Sample Answer Key for Worksheet to Accompany Ordinary People
Date:
Your name:
Name of the client you are assessing: Conrad Jarrett
Name of the movie: Ordinary People
What is the chief complaint? (In the client’s own words, and report of others)
Conrad is dealing with guilt and sadness over the death of his brother, Buck, in a boating accident about 2
years ago and his own subsequent suicide attempt following the tragedy. While he is coming to terms with his
past, Conrad still feels angry and sorrowful. He also is concerned about the future of his parents, whose
marriage is falling apart, and wonders what role he has played in their break-up (despite reassurance from
Calvin that it’s “not his fault”).
Conrad is dating a girl named Jeannine. While his schoolwork is improving, he is having trouble resuming
friendships with those with whom both he and his brother were close. He also recently lost to suicide a friend
he made at a psychiatric hospital. He seems in a good position to develop more friendships with peers and to
expand his relationships beyond those with his father, Dr. Berger, and Jeannine.
Calvin wants to be supportive of Conrad, despite his own difficulties. He definitely sees improvement in
Conrad and wants to do whatever he can for it to continue. He still thinks Conrad is too hard on himself
and wants to be sure Conrad does not believe that he has caused his parents’ marital problems. He, too,
would like to see Conrad spend more time with friends and to realize all his good qualities.
Based on the above information and a close viewing of the movie, what questions
would you raise during history taking? What are some possible answers? You might
base your questions on:
Past psychiatric history, treatment, and treatment outcomes
Family dynamics and history
Psychosocial history
When did Conrad begin to have problems? How long has he had them?
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Conrad’s depression followed the death of his older brother in a boating accident. Conrad
experienced enormous guilt over surviving when his brother did not. He also felt unable to live up to
his mother’s expectations to be the perfect son, especially after her favorite child was gone. His suicide
attempt was the low point.
Although he has consistently improved, Conrad has continued to experience some difficulties
channeling his emotions positively. He has had numerous arguments with his mother, got into a fistfight at school, and became annoyed on his first date with Jeannine when she laughed at an
inopportune time. These displays have shown that Conrad is learning to express rather than stifle
his deep emotions. Now that he’s learned to express them, the next steps will be to work on
channeling them constructively.
What is the Jarrett family like? How have they related to one another? What is their
home environment like?
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Beth and Calvin do not explore emotional issues constructively. Beth prefers to ignore issues, wanting
to “move on” as if nothing has happened. She resents feeling that Calvin is forcing her to deal with
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problems and to express feelings toward Conrad that make her uncomfortable. She has a difficult
time showing affection to others, except when she is trying to get them to do things that she wants.
She also becomes upset when Conrad or Calvin do anything that she finds embarrassing or
inappropriate.
Calvin has been rather passive until now. His main motivation seems to be to make those around
him happy. As a result, he has avoided conflict with Beth for many years and, at times, has acted
more like a cheerleader than a parent to Conrad. He seems frustrated by not being able to please
those around him or to keep peace in his family. He also feels that he constantly has to choose to
make one person happy at the expense of the other.
Conrad and Beth do not communicate well at all. Every time they try, the discussions seem to
degenerate into arguments. Conrad has difficulty accepting his mother’s emotional limitations and
surface expectations. Beth seems very insensitive to Conrad’s needs and unwilling to express her
feelings toward him.
What previous treatment has Conrad had? Was it successful?
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After his suicide attempt, Conrad was treated in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. At the hospital,
he also received electroconvulsive therapy. Treatment there was successful enough for him to be
discharged; however, he appeared to be in the midst of a relapse (e.g., insomnia, no appetite, lethargy)
before arranging to see Dr. Berger.
For several months, Conrad has undergone psychotherapy with Dr. Berger. Their discussions and
insights definitely have contributed to a marked improvement. Therapy with Dr. Berger also has
helped Conrad to deal with sad and angry emotions in more direct, external ways, rather than
internally, which contributed to his self-destructive, suicidal behavior.
What kind of support does Conrad have?
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Calvin is a very supportive presence, encouraging Conrad to initiate treatment with Dr. Berger and
pursuing his own discussions with the therapist.
Conrad’s girlfriend Jeannine seems to be understanding and sensitive.
Ongoing treatment with Dr. Berger is a significant positive influence.
Although Conrad’s mother is not supportive, she also hasn’t actively prevented or stopped him from
receiving treatment.
Conrad’s grandparents do not seem to understand his problems but they do seem to be caring.
What strengths does Conrad demonstrate?
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Conrad obviously is intelligent with a sense of humor. He has gained insight into his own
personality. He also is willing to admit when he’s made mistakes (as he does with Jeannine after
bungling their first date) and to reach out to others (as he tries with Beth when she and Calvin
return from their trip).
Conrad and Calvin both are lucky to enjoy wealth and privilege that enable them to afford expensive
treatment and resources not available to others.
What other observations do you have about the client’s behavior?
 Conrad is working on understanding that people cannot meet his needs unless he expresses the needs
to them in the first place.
 Calvin and Conrad share a deep love and a solid level of understanding, which they should continue
to build upon.
In your opinion, is the diagnosis above accurate?
The diagnosis was accurate at the beginning of the film, but it no longer seems to apply. Conrad no longer
seems actively depressed. His family circumstances, his friend’s recent death, and his past suicide attempt pose
significant risks, so an ongoing treatment plan is vital.
What treatment plan would you outline?
While his parents are dealing with their marital problems and as Conrad continues to learn how to deal with
his emotions, sessions with Dr. Berger are probably wise so that recovery continues. Ideally, the entire family
would enter therapy together to improve their communication and dynamics. If Beth refuses to participate
(likely), family therapy for Calvin and Conrad seems like a good idea to help both of them through a
potentially difficult transition.
Conrad and Calvin both could benefit from attendance at a support group for family members who have lost
children and siblings. If Beth and Calvin decide that their separation will be permanent, Calvin may benefit
from involvement in a support group for divorce.