Theory Paper : DUE 4/16/2018 8pm EST It is imperative that you read the entire instructions.
Integration of Theory Paper: (25 pts.)
Technical Requirements / Organization / Writing Style
A. No longer than 8-10 pages, double-spaced, typed, 1-inch margins, 12 pt. font, good overall flow, clarity of writing style, proper APA format, at least 7 references.
Personal Integration /Theory of Change
B. MAJOR ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT CHANGE
How do people or systems become “stuck” or constrained by their problems? How does the process of change occur (whether in therapy or not)? Who is responsible for change? What does it take for people/families to change? What is helpful? What are some constraints to change?
C. THEORETICAL TENET
What major theory/model do you consider most aligns with your beliefs about change? What specifically does this theoretical lens offer that helps guide your beliefs about couple/ family intervention and practice? What types of interventions help clients change? How do these fit with your primary theoretical lens? How do you know if your definition of change is consistent with the clients you are trying to work with or help? How do you define a “successful” outcome in therapy? How do or would you measure outcomes for the theory you use?
D. INTEGRATION of OTHER MODELS
What does theory integration mean to you? What other models do you feel aligned with and why? How important are empirical findings to your clinical work? How do you personally integrate the separate fields of clinical work with marriage and family therapy?
E. SELF-OF-THE-THEAPIST
Given your personal theory of change, what types of clients do you think you would work well with or not and why (be specific)? How do you think your upbringing, race/ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexuality, education, social status, etc. a) influences your theory of change b) impacts your work with clients? How do you keep from imposing your notions of “right and wrong” onto clients?
E. CONCLUSION
Parting thoughts about therapy and the model you chose.