Essay assignment (2,000) words
Topic:
For this essay assignment, you are required to view a video of a mock client-therapist session. Based on the information provided in this video, you need to provide answers to the following 4 questions (Parts 1-4).
Video can be accessed HERE
Learning objectives:
After completing this essay assignment you should be able to:
1. identify and make a provisional diagnosis of a client using a mental state examination;
2. critically review and describe counselling skills required in dealing with a client presenting with psychological problems; and
3. demonstrate an understanding of professional standards and ethical considerations.
What is required?
1. A 2,000-word essay in PDF format written in APA style containing Title Page, main body (Essay) and References. Please note that NO Abstract is required for this assessment task. The word limit starts at the first word of the main body of the essay and ends with the last word of the essay (i.e., it does not include the Reference list).
2. You should provide a clear heading for each section/part of the essay. Details of questions pertaining to each part is as follows:
Due date:
The essay is due to be submitted via Moodle by midnight on Mon 18th September, 2017
Part 1 (600 words) – Provisional diagnosis
Identify the client’s presenting problem and make a provisional diagnosis. You will need to draw on background (predisposing) factors relevant to the case, precipitating factors related to current issues, and factors influencing progression/course of the problems (perpetuating and protective factors) – synthesise the biological, psychological and social influences. Both the development of the client’s illness/issues and their response to their illness/issues should be covered. Conduct a Mental State Examination (MSE) (document can be accessed HERE). Close this section with a provisional diagnosis (that follows logically from the rest of the information you have provided).
Part 2 (800 words) – Treatment planning
Referring to Richard Nelson-Jones (2014) – (and any additional sources) – discuss how you would work with this client. What strategies could you utilise? What are the practical issues you need to consider, and how would you overcome them? You will need to consider the provisional diagnosis and unique diagnostic features from Part 1 when answering this question.
Part 3 (300 words) – Ethical issues
What ethical considerations are important to this case? Use the APS code of ethics and Richard Nelson-Jones (2014) guidelines to identify and outline the key ethical concerns in this case. What are some suggestions for ameliorating the most concerning ones?
Part 4 (300 words) – Recommendations
What are your recommendations regarding future support for this client? Recommendations are to be made regarding needs in terms of support, possible treatment, further assessment if necessary, and any other factors that may need to be addressed (HINT: Ms Smith talks about other people besides herself in the interview).
Recommendations should be:
• developed on an individualised basis
• specific and clear
• based on best practice
• tailored to environmental resources and institutional requirements/capacities
• include further investigations/testing required
• incorporate both short-term and long-term goals
NOTE:
Ms Smith lives in an urban area in which a range of services are available; some of these services include:
• GPs
• Paediatricians
• Medicare-assisted referrals (via GP) to private psychologists for up to 12 sessions each year (with approximately $40 gap fee to be paid each visit)
• Better Outcomes referrals (via GP) for low-income patients, involving no cost to the patient, for psychological services provided by supervised interns at a local university clinic (and some private psychologists who also offer this service)
• Child & Family services at the community health centre (no charge) offering assistance with such areas as parenting and family relationships
• Speech Pathology services at the community health centre (no charge)
• Occupational Therapy services at the community health centre (no charge)
• Dietician service at the community health centre (no charge)
• Adult mental health services (no charge), for clients/patients who fulfil criteria for a major mental illness or disorder
• Community Services (child protection services, early intervention etc.)
• Home Care services, for assistance with household cleaning etc.
Marking Criteria
Part 1
Accurately Identifies client’s concerns (5%)
Outlines the key diagnostic features in this case (10%)
Conducts an accurate MSE (10%)
States a well-reasoned/justified provisional diagnosis (5%)
Part 2
Review of an appropriate literature (5%)
Critical and strategic thinking towards what skills can be used to help the client (15%)
Client’s specific needs adequately addressed (10%)
Part 3
Identifies most ethical concerns raised in the counselling session (5%)
Outlines how some ethical concerns may be ameliorated (5%)
Relevant use of APS code of ethics for justification (5%)
Part 4
Justification for recommendations (5%)
Quality of recommendations (5%)
Overall
Clarity of written expression (10%)
Adherence to APA style throughout (5%)