Case Conceptualization Paper 1

Theories of counseling class assignment

Case conceptualization is a fundamental skill for applying evidence-based counseling theories to client concerns. In this course, you will complete two case conceptualization papers, each based on a provided vignette (in files) with the goals of developing and strengthening your ability to apply counseling theories flexibly, practicing case analysis in trauma and crisis contexts, and developing cultural and ethical awareness in treatment planning. You will complete two papers, each centered on a different counseling theory. In other words, your two papers should not focus on the same theory.

Each paper should be up to 5 double-spaced pages (not including title page and references) and include the following sections:

• Case Background and Foundation (~1 page)
• Background Information: Succinctly summarize demographics, relevant history, and current functioning from the vignette.
• Presenting Problems and Symptoms: Describe the clients main concerns.
• Trauma or Crisis Considerations: Identify trauma- or crisis-related symptoms that may influence your conceptualization.
• Individual, Cultural, and Contextual Factors: Discuss relevant factors shaping the case.
• Ethical Concerns: Note ethical issues that might be relevant to the case.
• Theoretical Application (1.52 pages)
• Etiology and Issue Framing: Describe how the selected theory informs the development and maintenance of the clients problems.
• Treatment Considerations: Describe how the theory informs a treatment plan, including interventions, goals, and the roles of therapist and client.
• Application to Trauma/Crisis: Address how the theory accounts for or adapts to trauma- and/or crisis-related symptoms.
• Reflection and Evaluation (~0.5 page)
• Identify the aspects of the theory you find most useful for this case, and briefly discuss its potential strengths and limitations in this context.

Case Conceptualization Paper Rubric (35 points x 2)

Criteria

Exemplary

Proficient

Developing

Emerging

Case Background & Foundation (8 pts)

(8) Thoroughly and clearly summarizes demographics, history, functioning, and presenting concerns. Thoughtfully integrates trauma/crisis considerations, individual, cultural, contextual, and ethical factors.

(6-7) Identifies most background elements and includes trauma/crisis and cultural/contextual factors, though depth or clarity may be limited.

(45) Summarizes some background and problems but gives little attention to trauma/crisis, cultural/contextual, or ethical factors.

(13) Minimal attempt at background; trauma/crisis or cultural/contextual/ethical issues not addressed.

Theoretical Application (18 pts)

(18) Sophisticated and accurate application of the selected theory. Clearly explains etiology/issue framing, treatment goals and interventions, therapist/client roles, and adaptation to trauma/crisis.

(1517) Applies the theory with general accuracy; addresses etiology, treatment, and trauma/crisis though some areas lack depth.

(1214) Basic or uneven application of the theory; treatment or trauma/crisis considerations unclear or underdeveloped.

(11) Minimal or inaccurate attempt to apply the theory; trauma/crisis not addressed.

Reflection & Evaluation (6 pts)

(6) Insightfully reflects on usefulness, strengths, and limitations of the theory for this case.

(4-5) Reflection includes strengths/limitations; some insight evident.

(3) Basic or partial reflection; limited connection to case or self.

(12) Minimal reflection; unclear or unrelated to case/theory.

Writing & APA Style (3 pts)

(3) Graduate-level writing: clear, organized, concise. APA style consistently accurate.

(2.5) Mostly clear; some minor APA or writing errors.

(2) Writing or APA issues somewhat affect clarity.

(1 or less) Writing unclear or difficult to follow; APA style not yet applied.