Assignment Overview
Therapists are compelled to not only understand the specific theoretical model but are required to apply the model of treatment while working with a client unit. This is what separates a therapist from a good friend who can listen and offer commonsense advice. As a therapist, you are a professional, and your hypotheses, questions, inquiries, and feedback should be grounded in theory. As a result, this assignment challenges you to clearly demonstrate your understanding of the theoretical models reviewed this week.
To successfully meet the requirements of this assignment you will provide a summative overview of the two approaches assigned this week. You are required to provide a minimum of three foundational similarities between the two models. In doing so you should clearly offer your rationale for why you have identified said similarities. You will also provide a minimum of three differences between the two models, and again you will address your rationale for why you have identified those specific theoretical differences. You will then offer what you identify as strengths or weaknesses (a minimum of three) of either of the theoretical models in relation to couple therapy. Then you will review the vignette provided below and specify which theory you would use to work with the couple after offering a case conceptualization. You will detail your rationale (a minimum of two relevant rationales) for why you have selected one theory over the other.
Using the language of the theory you have selected, you will develop and share a minimum of five questions you would ask the couple unit that would help the couple moved closer towards their goal. In addition, you will clearly articulate the rationale for each question you present. You will specify a minimum of three theory-specific interventions while working with the couple identified in the vignette. You will share your rationale for why you have selected each specific intervention and clearly articulate how the intervention will benefit the couple.
Vignette
Marissa and Maria have been married for six years but have known each other for more than 20 years, as they met while serving in Iraq. Marissa is 46 years old, and Maria is 44 years of age. They have 3 children and are both retired from the military. Marissa has chosen not to work at this time, but volunteers some of her time at the local shelter for women and children. Maria currently works in marketing. Both Marissa and Maria identify as Americans of Mexican ancestry.
While working with Marissa and Maria in couples therapy, they share with you the struggles that they have been experiencing for many years and this is the 1st time that they reached out for assistance. Marissa shares her inability to fall asleep on a regular basis. She talked about recalling vivid situations she had experienced in Iraq to include an attack that almost killed Maria. She shared that those dreams have become more recurrent over the last year and she finds herself unable to get past the memory. Marissa states that losing Maria frightens her and she finds herself constantly anxious around the idea of not having Maria with her as she continues to raise their children.
Maria shares that many of nights she has had to wake Marissa up and reassure her that she is okay. She continued to say that Marissa is now less patient with the children and loud noises startle her. In addition, Maria shares that she is losing patience with Marissa given that she shared that same experience but has worked through it enough that the aftermath does not affect their relationship and family. Maria clearly indicates her love for Marissa but shares that she sometimes gets frustrated because they are struggling to simply communicate with one another.
Marissa acknowledges that the challenges she is currently experiencing are creating an issue for their relationship and for their family and she wants to find a way to work through her past experiences.
Sample Paper Structure: It is recommended that you use the titles below as subheadings in your reflective analysis.
Introduction
- In this section, you should clearly introduce your paper and share what you plan to address in the pages ahead.
Theory 1: Summative overview
- In this section, you should provide a summative overview of one of the theories assigned for you to review this week. The summative overview should be in your words but please make sure to cite your sources accordingly if you paraphrase or decide to directly quote from the text.
Theory 2: Summative overview
- In this section, you should provide a summative overview of the other theory assigned for you to review this week. The summative overview should be in your words but please make sure to cite your sources accordingly if you paraphrase or decide to directly quote from the text.
Similarities between both theories
- In this section, you should discuss the similarities between both theories to include your rationale (a minimum of three).
Differences between both theories
- In this section, you should discuss the differences between both theories to include your rationale (a minimum of three).
Analysis of theories in relation to couple therapy
- In this section, you will analyze both theories and offer strengths and weaknesses of the theories in relation to couple therapy.
Theory selection based on the vignette
- In this section, you offer a case conceptualization demonstrating your clinical understanding of the presented information. You will then identify the theory you have selected to use to address the challenges presented by the couple identified within the vignette. Please include your rationale (a minimum of two) as to why you have selected one theory over the other.
Theory-based questions and rationale
- In the section, you will share a minimum of five theory-based questions that would benefit the couple. Your rationale for each question should be articulated.
Theory specific interventions and rationale
- In the section, you will share a minimum of three theory-specific interventions that would benefit the couple. Your rationale for each intervention should be articulated.
Conclusion/Summary
- In this section, you should provide a summary of the information you have detailed in this assignment.
Additional Guidelines
- This reflective analysis should be between 8 to 10 pages in length not including the title and reference page.
- This reflective analysis is due on Sunday of week 4 by 11:59 pm.
- This paper should adhere to strict APA guidelines (7th edition).
