Personal Theory Paper

Personal theory paper

In lieu of a final exam, each student will submit a personal theory paper. This paper is worth 60 points. The personal theory paper is to be no more than 8-10 pages in length including the cover page and references page. It is to be written in APA format, complete with title page, running headers, appropriate reference citations within the text of the paper, and a reference page at the end. The student must consult a minimum of 5 resources over and above the textbooks used in class and the class lecture notes.  These resources should be peer-reviewed articles or academic books written about the theory. This paper provides the student with an opportunity to integrate counseling theory with clinical practice. The paper will consist of a discussion of the student’s understanding of a particular psychological theory, how that theory is applied directly in clinical practice, how to apply the clinical approach with respect to multiculturalism and diversity, and how the student will integrate these in their clinical practice.

 

Directions for paper: Please choose the theory or theories (no more than three) you are most drawn to. Discuss the theoretical principles and how this or these approach(s) fit with who you are as a developing therapist. Discuss evidence-based outcomes that may exist in the literature for this or these approach(es). Discuss how you think people change and how this theory or these theories, coincide with your ideas of change. Talk about how this theory, or these theories, interact with your concepts of mental health and wellness. What happens when psychopathology enters the picture and how does this occur? Please comment on how this theory helps you understand, and work with, the multicultural variable you anticipate that you will encounter as a clinician. Finally, discuss any limitations of this theory. What are your areas of growth with regard to integrating this theoretical approach into your clinical style?