Read “Topic 7: Vargas Family Case Study.”

Identify one member of the Vargas family whose dominant story could   use some rewriting. Read the workshop notes on Reauthoring Conversations.

Part 1: In 250-300 words, write a counseling note for the   client’s file. In this note, describe any exceptions to the   problem that you have identified and develop scaffolding questions to   ask the client in your next session, one in their landscape of action   and one in their landscape of identity.

Part 2: Put yourself in the client’s shoes and, as the client,   write a reauthoring version of their story that is 500-750 words in   length. It should incorporate the exceptions and responses to the   scaffolding questions from Part 1. Use narrative language when   applying this reauthoring technique.

PCN-521 Topic 7: Vargas Case Study

 

Since the last session, you received a call from Elizabeth who stated her family was in crisis. She reported that her nephew Geoff, the 15-year-old stepson of Bob’s sister, Katie, had nearly overdosed. She said that the family had noticed some changes with Geoff since his father’s recent death, but attributed the poor mood and slipping grades to the normal effects of grief. Elizabeth said that Geoff had never used drugs, as far as anybody in the family knew, and that the overdose was “a total surprise.” Elizabeth reported that after learning of this, Bob’s mother, Linda, called the school counselor but complained to Katie that “she was not at all helpful,” and told Katie exactly how she should handle it. Katie spoke with the school counselor who told her that she was not allowed to speak with Linda due to matters of confidentiality. Elizabeth informed you that Katie had shared her frustration with the school counselor’s suggestions to help him “get his mind off the sadness,” and believed he needed more help. You learned that Bob’s father, Tim, was trying his best to help, and that Elizabeth felt his intrusion was making matters worse. Among other things, Tim had taken Geoff out of school on a week-long camping trip against Katie’s wishes. Elizabeth said that the involvement of Linda and Tim, despite their good intentions, had begun to cause widespread family strife and asked if you could possibly see the entire family.

 

 

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HSCO 506

McMinn Book Review Instructions

 

You will complete a book review of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling by McMinn that consists of 4 sections, each with a current APA heading. Use the provided template which has a correct title page, headings, and examples of in-text citations, and reference page (McMinn listed as the reference). You will not use any additional sources for this paper.

 

Summary (35 points)

The McMinn book can be divided into 2 broad “parts.” The first part comprises chapters 1–2 and in those chapters, McMinn lays down a foundation for the rest of the book. In your summary of the first 2 chapters, explain the essential elements in McMinn’s approach to the integration of psychology, theology, and spirituality into counseling. If you had to identify the most important concepts in McMinn’s foundation, what would they be? Present your points clearly, with ideas organized by paragraphs. The second part of the book comprises the application chapters (chapters 3–8). In your summary of these chapters, identify the most important elements of each chapter that best characterize McMinn’s approach to integration. Consider using a separate paragraph for the summary points from each of the chapters. For length, the first section of your paper should be the longest section (1–2+ pages suggested).

 

Personal Reflection (10 points)

We often remember what speaks to us personally. Pick out a few concepts from McMinn that most resonated with you and tell us why they touched you personally. Make sure you provide a clear tie-in to a main point from McMinn. Do not just tell a personal story prompted by secondary points – stick to the main ideas. Make this section approximately 1 page.

 

Analysis (20 points)

What did you find truly unique about McMinn’s approach? What was most helpful? What suggestions from McMinn will be most difficult to utilize in your own counseling? In this section, pick out 3–5 unique ideas (generally not found in every other book on Christian counseling) and explain why you found them unique, or difficult, absolutely essential, or impossible to apply, etc. Highlight the 3–5 unique points to make them obvious to the reader and make this section approximately 1 page. What you write in this section must exhibit that you read this book thoughtfully.

 

Application (20 points)

Think of how you would apply concepts from this book to your work as a human services counselor. First, briefly describe the setting in which you will most likely work (or presently do work)—community services agency, hospital, adoption agency, church counseling center, probation office, etc. Then for your particular agency, list at least 5 important concepts from McMinn that you most likely will apply in your work on that setting. Briefly explain how you would apply McMinn’s concepts. Why did you choose those particular concepts? You could also explain the challenges you might face as you seek to integrate psychology/theology/spirituality into your human services counseling. In this section, provide a numbered list of concepts. This section should be approximately 1 or more pages.

 

Keep in mind that while the template with correct and current APA formatting is provided, you must present your ideas using professional (graduate level) writing. Writing quality will count for 15 points of your total. Note that page length is suggested; you will not be penalized for going over the suggested length unless the longer length reveals poor writing. Sections shorter than the suggested length may indicate inadequate content.

 

McMinn Book Review is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 7.