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             Content of the Excerpt: .

             The following excerpt is taken from the meeting on Tuesday November 1st, 2005. There were 8 family members and present in the group 5 women and 3 men. The purpose of the meeting was to help the family identify the source of recent upheaval and stress that resulted in neglect. .

             Critical Incident Excerpt:.

             Cheryl began the conversation stating that she had a heavy workload lately and hence was struggling with multiple responsibilities. She felt she didn't have time for herself much less time to manage the needs of three very attention needy children. She felt guilty she had ignored her children the last three nights and had spent no time with them before they were hastily shuffled off to bed. Margaret responded that she related to what Cheryl had to say as she was also feeling unduly stressed lately, and had been working extra hours to try to pick up extra money for the holidays. After a shot pause, Margaret jumped in and nodded that the holidays were a particularly trying time and that she often found her anxiety levels peaking, and her time with her children rapidly fading despite her desire to spend more time with her children. .

             I said that sounded like a very common experience and agreed that the holidays could be very anxiety producing. (1). Cheryl and Margaret both agreed by nodding and affirming by comments by saying "yes they are". I then asked the group what specific events had occurred in the last several days that had increased their stress or preceded their feelings of anxiety. (2). Margaret said that she had picked up two extra shifts at work and Cheryl noted that she had also been working late every day this week. Both women noted that this had contributed to their stress levels and reduced the amount of time spent at home. Mark chimed in that he often felt neglected when he came home to an empty house and no dinner ready to go, and this contributed to resentment.