A written report incorporating ONE case study and TWO of the theories in counselling covered during the Trimester.
Students are required to submit a report between 1500 words.
Report brief:
Throughout this Trimester we have learned about various counselling theories, namely:
·Psychoanalysis
·Adlerian Therapy
·Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative Therapy
·Person Centred Therapy
·Gestalt Therapy
·Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
·Family Systems Therapy
You will select ONE case study from the list below and then choose TWO of the counselling theories that you believe will be appropriate to assist the client(s) discussed in the chosen case study.
Your task is then to apply each counselling theory, whilst comparing and contrasting the different ways in which each theory could be applied in an effort to help your client(s) with his/her/their problem:
Your answer must include the following:
1.Identification of the historical origins and evolution of BOTH of your chosen theories
2.Details about the typical counsellor/client relationship and any other elements of the chosen theories.
3.Application of, comparison and contrast between chosen counselling theories to ONE of the case studies listed below including –
·an outline of any ethical/legal issues to be considered,
·an explanation of how you would use each of the TWO counselling techniques to assist your client – make sure to compare and contrast different needs of each theory in relation to techniques
·suggestion of a possible outcome for the client if the counselling goes well
·You may also suggest the number of sessions or any other requirements needed for the counselling to go ahead as planned, again comparing, and contrasting the TWO theories.
4.A final statement that outlines which of the two theories would best suit the client’s needs, based on your analysis.
Case study options –
Case study 1 -
Caleb
Caleb is an intelligent, friendly, kind and somewhat shy and watchful 16-year-old male who appears slightly older than his years, although his demeanour at times represents the maturity of a younger person. He presents as genuine and engaged, but often avoids eye contact by looking down and attempt to suppress facial expressions. Caleb is the youngest of three, his older brother and sister are both attending university. Caleb lives with his parents.
Caleb was referred to counselling following his discharge from an inpatient psychiatric facility. He said that he was admitted for the treatment of recurring, uncontrollable intrusive memories and episodes of dissociation, relating to repeated early childhood sexual assaults (at approx. 4 years of age), perpetrated by his Aunt Jolene. Aunt Jolene died suddenly in a motor vehicle accident; Caleb said he felt responsible for her death and he wished she would not come back so that the abuse would stop. In this complex relationship, Caleb felt very close to Aunt Jolene and said that he previously described her as his “favourite person in the world”. Also 12 months ago Caleb lost his close friend to suicide and may be grieving the loss of his friends as they move on to university.
Caleb has reported intrusions. flashbacks, avoidance, alterations in cognition and difficulty regulating his arousal. He said that over recent months he has been seeing images of his Aunt Jolene, just before she died. Sexual contact with a female friend triggered memories of abuse that had previously been buried or suppressed. He said that he tried to “shut down” intrusive thoughts and became increasingly distressed when he could not. Since being re-triggered, Caleb said he has been irritable and angry, and that he often felt threatened even when in safe place, such as at home.
To assist Caleb you will need to identify his strengths, decide how you would work with him and identify any ethical risks associated with the story.