Counselling essay

•    3000 words, excluding references
•    There are two options to choose from
•    Option one: select two theories/therapies that are covered in the course
Write an essay comparing and contrasting them, focusing on similarities &/or differences & other points of interest.

Option 2: Select two of the therapies covered in the unit & compare & contrast how a therapist would treat someone with a particular chosen mental health problem or disorder using those two approaches.

•    NB: Make sure that the focus on the essay is on the chosen therapies, & not on the mental health issue itself.
•    Treat the two therapies separately, so as to show full understanding of both of the therapies.
•    However, you might want to note whether a therapist would be likely to draw on both together, or whether the therapies would most likely be used separately or by different therapists.
Essay should include:
•    Historical development (including key figures);
•    Key concepts & assumptions;
•    Therapeutic goals
•    The therapeutic relationship;
•    The therapist’s function and role;
•    The main therapeutic techniques & procedures;
•    The extent of the evidence-base (only briefly- approximately 3 sentences on each theory/therapy);
•    Particular or potential strengths/ contributions & limitations of each.

ESSAY
•    References: Use a min. of 12 references, at least 4 of which are journal articles (Between 20-35 is usual and advisable).
•    Use only academic references (e.g. not references from internet).
•    The reference list will not be included in the word count.
•    Correct APA referencing style is required.
•    Headings are encouraged.
•    It must be written as an academic essay in full sentences & paragraphs, no bullet points.
•    Be guided by the marking template – both in terms of content & quality of the writing.