How to write a counselling case study

Summary

This script discusses the process of writing a case study, a task that often intimidates students. It emphasizes the importance of integrating theory into practice, as seen in counseling and construction examples. The conversation highlights the need for a 'pen portrait' to humanize the client and the significance of Bloom's verbs in understanding the assignment's requirements. The script also touches on reflection and reflexivity in evaluating one's practice and suggests using a handout for guidance, aiming to demystify the case study process.

Takeaways

• 📚 Writing a case study can be daunting, but understanding its purpose as a demonstration of applying theory to practice can alleviate anxiety.
• 🧵 The case study should weave in the theoretical framework that is being taught, showing its application to a client's situation.
• 👤 A 'pen portrait' of the client is important to humanize the case study and provide context for the reader.
• 🔍 The language used in a case study should reflect therapeutic language rather than clinical or psychological jargon.
• 🔑 Paying attention to 'Bloom's verbs' in the assignment instructions is crucial as they guide the depth and type of analysis required.
• 📈 Case studies are not just for academic purposes; they are also used in professional settings to demonstrate the impact of interventions.
• 🔧 The process of writing a case study involves reflecting on the client's initial state, the interventions applied, and the outcomes achieved.
• 📝 Including a conclusion in the case study that ties together the theory, interventions, and outcomes is essential for a comprehensive narrative.
• 🤔 Reflection and reflexivity are key components of a case study, where the writer considers what was learned and how future practice might be adjusted.
• 🌟 A well-crafted case study should not only describe what was done but also what could have been done differently, showing critical thinking and growth.

Q & A

What is the main concern students have regarding writing a case study?

Students are often scared or worried about writing a case study due to its perceived complexity and the anxiety it brings, which can even evoke mild trauma from their own student experiences.

What is the primary purpose of a case study in counseling?

The primary purpose of a case study in counseling is to demonstrate how theoretical concepts are applied to help a client, showing the integration of theory with practical client interactions.

Can you provide an example of how theory is woven into a case study?

An example given is using person-centered theory and interjected values and conditions of worth, where a client's statement about having to do as their family says and lacking a voice can be directly linked to these theoretical concepts.

How does the construction industry's approach to case studies compare to academia?

In construction, case studies are used to evidence what was done in an installation, showing the process and benefits, similar to academia where case studies show the application of theory, process, and outcomes in a more theoretical context.

What is the significance of the 'pen portrait' in a case study?

A 'pen portrait' provides a description of the client, setting the stage for the reader to understand the client's humanity and context, which is crucial for engaging with the case study material.

Why is it important to humanize the client in a case study?

Humanizing the client is important because it brings the real person into focus, allowing for a more relatable and meaningful discussion of the case, and it reflects the reality of working with living human beings rather than abstract concepts.

What are Bloom's verbs and how are they relevant to case studies?

Bloom's verbs are action words used in educational settings to categorize the level of thinking required for a task. In case studies, they guide the writer on what is expected, such as analyzing, evaluating, or describing, and they inform how the case study will be assessed.

How can understanding Bloom's verbs help in writing a case study?

Understanding Bloom's verbs helps writers to know what specific analytical or evaluative approach is required by the assignment, ensuring that the case study is written to meet the specified criteria and is marked accordingly.

What is the role of reflection and reflexivity in concluding a case study?

Reflection involves considering what was learned from the case study, while reflexivity is about considering what would be done differently in the future. Both are important for showing growth and understanding in practice.

How does the concept of 'reflexivity' differ from 'reflection' in the context of a case study?

Reflexivity is forward-looking, focusing on how the experience will influence future actions or practices, whereas reflection is more about understanding and learning from the past events of the case study.

What additional resource is mentioned to assist with writing case studies?

A 'super duper handout' is mentioned, which provides tips and questions to help structure and write a case study, although it references a specific awarding body, the advice is generally applicable.