Theoretical Biases

Review and discuss the following factors and their potential impact on case conceptualization:
Theoretical Biases
Diagnostic Acuity
Therapeutic Goals
Time Orientation.
Treatment Interventions
Client Characteristics and Context
How does the client’s worldview figure into this whole process?
Do you favor a culture specific or a culture general approach regarding the client’s cultural factors? What guidelines in this area are recommended in the text?
Do you see most client problems as one dimensional or multi-dimensional in nature? Explain your analysis of this issue. With multi-dimensional issues how do we determine which aspect to focus on first?
2.
a) Explain the function of interventions as part of the treatment plan, the anticipated length of time (or number of sessions) for interventions, and why we include the format, setting and mode of treatment that will be used to deliver interventions
b) Review and discuss the 6 factors that impact intervention selection, and what factors make for effective intervention selection.
c) What are the 4 different types of interventions that could be introduced in response to a problem, and explain each of these; Choose a potential problem area, and explain how each of the 4 interventions could be utilized tailored to the individual’s particular presentation i.e. social isolation
d) Explain how the choice of intervention would dictate the counseling strategy used, and the potential modality in which it is delivered (individual, group, couples, family etc.)
3.
Describe the process in case conceptualization, choice of interventions, and treatment strategies when working with children. What adjustments have to be considered?
For the case below determine the component(s) of the problem that must be addressed during the intervention phase of counseling. There may be more than one significant component. Think in terms of: Affective (emotions), Cognitive (thoughts) , Behavioral: (actions) , and Systemic (environmental) interventions. What strategies might you consider in working with him?
Dante is a 16-year-old eighth-grader who has been in and out of trouble for the past 5 years. He belongs to a street gang known to be involved with drugs, and he has been to county jail twice for “aiding/abetting in drug activity.” In the past year, he has been considering leaving the gang and as he puts it, “starting all over again.” Leaving the gang is not so easy, however, because the gang does not allow members to leave and enforces this rule heavily. Dante is caught between the desire to start over and the probable consequences if he tries.