in what ways might there be cultural differences between yourself as a provider and Alberto? Include specific examples or questions you might use for self-reflection or want to understand about Alberto in order to work with him from a Cultural Humility approach. (Include concepts of cultural humility from the video and/or the lecture).
Scenario adapted from A Treatment Improvement Protocol Trauma Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services
Alberto, a 30-year old Hispanic male is brought by his parents to a community mental health clinic near their home in rural Indiana. During the intake process, the counselor learns that Alberto is an Army Reservist who returned from 12 months of combat duty 3 years ago. The war experience changed him in many ways. His deployment pulled him away from veterinary school as well as the strong emotional support of family, friends, and fellow classmates. He got along well with his unit in Iraq and had no disciplinary problems. While there he served as a truck driver in the Sunni Triangle. His convoy was attacked often by small arms fire and was once struck by an improvised explosive device. Although Alberto sustained only minor injuries, two of his closest friends were killed. With each successive convoy, his level of fear and foreboding grew, but he continued performing as a driver.
Since returning to the United States, he has mostly stayed at home and has not returned to school, although he is helping out on the farm with various chores. Alberto has isolated himself from both family members and lifelong friends, saying he doesn’t think others can understand what he went through and that he prefers being alone. He reports to the therapist and his parents that he is vaguely afraid to be in cars and feels most comfortable in his bedroom or working alone or doing routine tasks at home. Alberto also says that he now understands how fragile life can be.
He has admitted to his parents that he drinks alcohol on a regular basis, something he did not do before his deployment, and that on occasion, he has experienced blackouts. Alberto feels he needs a drink before talking with strangers or joining groups of friends or family. He confided to his father that he isolates himself so that he can drink without having to explain his drinking to others.
