246 THE SEVERE AND PERSI STENT MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRESS NOTES PLAN NER B. A family session was conducted in which a genogram was developed that was complete, denoting family members, patterns of interaction, rules, and secrets. C. The dysfunctional communication patterns between family members were highlighted. D. Family members were supported as they acknowledged t he lack of healthy communication that permeates the extended family. E. The client displayed an increased understanding of his/her family's pattern of unhealthy communication and was encouraged for this progress. F. The client failed to develop insight i nto family interactions and was given tentative interpretations of these patterns. 3. Develop a Time line of Parenting and Illness (3) A. The client was assisted in developing a time line of important events regarding parenting (e. g., births, relationshi ps beginning and/or ending, loss or return of custody/visitation). B. The client's parenting time line was compared with milestones related to his/her illness (e. g., onset of symptoms, hospitalizations). C. The interaction between the client's mental ill ness symptoms and parenting struggles was processed with him/her. D. The client was supported for the insight of identifying a pattern of increased stress related to his/her parenting that correlates with increases in his/her symptom pattern. E. The clie nt denied any connection between his/her mental illness symptoms and parenting concerns and was encouraged to keep this connection in mind. 4. Review Current Parenting Concerns (4) A. The client was asked to review current concerns and successes regardin g parenting, including the child's challenging behaviors, the approach taken with the child, and legal issues. B. The client's partner was requested to provide input regarding current parenting concerns. C. The client was reminded to focus on the succes ses and positive traits of the child. D. The client was supported and encouraged as he/she gave an accurate portrayal of his/her current parenting concerns. E. The client tended to minimize and deny his/her current parenting concerns and was provided with confrontation in this area. F. The client tended to be quite negative about the child and was reminded to balance this with more positive feedback. 5. Psychological Testing ( 5) A. A psychological evaluation was conducted to determine the extent of the client's ability to bond with the child. B. The client approached the psychological testing in an honest, straightforward manner and was cooperative with any requests presented to him/her. C. The client was uncooperative and resistant to engage during t he evaluation process and was advised to use this testing to discover more about himself/herself. D. The results of the psychological evaluation were reviewed with the client. 6. Educate about Mental Illness ( 6) A. The client was educated about the expe cted or common symptoms of his/her mental illness that may negatively impact his/her ability to function in the parent role. 