Erica Burnham groups project

Purpose: This project is designed to help students apply psychotherapy theory and clinical reasoning using authentic, externally sourced, or real clinical material rather than fabricated cases. Students will analyze psychotherapy through observation, literature-based cases, or de-identified clinical encounters to demonstrate evidence-based application.

Approved Case Sources: Students may select a case from one of the following:

• A de-identified client from their own clinical practicum
• A published psychotherapy case study from a peer-reviewed journal

Project Components

1) Case Summary & Clinical Context (20%)

Students will summarize the selected care using information provided in the source.

Required Elements:

• Presenting concern(s)
• Relevant psychiatric and psychosocial history
• Key Mental Status Exam findings
• Diagnosis or diagnostic considerations
• Cultural, developmental, and psychosocial factors noted in the source

2) Psychotherapy Modality Analysis (25%)

Students will identify the primary psychotherapy modality used in the case OR propose the most appropriate evidence-based modality if none is specified.

Required Elements:

• Description of the modality
• Rationale for use with this diagnosis/presentation
• Evidence base from current literature
• Indications and limitations
• Appropriateness for this specific client context

3) Treatment Plan Critique or Proposal (25%)

Option A: Critique (if treatment plan is provided):

• Analyze the strengths of the treatment plan
• Identify gaps or areas for improvement
• Discuss alignment with best-practice guidelines
• Comment on feasibility and sequencing of interventions

OR

Option B: Evidence-Based Proposal (if no plan is provided):

• Propose a general treatment approach based on guidelines and literature
• Identify recommended frequency and duration
• Outline phase-based goals (early/middle/termination)
• Discuss how psychotherapy would integrate with medication management

4) Observed Psychotherapy Techniques Analysis (15%)

Students will analyze actual observed interventions from their source.

Required Elements:

• Identify at least 5 specific psychotherapy techniques used
• Name and define each technique
• Describe how each technique supports treatment goals
• Evaluate appropriateness and timing of interventions

5) Professional & Ethical Reflection (15%)

Students will complete a reflective analysis focused on professional development rather than fictional dialogue.

Required Elements:

• Ethical considerations related to the case
• Cultural humility and patient-centered care considerations
• Scope of practice issues for PMHNPs
• What the student learned about psychotherapy practice
• How this case informs their future clinical approach

Format & Submission

• 10-15 pages total
• APA 7th edition
• Minimum of 8 scholarly references
• Clear citation of case source
• No fabricated dialogue, transcripts, or invented patient data permitted