Brief Case Conceptualization Of Ian Gallagher From Shameless (US)

Case Conceptualization of Ian Gallagher from Shameless (US)

Noopur Shah

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Presenting Problem

Season, Episode, Scene – write what is going on (after episode see how it relates)

Introduction

Shameless is a show that represents a dysfunctional family of six children with a drunk of a father. Ian Gallagher was born in 1996 as the middle child and second boy of the family. His parents are Frank, who is an alcoholic, and Monica, who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He dropped out of high school and illegally enlisted in the army by using his brother Lip’s name. During his time in the army, he tried to steal a helicopter, and he is now wanted for criminal chargers; impersonating

Within the Early childhood: Autonomy versus shame and doubt stage, dependency was not established. Although, his parents did allow Ian to explore his abilities it was not in a very encouraging environment. Frank and Monica were getting high in the car and left Fiona and Ian, both under the age of 10, outside in the winter. The two forgot the children there and drove off; Fiona picked up Ian (he was not able to walk yet) and walked all the way home. This is one situation, out of many, that Ian did establish independence although, he becomes dependent on the wrong people. Frank and Monica never expected any of their children to succeed and never supported them. During the Oidepus stage that Freud introduced, the child has fear but also challenges the

Frank would not be supportive of Ian because he expects his sons to act like “real” men. In his culture, men are viewed as strong leaders who are supposed to be the providers. Frank believes he is a real man, and he expects the same for his children; even though Frank does not fend for his family. Frank, later in the season when Ian comes out, refers to Ian as a “faggot” and at one point in the show head butts him. Frank values the “traditional American way” which, his children do not necessarily follow themselves, causing conflict. In response to the way his father treats him Ian seeks attention from any boy he can get his hands on, including married men. These men are near Franks age, it can be assumed Ian is having sexual relations with these men to project his feelings on someone else, it also seems to be a cry for attention from his father. “He hates me” is one of the first things that Ian says about his father, “You just look more like mom than any of the rest of us, you probably scare him,” his sister Fiona replies (Season 1). Ian is always looking for his father to care about him or any one of his siblings but it never happens. Frank comes home to collect his