The purpose of this 7-9 page paper is for you to explore in depth three different theoretical approaches, in the process of writing a case study of a fictional or historical character. The character you choose should be one that you’re pretty familiar with, and preferably one that is somewhat well-known so that I will have some familiarity with them too (or at least can easily find information on them)! The character must appear to be in some emotional distress or be likely to seek out psychotherapy. They can be from movies (e.g., Sabina Spielrein in Dangerous Method; the Natalie Portman character in Black Swan; King George in The King’s Speech; Silver Linings Playbook; Infinitely Polar Bear), television (e.g. Don Draper; characters from Sex in the City, Homeland, Monk, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, You’re the Worst, The Sopranos), literature (e.g. Harry Potter; George or Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf; Eeyore in Winnie-the-Pooh), or can be a historical figure such as Howard Hughes, Abraham Lincoln, Marilyn Monroe, or Princess Diana. If you are not sure about a particular character or are uncertain about whom to choose, feel free to discuss this with me.
Here are some guidelines for what to include in your paper:
1. A basic background description of the character and the source used for it (TV show, movie, etc.). This would include sex, age, ethnicity/species, family background, and any other identifying information. If some of this is unknown you can say so, or take an educated guess (e.g. for age of the character).
2. A description of the character’s difficulties or emotional concerns from as objective a view as possible. What might lead them to seek counseling/psychotherapy? Technically, this is called the “presenting problem.”
3. From the point of view of each of the three theoretical approaches, what initial questions would you ask, or interventions would you make, when first meeting with the character as their therapist?
4. From the view of each theoretical approach, develop a case formulation of the character (also called a case conceptualization), which usually includes a personality sketch of the person, along with an account of how the problem developed. You can find an example of this formulation in the Case Presentation section of each textbook chapter, especially the Problem List and Problem Formulation subsections. The Theory of Psychopathology section of each chapter also can be useful in describing concretely how the problem developed.
5. For each approach, write a treatment plan for working with the character. This can include: what would change in therapy –i.e. what would be the goals for the client (again using the Problem List section), what issues would be covered, and how would you envision your relationship with the character if you were the therapist?
6. For each approach, what specific interventions might you use as therapist? Feel free to invent actual therapy dialogue if you like. How might the therapy progress, and how might it end?
7. Talk about the relative strengths and limitations of each approach for working with this character. Here you can express your personal opinions about what you like and don’t like about each approach, using the case study for examples.
You should have at least 3 references other than the textbook. For additional material on each theory, see the Optional Explorations section.
Grades will be based primarily on the content of the paper. I will be looking for (1) your ability to show your familiarity with the theories, (2) how thoroughly you apply them to the character, (3) your ability to think critically about the theories, and (4) your reflective discussion of your reactions to each theory (that is, commenting on your own reactions and possible implications for your own counseling work). Perhaps most important is that you directly connect specific characteristics of the client, and his/her developmental background, to particular concepts of the theory. For example, if using Person-Centered theory, a client’s depression (specific characteristics) may be tied to “conditions of worth” (concept of the theory being used) stemming from very conditional love experienced in early childhood (developmental background).
Papers must be typed or word-processed, double-spaced, and use APA reference format (see http://www.lesley.edu/library/guides/citation/apa.html).
You are encouraged to have someone read your first draft and give you feedback.
Be sure to keep a copy of all written work that you turn in.
Assignments are due on time; without prior consent of the instructor, grades may be lowered for late papers.
