Assessment 3: Written Essay • Counselling Theory and Case Study Application (30%) Due Date: Sunday of Week 11 at 1159pm AEST Word Count: 1800 – 2000 words
A written essay incorporating a case study and relevant theories in counselling covered during the Trimester
Report brief:
Throughout this Trimester, students have learned about various counselling theories, namely:
Psychoanalytic therapy
Solution focused therapy (including brief interventions) Person-Centred therapy
Narrative therapy
Cognitive behaviour therapy Family Systems theory
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
You are required to select ONE case study from a list to be provided during the trimester and then choose TWO of the counselling theories that you believe will be appropriate to Help the dient(s) discussed in the chosen case study.
Your task is 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 the two chosen theories
4. An outline of any ethical/legal issues to be considered.
5. An explanation of how you would use each of the TWO counselling techniques to Help your client – make sure to compare and contrast different needs of each theory in relation to techniques.
6. A suggestion of a possible outcome for the client if the counselling is helpful.
7. 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.
8. A final statement that outlines which of the two theories would best suit the client’s needs, based on your analysis.
Your written report should include at least 8 peer reviewed research articles read, in addition to any textbook references. The artides must be from 2010 or be more recent. Do NOT use older material- find current peer reviewed, academic literature which explores, expands or adapts older articles
201P a l- c
Your report should also include an introduction, body and summary in a flowing text Do not use separate headings. Use APA 7 style referencing, Arial or Times New Roman or Calibri font site 12, and double spaced. A BCS cover sheet must be attached and correctly completed including accurate word count
Do NOT utilize sources such as www tutor2u.com and other such web materials as these in no way constitute academic references for the purpose of your assignmenu. If you rely on such sources for theoretical support you will be deemed NOT to have met the requirements of the assessment
Criteria for Report Weight 100% Areas to be covered HD 0 C P F
Analysis of topic 25% – Evidence of understanding of chosen theories – Analysis of reasons for choosing the counseling theories in relation to the chosen case study
Conclusions demred from analysis and assessment of the topk iUX – Soundconclusionsarereachcdfromthecvsdenceoffered – Student presents their own substantiated interpretation of the literature – Sound ever al understanding al the literature is demonstrated – Demonstrated smderstandmgs of details relatmg to the case study and sound application of counselling theory and techniques – Identification and exploration of ethical/legal issues
Us* and depth of nr*«h 25% – Effective use of current (from 2010 onwards) academic peer renewed sources that relate directly to the topic or case study – AD sources of information (m text citations and separate reference list) are acknowledged and presented correctly in APA 7 style
Presentation 20% – Overall structure demonstrates continuity, clarity of words, concepts and thematic development from beginning to end – Includes statement of purpose, introduction. body, conclusion and reflection in essay style with no headings – Either Aral or Times New Roman or Cahbn font site 12 is used and essay is double spaced – A correctly completed cover sheet is attached
View other drafts
Introduction
In this essay, I will discuss the application of two counselling theories to a case study. The two theories I will be discussing are person-centred therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I will first provide a brief overview of each theory, including its historical origins and evolution, the typical counsellor/client relationship, and any other relevant elements. I will then compare and contrast the two theories, highlighting their similarities and differences. Finally, I will discuss how each theory could be applied to the case study, and I will make a recommendation about which theory I believe would be most beneficial to the client.
Person-Centred Therapy
Person-centred therapy was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s. It is a humanistic approach to counselling that focuses on the client’s own innate capacity for growth and change. Rogers believed that all people have the potential to reach their full potential, but that they may be blocked from doing so by a number of factors, such as negative experiences, self-doubt, and anxiety. Person-centred therapy aims to create a safe and supportive environment where the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. The counsellor’s role is to provide unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence, which are the three core conditions of person-centred therapy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on changing the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It was developed in the 1960s by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are all interconnected. For example, if we think negative thoughts about ourselves, we are more likely to feel anxious or depressed. CBT aims to help clients identify and challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, and to develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
Comparison and Contrast of Person-Centred Therapy and CBT
Person-centred therapy and CBT are both effective forms of counselling, but they have different approaches to helping clients. Person-centred therapy focuses on the client’s own innate capacity for growth and change, while CBT focuses on changing the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Person-centred therapy is a more non-directive approach, while CBT is a more directive approach.
Application of Person-Centred Therapy and CBT to the Case Study
The case study I will be discussing is about a young woman named Sarah who is struggling with anxiety and depression. Sarah has been feeling anxious and depressed for several months, and she is finding it difficult to cope with her symptoms. She has tried to talk to her friends and family about how she is feeling, but they do not seem to understand. Sarah is feeling isolated and alone, and she is not sure what to do.
I believe that both person-centred therapy and CBT could be helpful to Sarah. Person-centred therapy could help Sarah to feel more understood and supported. The counsellor could provide Sarah with a safe and confidential space to explore her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Person-centred therapy could also help Sarah to develop a more positive self-image and to increase her self-confidence.
CBT could also be helpful to Sarah. The counsellor could help Sarah to identify and challenge her negative thoughts and beliefs. The counsellor could also help Sarah to develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. CBT could help Sarah to manage her anxiety and depression more effectively.
Recommendation
I believe that person-centred therapy would be the most beneficial to Sarah. Sarah is feeling isolated and alone, and she needs to feel understood and supported. Person-centred therapy could provide Sarah with a safe and confidential space to explore her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Person-centred therapy could also help Sarah to develop a more positive self-image and to increase her self-confidence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both person-centred therapy and CBT are effective forms of counselling. However, I believe that person-centred therapy would be the most beneficial to Sarah. Sarah is feeling isolated and alone, and she needs to feel understood and supported. Person-centred therapy could provide Sarah with a safe and confidential space to explore her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Person-centred therapy could also help Sarah to develop a more positive self-image and to increase her self-confidence.
References
Beck, A. T. (1967). Depression: Causes and treatment. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. New York: Lyle Stuart.
Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist’s view of psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
