Word Count: 1800 – 2000 words
A written essay incorporating a case study and relevant theories in counselling covered during the Trimester
Throughout this Trimester, students have learned about various counselling theories, namely:

Psychoanalytic therapy
Solution focused (including brief interventions)
Person-Centred therapy
Narrative therapy
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Family systems theory
Acceptance and Commitment therapy
You are required to select ONE case study from a list to be provided during the trimester and then choose TWO of the counselling theories that you believe will be appropriate to assist the client(s) discussed in the chosen case study.

Your task is to apply each counselling theory, whilst comparing and contrasting the different ways in which each theory could be applied in an effort to help your client(s) with his/her/their problem:

Your answer must include the following:
1. Identification of the historical origins and evolution of BOTH of your chosen theories
2. Details about the typical counsellor/client relationship and any other elements of the chosen theories.
3. Application of, comparison and contrast between the two chosen theories
4. An outline of any ethical/legal issues to be considered,
5. An explanation of how you would use each of the TWO counselling techniques to assist your client – make sure to compare and contrast different needs of each theory in relation to techniques.
6. A suggestion of a possible outcome for the client if the counselling is helpful.
7. You may also suggest the number of sessions or any other requirements needed for the counselling to go ahead as planned, again comparing, and contrasting the TWO theories.
8. A final statement that outlines which of the two theories would best suit the client’s needs, based on your analysis.

Your written report should include at least 8 peer reviewed research articles read, in addition to any textbook references. The articles must be from 2010 or be more recent. Do NOT use older material- find current peer reviewed, academic literature which explores, expands or adapts older articles
Your report should also include an introduction, body and summary in a flowing text. Do not use separate headings. Use APA 7 style referencing, Arial or Times New Roman font size 12, and double spaced. A BCS cover sheet must be attached and correctly completed including accurate word count

Do NOT utilize sources such as www.tutor2u.com and other such web materials as these in no way constitute academic references for the purpose of your assignments. If you rely on such sources for theoretical support you will be deemed NOT to have met the requirements of the assessment

Criteria for Report Weight 100% Areas to be covered HD D C P F
Analysis of topic 25% § Evidence of understanding of chosen theories
§ Analysis of reasons for choosing the counselling theories in relation to the chosen case study

Conclusions derived from analysis and assessment of the topic 30% § Sound conclusions are reached from the evidence offered
§ Student presents their own substantiated interpretation of the literature
§ Sound overall understanding of the literature is demonstrated
§ Demonstrated understandings of details relating to the case study and sound application of counselling theory and techniques
§ Identification and exploration of ethical /legal issues
Use and depth of research 25% § Effective use of current (from 2010 onwards ) academic peer reviewed sources that relate directly to the topic or case study
§ All sources of information (in text citations and separate reference list) are acknowledged and presented correctly in APA 7 style

Presentation 20% § Overall structure demonstrates continuity, clarity of words, concepts and thematic development from beginning to end
§ Includes statement of purpose, introduction, body, conclusion and reflection in essay style with no headings
§ Either Arial or Times New Roman font size 12 is used and essay is double spaced
§ A correctly completed cover sheet is attached

TOTAL /30%
Criteria for report High Distinction
80% - Distinction
70%- 79% Credit
60-69% Pass
50-59% Fail
0-49%
Analysis of literature on topic
25% Excellent analysis of reasons for choosing the counselling theories in relation to the chosen case study
Student presents very well substantiated interpretation of the literature Very good analysis of reasons for choosing the counselling theories in relation to the chosen case study
Student presents well substantiated interpretation of the literature Good analysis of reasons for choosing the counselling theories in relation to the chosen case study
Student presents substantiated interpretation of the literature Basic analysis of reasons for choosing the counselling theories in relation to the chosen case study
Student presents a basic interpretation of the literature Little or no analysis of reasons for choosing the counselling theories in relation to the chosen case study
Student presents little or no interpretation of the literature
Conclusions derived from analysis and assessment of the case study
30% Demonstrates excellent understanding of the chosen theories, excellent application of the theories to the case study and excellent application of techniques
Excellent and thoroughly explained identification and exploration of ethical /legal issues Demonstrates very good understanding of the chosen theories, very good application of the theories to the case study and very good application of techniques
Very well explained identification and exploration of ethical /legal issues Demonstrates good understanding of the chosen theories, good application of the theories to the case study and good application of techniques
Well explained identification and exploration of ethical /legal issues Demonstrates basic understanding of the chosen theories, basic application of the theories to the case study and basic application of techniques
Basic identification and exploration of ethical /legal issues Demonstrates limited or no understanding of the chosen theories, limited or no application of the theories to the case study and limited or no application of techniques
Limited or no identification and exploration of ethical /legal issues
Use and depth of research
25% Excellent use of current (from 2010 onwards ) academic peer reviewed sources that relate directly to the topic or case study
All sources of information (in text citations and separate reference list) are acknowledged and presented correctly in APA 7 style
Very good use of current (from 2010 onwards ) academic peer reviewed sources that relate directly to the topic or case study
All sources of information (in text citations and separate reference list) are acknowledged and presented correctly in APA 7 style
Good use of current (from 2010 onwards ) academic peer reviewed sources that relate directly to the topic or case study
All sources of information (in text citations and separate reference list) are acknowledged and presented correctly in APA 7 style
Basic use of current (from 2010 onwards ) academic peer reviewed sources that relate directly to the topic or case study
All sources of information (in text citations and separate reference list) are acknowledged and presented correctly in APA 7 style
Little or no use of current (from 2010 onwards ) academic peer reviewed sources that relate directly to the topic or case study
All sources of information (in text citations and separate reference list) are acknowledged and presented correctly in APA 7 style

Presentation
20% Overall structure demonstrates excellent continuity, clarity of words, concepts and thematic development from beginning to end
Includes statement of purpose, introduction, body, conclusion and reflection in essay style with no headings
Either Arial or Times New Roman font size 12 is used and essay is double spaced
Cover sheet is correctly completed Overall structure demonstrates very good continuity, clarity of words, concepts and thematic development from beginning to end
Includes statement of purpose, introduction, body, conclusion and reflection in essay style with no headings
Either Arial or Times New Roman font size 12 is used and essay is double spaced
Cover sheet is correctly completed Overall structure demonstrates good continuity, clarity of words, concepts and thematic development from beginning to end
Includes statement of purpose, introduction, body, conclusion and reflection in essay style with no headings
Either Arial or Times New Roman font size 12 is used and essay is double spaced
Cover sheet is correctly completed Overall structure demonstrates some continuity, clarity of words, concepts and thematic development from beginning to end
Includes statement of purpose, introduction, body, conclusion and reflection in essay style with no headings
Either Arial or Times New Roman font size 12 is used and essay is double spaced
Cover sheet is not correctly or fully completed Overall structure demonstrates limited or no continuity, clarity of words, concepts and thematic development from beginning to end
Essay includes limited or no statement of purpose, introduction, body, conclusion and reflection in essay style and /or uses headings
Arial or Times New Roman font size 12 is not used and essay is not double spaced
Cover sheet is not correctly or fully completed
TOTAL /30%