Living with Chronic Illness - Impact on a Marriage (#215)

This simulation was developed for the Internationally Educated Social Workers and reflects the learning objectives for those students.

This married couple is having problems coping with the husband’s cancer treatment. A counsellor must be patient with the husband’s attitude in order to help the couple come to terms with their emotions.

• Listening skills 
• Developing trust 
• Demonstrating empathy 
• checking perceptions 
• Finding collaborative solutions 
• Demonstrating professionalism 

Mary Bennett made the appointment to see a counsellor and Steve reluctantly agreed. Steve is angry and resentful of his condition – battling cancer and needing a colostomy – and has been behaving out of character. Mary is extremely unhappy but feels she should support Steve through his illness.