PY 570 Weekly Paper Assignment (SUMMER)
Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to develop comprehension of key concepts related to specific
theoretical approaches to psychotherapy. Weekly papers provide an opportunity for students to
apply critical thinking skills and to develop a deeper understanding of the similarities and
differences among varying approaches to psychotherapy.
Objectives :
1. Students will be able to define ethical responsibilities in establishing the therapeutic
relationship, and will be able to articulate the importance of maintaining boundaries and
remaining focused on clear goals and objectives during the therapeutic process.
2. Students will be able to define key concepts and theoretical underpinnings of various
approaches to psychotherapy including existential, Gestalt, person-centered, cognitive
behavioral, and solution focused brief therapy.
3. Students will be able to analyze the relative strengths and weakness of each approach to
psychotherapy and will be able to identify potential benefits and limitations to each
approach.
Preparation Instructions :
1. Compose papers using Microsoft Word.
2. The paper should be formatted and typed using Times New Roman, 12-point font,
double-spaced, and one-inch margins (no exceptions).
3. Papers must be 2-3 pages in length and MUST follow APA format. (Points will be
deducted for failure to adhere to APA guidelines.)
4. Each paper must reference a minimum of 1 source (published books, textbook, or peer
reviewed journal articles).
5. You will be allowed to reference a credible website.
Content Instructions: Follow the instructions for each week’s paper requirements:
1. Week 1 – Ethics
a. What are some of the ethical tasks necessary with establishing a new therapeutic
relationship?
b. What information goes into an informed consent? What are the limitations of
confidentiality?
c. Define a dual relationship. How might a dual relationship cause damage?
2. Week 2 – Gestalt
a. Discuss the primary defining features of the Gestalt approach.
b. Describe some of the core techniques in this form of therapy.
c. What are the strengths and limitations of this approach?
3. Week 3 – Person-centered
a. Discuss the primary defining features of the person-centered approach. Be sure
to define the concept of unconditional positive regard.
b. What is the view of human nature from the person-centered approach?
c. Describe the purpose and methods of motivational interviewing. Discuss how it
can be applied to a client who is struggling with addiction or other self-destructive
behavior patterns.
d. Discuss the strengths and limitation of the person-centered approach.
4. Week 4 – CBT
a. Discuss the Aaron Beck’s cognitive therapy. What are the basic principles and
goals of this form of therapy?
b. Discuss the concept of a “collaborative relationship” in the CBT model.
c. Discuss the application of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders.
d. Discuss the strengths and limitations of CBT.
5. Week 5 –Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative therapy
a. Discuss solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Describe key concepts and
specific interventions including the use of the miracle question.
b. Discuss narrative therapy. Describe key concepts and specific interventions.
c. Discuss strengths and limitations of SFBT and Narrative therapy.
Submission Instructions:
1. Save each paper as “fname_lname_week#.doc.” (i.e., john_smith_week2.doc). Replace
the # symbol with the week number.
2. Access the Paper Assignments link located on the Course Menu to upload the final
document as an attachment to the Week# drop box (replace the # symbol with the week
number) by the due date listed on the Course Schedule.
3. Refer to the grading rubric below for specifics on grading criteria.
Grading Rubric and Writing Guide
Rubric Content Areas (RCA):
1) Structure and Presentation: Appropriate use of cover page, section headings, assignment
structure, page length, and works cited page.
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2) Writing and Grammar: Appropriate writing style, spelling, and editing of content.
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3) Requirements of Assignment: Appropriately complete each component of the assignment in
terms of both tasks and content required to address. Does paper content have a logical flow?
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4) References and Citations: Appropriate use of citations within the body of the text and
bibliography page.
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5) Sociological Imagination: Overall correct and consistent application of sociological principles,
creativity, and synthesis of related course material
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