In this section, provide
a concise review of the literature focusing on research-oriented methods and techniques that align with your understanding of
the client’s theoretical formulations, case conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment
plan. The goal is to explore validated treatment techniques that are appropriate and consistent with the
client’s specific needs and the theoretical framework being utilized. Consider the following guidelines:
• Theoretical Review: Clearly articulate
and review the theoretical framework or approach you are employing in working with the client. Choose an
individually focused theory and a family systems one. Summarize the key concepts, assumptions,
and principles of the theory and explain how it aligns with your understanding of the client’s
case. Discuss how the theoretical formulation
informs your case
conceptualization and guides your treatment planning. Please remember that the case conceptualization is done later on
based on this section and your family history and
relationships.
• Research-oriented Methods and Techniques:
Review the literature to identify research- supported methods and techniques that are
applicable to the client’s diagnosis and align with the chosen theoretical framework to aid on the
treatment planning. Summarize these methods and techniques, providing an overview of the
evidence supporting their efficacy and appropriateness for the client’s specific needs. Discuss how
these methods and techniques can be integrated into
the treatment plan to promote positive outcomes.
• Reference Page: Include a comprehensive
reference page listing all the sources cited in your theoretical literature review. Follow the appropriate
citation style (e.g., APA) and adhere to the formatting guidelines.
Note that the theoretical literature review
should be concise, with a maximum of 5 pages. Focus on the primary writings by theorists or scholars
associated with the chosen theory. Emphasize how their theories have been applied to the client’s
diagnosis and treatment and include references that support
your claims. Avoid relying heavily on textbooks
and prioritize scholarly articles and research studies. By conducting a thorough and focused theoretical
literature review, trainees demonstrate their ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with
research evidence, supporting the development of an evidence-based and theoretically grounded
treatment approach for their clients.
(BOWEN THEORY) Family
Theory Case Conceptualization
Apply a theory of family therapy to the clinical
case, integrating the assessment data from previous sections and weaving it together using
theoretically specific language and systemic concepts. Begin by providing a brief explanation of your
theoretical orientation, describing the fundamental principles and concepts that guide your
therapeutic approach.
Utilize the following questions to develop your
theoretical case conceptualization, incorporating the assessment findings:
• Describe the structure of the family,
congruency, taking into account the family members involved and their relationships. Analyze the
family’s hierarchy/boundaries, subsystems, using your theoretical framework. Terminology
describing the structure will change depending on your theory.
• Assess the nature of boundaries between
individuals and subsystems within the family. Consider whether the boundaries are flexible or rigid and
how they contribute to family functioning and interaction patterns.
• Analyze the positioning of family members on
the continuum of engagement versus disengagement, considering their roles, levels of
involvement, and patterns of interaction within the family system.
• Explore how the family’s patterns of
interaction, as identified in the assessment, contribute to maintaining the presenting problem. Connect
these patterns to theoretical concepts and systemic dynamics.
• Examine the ways in which the presenting
problems are helpful to the family or serve a function within the family system, using your theoretical
lens to understand the underlying motivations and dynamics at play.
• Develop a systemic hypothesis that integrates
the assessment data and your theoretical understanding. Explain how the identified
patterns and dynamics influence the client’s symptoms and challenges, drawing on theoretical concepts
to provide a comprehensive understanding.
By applying your theoretical orientation,
incorporating the assessment data, and utilizing systemic concepts and language, you will create a rich
and coherent theoretical case conceptualization that sheds light on the underlying dynamics and processes
within the family system.
(Attachment Theory) Individual Case
Conceptualization –
Same requirements as ABOVE but with an
individual focus.