Midterm Assignment: Theory Integration and Application

For this assignment, students are encouraged to reflect on the theories learned throughout the course and demonstrate their ability to apply Narrative, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Solution-Focused approaches to a clinical case. This assignment will help you deepen your critical thinking process and expand your knowledge of applying theory to real-world clinical cases.

Students are expected to conceptualize a case from their fieldwork practice that illustrates how they have attempted to use either Narrative, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Solution-Focused interventions. This 6-page paper should include the following:

Introduction: Brief overview of what the paper will be about

Case description: Select an individual case and describe succinctly how you have used principles (as per the readings) of either Narrative, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Solution-Focused approaches in your work. This section should also include the rationale for the theory selected.

Client positionality: Explain how the clients positionality (age, gender, race/cultural/ethnic identification, sexual orientation, immigration status, marital status, etc.) has informed your clinical/professional impression of the clients dynamics.

Conclusion: Brief synthesis of the case and theory application, including key clinical insights gained and reflection on how this learning will inform future practice.

References: Students are expected to use eight (8) references from multiple sources to ground their arguments and views. Utilize articles from the course syllabus, professional journals, and book chapters.

Note: Websites and other internet sources are unacceptable. The reference list should be typed in APA format.

some readings ALLOWED:

• Anderson, H. (2005). Myths about knowing. Family Process, 44, 4, 497-504.
• Messer, S.B. & Kaslow, N.J. (2020). Ch. 1, Contemporary issues in psychotherapy theory, practice and research: A framework for comparative study.
• Neimeyer, R.A. & Bridges, S.K. (2003). Postmodern approaches to psychotherapy. In Gurman & Messer, Ch. 8, pp. 272-316.
• Sarri, C. (2002). The environment: Its role in psychosocial functioning and psychotherapy. New York: Columbia University Press. Ch. 9: Symbolization: Connections between internal and external worlds.
• Gambrill, E. (2012). (3rd ed). Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice: Improving the Quality of Judgments and Decisions. Wiley. pp.3-27.
• Thyer, B.A. (2002). Evidence-based practice and social work. Evidence-Based Mental Health, 5, 6-7.
• Thyer, B., & Pignotti, M. (2011). Evidence-based Practices do not exist. Journal of Clinical Social Work, 39, 328-333.
• Zayas, L.H., Drake, B., & Jonson-Reid, M. (2011). Overrating or dismissing the value of evidence-based practice: Consequences for clinical practice. Journal of Clinical Social Work, 39, 400-405.
• Messer, S.B. & Kaslow, N.J. (2020). Essential psychotherapies: Theory and practice. Ch. 4, Behavior therapy: Traditional approaches and Ch. 5, Cognitive therapy.
• David, D. (2007). Quo Vadis CBT? Transcultural perspectives on the past, present, and future of CBT: Interviews with the current leadership in CBT. Journal of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies, 7, 2, 171-217.
• DeLong, P. & Berg, I.K. (2002). Interviewing for solutions, 2nd edition. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Ch. 1, From problem solving to solution building, pp. 1-11;
• Delong, P. & Berg, I.K. (2001). Co-constructing cooperation with mandated clients. Social Work, 46,4, 361-374.
• Peller, J. & Walter, J.L. (1998). Solution-focused brief therapy. In R. A. Dorfman, Paradigms of clinical social work (pp. 71-93). New York: Brunner/Mazel Publishers.
• MacLaren, C. (2008). Use of self in cognitive behavioral therapy. Clinical Social Work Journal, online pre-publication.
• Tempel, L.R. (2008). Loosening the soil of their thinking: A theoretical integration for contracting with mothers to stop physical aggression toward their children. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 26, 1 39-48.
• Van Hook, M.P. (2019). Social work practice with families: A resiliency-based approach, Ch. 5, Social learning/cognitive family therapy models.