Case Conceptualization Project PART II

Theoretical Approach #1: Family Emotional Systems Theory

How would the presenting problem be explained with your theory of choice?

Courtney has struggled to maintain and form relationship within her family. Courtney did not have a great relationship with her mom and later on had a traumatic relationship with her stepfather.

What treatment models are available using this theory?

I would utilize the Emotional Cutoff with this case as it relates to Courtney and her relationship with her mother. During emotional cutoff individuals manage their unresolved emotional issues with parents, siblings, and other family members by reducing or totally cutting off emotional contact with them.

What are obstacles to recovery as explained by this theory?

Courtney is still holding a grudge against her mother and not willing to work through the problem.

List 3 SMART goals that fit with this theoretical perspective?

In the next three months, Courtney will improve relationships with her family by utilizing communication techniques learned in treatment as evidenced by a decrease in the number of verbal altercations.

Courtney will be open and honest with her mother about how she feels.

Courtney will set aside all negative inner personal feeling towards her mom.

Include 1 reference OUTSIDE of your textbook. Must be scholarly articles and must be cited in correct APA format.

Brown, J. (2005). Review of Emotional Cutoff: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives. ANZJFT Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 26(2), 115–116.

Theoretical Approach #2: Solution-Focused Theory

How would the presenting problem be explained with your theory of choice?

Courtney has experienced a lot in her life not only as an adult but as a child as well. As an adult Courtney has allowed her violent behavior to control her and ended up with a negative outcome.

What treatment models are available using this theory?

This theory focuses more on discussing solutions than problems. Also during this model as a social worker we should be asking questions rather than “selling” answers. Lastly, we should work together on developing an action plans that works for the client.

What are obstacles to recovery as explained by this theory?

One obstacle would be the difficulty finding tools and resources to be used immediately to manage symptoms and cope with challenges of focusing on the solution versus the focusing on the problem or what caused the problem.

List 3 SMART goals that fit with this theoretical perspective?

Courtney will state what she feels the problem is with the relationship with her mother.

Courtney will state what she feels that she can do to improve her relationship with her mother.

Courtney will within the next 4 weeks attempt to make contact with her mother.

Include 1 reference OUTSIDE of your textbook. Must be scholarly articles and must be cited in correct APA format.

Cumming, R. (2008). Solution-Focused Therapy: Theory, research and practice. British Journal of Guidance & Counseling, 36(1), 104–106.

Theoretical Approach #3: Crisis Theory and Intervention

How would the presenting problem be explained with your theory of choice?

Courtney is facing a crisis in her life at this time due to her allowing her anger to control her.

What treatment models are available using this theory?

Utilizing coping and adapting can potentially be beneficial to Courtney’s current crisis. Coping can represent Courtney’s desire to master challenges of Courtney’s current stress. When utilizing the adapting portion of treatment, we think about Courtney’s long-term adjustments that Courtney has had to make as it relates to her incarceration as well as accepting the fact that someone else is not responsible to caring for and raising her children.

What are obstacles to recovery as explained by this theory?

Courtney may experience anger, hostility, and defensiveness.

Courtney may experience anxiety causing her to refuse to try recover.

List 3 SMART goals that fit with this theoretical perspective?

Courtney will within the next 2 weeks identify the specific problems that caused the crisis.

Courtney will continue to seek mental health counseling through the prison’s mental health department.

Courtney will be officially enrolled in the prison’s mental health counseling services within the next 4 weeks.

Include 1 reference OUTSIDE of your textbook. Must be scholarly articles and must be cited in correct APA format.

Crompton N. (1996). Crisis theory and crisis management: the way forward. Mental Health Nursing, 16(5), 16–18.