Case Study – 2000 words

 

Instructions

 

Case study: Simon

Simon is a 38-year-old father of two who works in graphic design as a private consultant. He comes to

counselling because he is overwhelmed with life. He is also struggling with depression and wants to

be able to come of antidepressants which he has been on for the past nine months.

 

Simon’s wife has a chronic illness which for the past two years has resulted in costly treatment as well as leaving her exhausted for the majority of the time. As a result, he does almost all of the housework, cooking, transport and other activities related to their two children. The older child is in primary school but has exhibited a number of developmental challenges requiring significant attention as well as visits to psychologists and other specialists. His two-year-old child is very active and takes up most of his

attention during the day. He mentions how he would love to begin running again knowing the exercise

may help his depression but finds it impossible to build this into his day.

 

Simon’s family moved from interstate to their current location six months ago to be closer to his

parents. While they do provide some support with the children, they are limited in this due to their

deteriorating health. As a result, he struggles to get the level of work done that he would like, often

only being able to begin work at night once the children are in bed. This leads to inadequate levels of

sleep and a constant struggle to earn enough to support his family with their rising medical costs.

 

During the first session with Simon, he mentions that he struggles repeatedly with feelings of

inadequacy as a father, provider and husband. He feels isolated, and has had little opportunity to

connect with other men recounting those he has met have no understanding of the challenges he

faces. Instead, several of them have encouraged him to read self-help books focussed on time

management. In addition, the lack of friendships is exacerbated by the fact that whenever there is

opportunity to get together with other families, for the most part his wife finds she is too tired to go

and expects them to not go without her. When she is well enough, she also expects him to spend

time with her at the expense of his work; the implicit message being he is a poor husband otherwise.

Simon indicates that it is his responsibility to be a better, more attentive husband.

 

His family of origin have a strong work ethic, his sister in particular is a highly successful executive, and

he battles constantly with the desire to be there for his family but also to be able to put in what he

describes as a ‘solid day’s work’. Some resentment is expressed (but also minimised) that he can’t

even apply for a regular job due to the demands at home. Simon also lives with constant anxiety that

if he doesn’t get enough work done each week, it will ‘tip them over the edge’ financially, possibly

leading to bankruptcy.

 

Using the case study provided above, show how you would apply both theoretical and practical knowledge from both modalities taught within this unit. Your case study is to include the following from the perspective of each modality:

– a succinct hypothesis of the key client issues, supported by a clear discussion of theory

– modality specific interventions that you would employ in session with your client, providing rationale for your answer

– modality specific case formulation for future consideration

– limitations of the modality – what aspects of the client situation do you believe would not be adequately addressed by this approach?

 

Based on your discussion, which modality would you choose to use with this client? Provide a clear rationale for your decision.

 

Rationale & Expectations

This assessment provides the opportunity for students to apply theoretical knowledge to client concerns. It seeks to assist understanding of the diverse ways counselling theories address psychological distress and the change processes as well as exercising judgement regarding their limitations.

 

This assignment should be substantiated by reference to the Unit textbooks and any other resources the student uses:

REQUIRED TEXTS

Greenberg, L.S. (2015). Emotion-focused therapy: Coaching clients to work through their feelings (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.

Simmons, J. & Griffiths, R. (2018). CBT for beginners (3rd ed.). SAGE.

 

RECOMMENDED TEXTS/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beck, J.S. (2011). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Corey, G. (2017). Theory & practice of counseling & psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Corsini, R.J., & Wedding, D. (2010). Current Psychotherapies (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole.

Davidson, R.J., & Begley, S. (2013). The emotional life of your brain: How its unique patterns affect the way you think, feel, and live – and how you can change them. Hodder.

Greenberg, L (2017). Emotion-focused therapy (revised edition). APA.

Greenberger, D., & Padesky, C.A. (2015). Mind over mood: Change how you feel by changing the way you think (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.

Ivey, A.E., Ivey, M.B., & Zalaquett, C.P. (2018). Intentional interviewing and counselling: Facilitating client development in a multicultural society (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole.

Jones, S.L., & Butman, R.E. (2011). Modern psychotherapies: A comprehensive Chris¬tian appraisal (2nd ed.). InterVarsity Press.

McLeod, J. (2018). An introduction to counselling and psychotherapy. (6th edn). Open University Press.

Prochaska, J.O., & Norcross, J.C. (2018). Systems of psychotherapy: a transtheoretical analysis (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Sharf, R.F. (2011). Theories of Psychotherapy & Counseling: Concepts and Cases (5th ed.). Brooks/Cole.

Van Bilsen, H., (2013). Cognitive behaviour therapy in the real world: Back to basics. Routledge.

 

This assessment tasks meets the following Learning Outcomes:

1.       Critically examine the theoretical tenets and practices of two main theories of counselling.

2.       Evaluate the movement towards psychotherapy integration with a view to how these shapes

their counselling practices.

3.       Plan how to incorporate integrative counselling theory into their approach to practice.

4.       Apply counselling approaches with attention to skills and processes and reflect on the strengths and limitations of one’s practice.

 

Grading criteria

1.       A succinct hypothesis of key client issues, supported by explanation of theory that supports this

Comprehensive discussion from both modalities perspectives, accurate & persuasive; major points clearly stated; relevant supporting texts; critical thinking evident

 

2.       Key interventions identified as they relate to the stages of the counselling process

Comprehensive discussion from both modalities perspectives, accurate & persuasive; major points clearly stated; relevant supporting texts; critical thinking evident

 

3.       Modality specific case formulation for future consideration

Comprehensive discussion from both modalities perspectives, accurate & persuasive; major points clearly stated; relevant supporting texts; critical thinking evident

 

4.       Limitations of each modality – what aspects are not adequately addressed?

Comprehensive discussion from both modalities perspectives, accurate & persuasive; major points clearly stated; relevant supporting texts; critical thinking evident

 

5.       Which modality would you choose to use including rationale?

Comprehensive discussion, accurate & persuasive; major points clearly stated; relevant supporting texts; critical thinking evident

 

6.       Organisation & Structure – including grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Rules of grammar, usage & punctuation followed; spelling is correct; language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure.

 

7.       Paragraph structure clear & easy to follow; flow of ideas fluid & logical; organisation transparent, logical, helpful; a pleasure to read; paper is concise and of correct length.

 

8.       Formatting adheres to Student Handbook Guidelines.

 

9.       APA Style Referencing

Professional tone; formatted according to guidelines; comprehensive referencing without errors.

Reference list is complete, accurate; meets all APA requirements; includes sufficient relevant, contemporary references