PSY 612 Final Assignment
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PSY 612

Final Assignment Instructions and Guidelines

The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your knowledge of different theories that have been covered throughout the semester as well as identify theories that are well matched for you personally and professionally. In this assignment, you will demonstrate your understanding of theories of counseling and psychotherapy through critical analysis and clear articulation of supporting evidence including examples from the case material and scholarly literature. You will identify two different theories to provide an analysis of the development and life issues of Gwen or Stan. Be prepared to discuss why you selected these particular theories and any social-cultural variables that impact your application of the theories, as well as any other personal and professional considerations in your choices. You will be expected to provide at least three scholarly articles to support your discussion of the theories. The paper should be approximately 8–10 pages in length and submitted in a Word document. The paper will be evaluated based on appropriate use of the theories, correct application of the concepts, critique of the material and use of scholarly sources to support your arguments.

Final Exam Prompt:

You are going on your first job interview as a newly licensed therapist. During the interview, you are asked to describe and explain your theoretical orientation. You are then asked to illustrate your application of theory to a clinical case. In this paper, please integrate and discuss two theoretical orientations as they apply to the case conceptualization and treatment of Gwen or Stan. This is your personal opportunity to demonstrate your theoretical acuity and orientation. Please feel free to use quotes directly from scholarly sources as you demonstrate how and why your clinical approaches are well suited to your client and you. Most importantly, this paper should reflect and articulate your personal theoretical orientation to counseling and psychotherapy based upon the several models discussed in class. Before writing, take some time to think about your personal style and who you are as a therapist. Review your weekly Theory Reflection/Review papers and re-read the sections of the Halbur text as you select your theoretical orientation. Consider how your personality, history, and personal values/interests shape your orientation. And most importantly, have fun with this.

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Requirements 1. You will be expected to provide at least three scholarly articles (outside of the

textbook) to support your discussion. You should have at least one outside source for each of the therapy approaches that you are using. The source does not have to be written by the original theorist (e.g., Carl Rogers); it can be written about the therapy (e.g., Person-Centered Therapy). The source may also provide information about the specific problem or issue described in the case study. You should rely primarily on journal articles and professional books for your resources.

2. The paper should be at least 8–10 pages in length and submitted in a Word

document. 3. You cannot use two theories from the same general perspective (e.g., two cognitive

theorists or two existential theorists). Consider discussing each theoretical position’s views of personality development, views of psychopathology, defense mechanisms, and communication style.

4. Include ethical or multicultural counseling issues, and how you would respond to this

type of client (e.g. transference). 5. A formal diagnosis is not necessary for this discussion. 6. Papers should include an APA-style title page, name and page number at the upper

right corner in the header, and be double-spaced and 12-point Times New Roman. Please use spell and grammar check as points may be deducted for errors of this nature.

7. The assignment is due 24 hours prior to the Week 11 live session. Four points will

be deducted daily for any papers that are late. You must upload the assignment in WORD to 2PEP@Pepperdine by 24 hours within of live session 11.

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Specific Paper Instructions

PART I. Introduction/Opening Narrative (1/2 – 1 page) Introduce the theory that at this point in your professional development resonates with you most. Indicate what alternate theory you will use in the assignment to discuss the case. Provide an introductory paragraph/outline to the case of Gwen or Stan.

PART II. Critical Analysis (6 pages) The second part of the assignment is a critical analysis of the person’s life using theories, frameworks and concepts from the course. Be careful NOT to repeat the narrative in this section. Use descriptive sub-headings to help organize your paper.

Section A. (4 pages) Apply two different theories to the case. Your application of theories should be in depth, analyzing all aspects of the theory you have chosen as they relate to relevant patterns of bio-psycho- social spiritual functioning in the person’s life. Use descriptive sub- headings.

Section B. (1 pages) Critique the two theories you have chosen by discussing strengths and weaknesses of the theory and supporting your claims with examples from case material.

Section C. (1 pages) Provide a discussion of socio-cultural variables and how they may have have influenced the person’s development over time. Include in your discussion a consideration of context and the role of multiple oppressions and marginalization, power and privilege.

PART III. Personal Reflection (1-2 pages) The third section of the assignment is a reflection on development of personal and professional theoretical orientation. Discuss the following:

• What theories will you likely adopt as part of your own clinical approach

and theoretical orientation? • Why these particular theories? • What continued areas of growth do you see for yourself in terms of

developing a professional identity and theoretical orientation

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