Theory of Change Paper- Students will write a 5 to 6-page APA style paper describing their current theory of change (papers that exceed the 6-page limit will be subject to a points deduction). Apart from succinctly describing the nature of change in humans, students will choose a counseling theoretical model that most closely fits with their personal style of counseling and preference. Students will also describe why they have chosen that particular model and how it fits with them. This paper will fulfill the Graduate Writing Requirement (GWR). Late submissions subject to course policy. Answer the following prompts in your paper:

1. 1. What:  What is the problem that someone would bring to you or that you would be seeing in your counseling practice? What is the pathology of the issue? What are the factors contributing to the development of the problem (i.e. mental, behavioral, emotional, physiological, biological, academic, relational, etc.)? The factors that you choose should be connected closely to the theoretical assumptions for what leads to the dysfunction or issue. Take note that most theories and models for change typically address one primary factor when making change. What are healthy/ unhealthy characteristics of those specific factors chosen (ex. What does an unhealthy relationship look like)? What theory of development best aligns with the pathology or can be used to best explain the pathology?
   2. How:  How do you enact or facilitate change?

Describe the specific ways in which you enact change. What model of counseling (or application of theory) best fits the treatment of the issue, based upon your description of pathology? What interventions, from your model, would you use? Describe how change occurs, don’t just give a list of interventions or describe the interventions.

3. Why:  Describe your rationale for choosing the factors of change you focus on. Include any small or brief personal experiences you have had that have contributed to your selection of a model and factors of change. Include any empirical evidence you have come by to support your theory of change.
4. Who:  Describe the counselors’ role within your particular model. Describe how the specific model fits your counseling style. Describe how you use yourself in counseling. What personal characteristics of yours do you use in your counseling and how does who you are affect change in your clients?