job, and I know I've got to go looking, but I don't think I'm quite there just yet...

Darren: How long do you think it will take?

Marion: Oh, not long. What we are working on is the combination of anti-depressants and anti-convulsants. And we've got a combination that seems to be working pretty well, but Dr. DiMario wants to try increasing the dosage of the anti-depressants and keep an eye on my blood levels. That will probably take about a month, to be sure of the levels. It might be two months.

Darren: So, would you think by spring, by say, April or May, you will be able to start looking?

Marion: That should be about right. Because, just being back in the course this last semester got me to remembering how much I enjoyed working at Dickinson, at least at the beginning. So I'm really ready to try doing that again. I just don't want to get into a situation like I was in before, where I'm trying to deal with bad days and having them interfere with work, you know?

Darren: Of course. We need to make sure you are ready to work before you push out into the job search. So we'll do what it takes to get you stabilized first. Now remember, you'll also be able to get reasonable accommodations if you need them, once you start a job. It doesn't sound to me like they did that for you at Dickinson.

Marion: No, they didn't. Of course, I didn't know enough about it then to advocate for myself either. I won't let that happen again. But I also want to be in a situation where I don't need to go in asking for a lot accommodations right away, too.

Darren: Good. That sounds like the right approach - get yourself work ready first. What kinds of jobs are you thinking about, when the time comes?

Marion: Well, like I said, I've been remembering how much I enjoyed working with the children at Dickinson. I'm hoping I can find a similar position. I know they do some work like that at University Mental Health Center.

Darren: That sounds like a good possibility, especially since you'll have experience... and a Master's Degree!

Marion: I know! Isn't it great?

Darren: But we should also look at other possibilities. I'm sure you're aware of all the possibilities for different jobs with an MSW.

Marion: Oh yes. And I have talked with Sheryl about it, and she'll help me keep an eye out for possibilities.

Darren: Well, Marion, it sounds like you are doing real well, then. You're on course and taking care of getting yourself job ready.

Marion: I think so.

Darren: I'm going to make a note of the situation in the casefile, and then I'll wait to hear from you in a few months about where things stand. OK?

Marion: OK

Darren: Thanks for calling, Marion.

Marion: You're welcome. Good bye.

Name of Client: Marion McKee
Contact made: [_] Home [_] Office [X] Phone [_] Other
Date: 1/20/98
Contact with: Marion

PURPOSE:

I talked to Marion today who called me to catch me up to date on her situation.

ACTION TAKEN:

Marion indicates that she did finish the course at the university and has been awarded her M.S.W. degree. She states that she is very happy to have that degree finished and is feeling quite good in general about how things are going currently. She states that she is having her medications adjusted by her physician (minor adjustment) and when she feels that she is highly stable, probably this spring, she will be applying for M.S.W. positions in the area. She states she hopes she will be able to get something where she works with children again like she did at Dickinson. She agreed to notify me when she obtains employment. She states she is still living at the same address.

NEXT ACTION:

Wait to hear from client.

Signed: Darren Howard

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