The purpose of this assignment is for you to demonstrate your analytical and assessment skills to systematically apply two group theory approaches/interventions to a case consisting of a planned counseling group. This assignment requires that you consider the theoretical approaches that we’ve studied and select the best two approaches to address the needs and group goals of the participants included on the case roster.
The counseling group that is the subject of your case application paper has a central focus (self-esteem and self-actualization issues) that forms the basis for the group and will contribute to the formation of group as well as individual goals. There is cultural, age, and gender diversity among the group members. This case configuration allows you the option to fill in the blanks, so to speak, and expand the member biographies and particular situations that drew members to the group for the purpose of this assignment. In other words, you can add to the case situation, but if you do, be certain to explain your additions or specifications before launching into the theory discussion and application.
******SEE ATTATCHED FILES FOR STEP ONE*********
Step 1
Read the Counseling Group Caseand select two theory/intervention approaches out of the 11 in Chapters 6-16 of Theory and Practice of Group Counseling that you believe are the best approaches to apply for the fullest understanding and the most effective interventions intended to meet the group’s goals and to fulfill its purpose. You must choose theories from the textbook that are the best fit for the case. The theory approaches must come from two separate chapters in the textbook. Note: In Steps 2 and 3 of the assignment, treat each of the theoretical approaches separately (you will repeat these steps for each of the theoretical approaches that you’ve selected).
Step 2
Provide a rationale for the selection of the theory/intervention approach and clearly and thoroughly articulate the main tenets/beliefs of each theoretical approach. Systematically assess the case and how the selected theory is the most useful to run the group. Your discussion should pay attention to the specific issues of the group and also to the characteristics of the group members. For example, how well does the theory address self-esteem/self-actualization issues and specifically across several cultures that are represented among the group members?
Step 3
Identify appropriate interventions and techniques that are suggested by the theoretical models that you have selected. Make the link between interventions/techniques and theory explicit. How will you run the group with this approach and with the intervention/techniques in mind? How well will you expect the group and individual members to reach their goals? What specific interventions and techniques do you suggest, and why? The interventions must stem from the chosen theory.
Step 4
Discuss the merits and potential problems associated with each theoretical approach, including a comparison of the appropriateness of each approach to the case. This discussion should include any arguments that you might have for the superiority of one approach over the other, as well as discussion of the methodological/empirical support (or lack of) for each theory. Additionally, discuss how these approaches may or may not complement one another.
***Guidelines
Be sure that the paper reads as a coherent whole. Feel free to draw on outside resources, although it is not a requirement of the assignment.
Your paper should follow APA format.
If additional sources are cited in the paper, there must be an attached reference page.
Your paper should be word-processed, double spaced, and approximately 8 pages in length, but should not exceed 10 pages.
