Instructions
Write a formal paper, in three sections, in which you compare and contrast the viewpoints of two theories of couple/family therapy covered in this course, applying each to conceptualization and treatment planning for the case provided.
The paper, not including a title page, references, etc., should be 15-18 typed, double-spaced pages.
Please do not exceed 18 pages of text, as there is only one of me, and there are many of you!
In the first section of your paper, describe the couple or family in question, and the presenting problem.
What do you think brought this family/couple in for therapy?
As you assess the family during the intake session that you imagine, what further information emerges?
In the second section, discuss two different theories of couple/family therapy from this course, and how you would apply each to the case.  What is your conceptualization and treatment plan?
Conceptualization refers to how a therapist working within that theory would define the problem in the family – using that theory’s concepts, what would the therapist say is “the problem,” or the reason things aren’t working well currently?
Treatment planning refers to what a therapist working within that theory would therefore believe should be done.
Thus, conceptualization and treatment planning are logically related. Within each theory, also discuss how you will manage the limited number of sessions available to this family.
In the third section, address the following questions:
How are the two theories similar and how do they differ, in principle and/or in practice?
Do the two theories differ in terms of their approach to any gender or cultural factors that may be affecting this couple/family?
Which of the two theories resonated the most with your own way of conceptualizing this case, and why?