Avril, age 27, is a single mother of two who was recently diagnosed with multipl

Avril, age 27, is a single mother of two who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In some ways she was relieved by the diagnosis because it explained why she was having so many strange symptoms and provided ways to address them, but it was still shocking. Avril has a support system—several close friends, including a long-term boyfriend who lives with her—but her children’s father is not in the picture at all and does not even pay court-ordered child support regularly. Avril works as a security guard, and her boyfriend is also employed and contributes financially. Despite the current stability in her life, Avril is understandably concerned about what her future might hold, especially with regard to her ability to raise and provide for her children. She has sought counseling at a local mental health center.
Imagine that you are Avril’s counselor, and you practice interpersonal therapy. How would you conceptualize her situation?
What would you anticipate the initial stage of treatment to be like? What goals would you set, and how would you achieve them?
What about the middle and termination phases? What strategies would you use and why?