1. Vignettes: Students will identify a relational issue in their personal life and will develop a brief, one-paragraph vignette, revealing only information that they are comfortable revealing. The case must be relational but maybe a couple or family depending on the theory of choice.

[Note: this assignment can be modified and you may use a case example/clients you are currently seeing or you may choose something you have experience with rather than something from your personal life]

2. Select Theory: Students will choose one theory from the following: Systemic, Structural, Satir Growth Model, Symbolic-Experiential, EFT (for couples’ case), Intergenerational, Psychodynamic, Collaborative, or Narrative. Students will then describe the theory of choice as well as discuss why they selected this theory based on the vignette they describe.

Citations: Students will need to cite 5 original academic sources for the theory chosen for the treatment plan (academic articles or books—online web and wiki pages will not count towards this total). Citations should be included to support the theory of choice.

3. Cross-Theory Case Conceptualization: Assess your vignette using the Case Conceptualization template provided; this will be scored using the rubric (Review Chapter 17 for assistance and information regarding completion of the Cross-Theory Case Conceptualization).

4. Proposed Treatment Plan – Theory Specific: Develop a treatment plan using the Treatment Plan template provided and applying to the theory of choice; the rubric will be used to score the assignment. Each treatment plan should be designed using the single theory of choice, e.g., Solution-Focused, Structural, Systemic, etc.

One Last Hint: Make sure you choose a theory that is a good fit for treating the presenting problem you choose. You will find certain problems lend themselves to certain theories.

Approximate time to complete: 30-40 hours depending on the understanding of material and writing ability.

Format Instructions

All assignments must be typed in accordance with the current edition of the APA Publication Manual. Additionally, students should use the following guidelines:

• The papers must be double-spaced in 12 point Times New Roman or similar font. Use 1-inch margins on all sides; this is to ensure that everyone has a similar understanding of “one page.”
• Students are encouraged to use headers to structure their papers. Please use the format for two levels of headers (APA 6th ed.)
• Use full APA coversheet format; no additional information should be added (e.g., class number, professor name, etc.)

All writing submitted to the professor should be a final draft, free of spelling, grammatical, stylistic, and typographical errors. Students are encouraged to allow ample time for writing, keeping in mind the frequency of computer glitches.