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CASE VIGNETTES

Here are case vignettes that delve into the challenges Ghanaians face while navigating life in the United States, from cultural disconnection and identity struggles to systemic barriers. Through these stories, we explore the reasons behind their decisions to seek mental health support and possible actions and interventions that clinicians can implement to support them

HERE ARE THEIR STORIES....

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KOJO

Kojo, 28-year-old Ghanaian-American man struggling with feelings of isolation from his family because he is labeled "Too American".

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ABENA

Abena is a 32-year-old single Ghanaian woman who moved to the U.S. six years ago. Abena reports feeling lonely, stressed, and disconnected from her Ghanaian roots. ​

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EMMANUEL

Emmanuel, a 36-year-old Ghanaian man living in the U.S., finds himself caught between two worlds. Struggling to financially support his family back in Ghana while raising his young family in America, he feels stretched thin.

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ABIGAIL

Abigail Mensah, a 34-year-old nurse practitioner, was born and raised in Accra, Ghana, is currently living in the United States. Abigail identifies as a lesbian woman, a truth she only fully embraced after arriving in the USA. 

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kojo

-Clinicians can assist with working toward embracing his dual identity which starts in the assessment phase

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-Encourage Kojo to invite family to sessions to build effective communication and boundary-setting 

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-Assist Kojo with seeking communities groups that celebrate multicultural identities

Abena

-Utilize the GIS Assessment to help build rapport and better understand Abena's current stressors


-Use CBT to address depressive symptoms, anxiety and to reframe negative thought patterns. 


-Use Narrative Therapy to help rebuild her sense of identity. 


-Connect Abena to a group for African diaspora members such as Ghanaian associations where she can share experiences and bond

emmanuel


-Utilize the GIS Assessment to help build rapport and better understand Emmanuel's stressors

-Be mindful of cultural sensitivity

-Using CBT and Narrative Therapy to reduce guilt, anxiety feelings of not being/providing enough for his family and help improve emotional regulation skills

-Connect Emmanuel to Ghanaian community organizations and other family  resources


 

abigail

- Ghanaian-Informed Care Assessment will be vital to have a comprehensive overview.

-Encourage Abigail to channel her experiences to empower others with similar experiences

-Assist Abigail with identifying a support group

-Decision about disclosure with Family

Click below to view micro and mezzo level interventions

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