HSCS538 – Assessment One: Marking Criteria
Must Complete: Yes
Weighting (%): 40
Assessment Notes: Written Assignment
No. Words: 3000 (10% +/-)
Relates to Learning Outcomes: ULO1, ULO2
References: Minimum 20
1. demonstrate specialised knowledge of case conceptualisation from different theoretical perspectives;
2. critically analyse clinical assessments, and devise goals for therapy and evidence-informed treatment plans for diverse case studies;
You must complete Modules 1 to 4 prior to completing this assignment
Your task is to conduct a complete case conceptualisation of Arjun through the lens of one therapeutic framework. The entire assessment should be guided by the theory you select in Part 2.
* Please provide an introduction and a conclusion for this task.
1. Conduct a bio-psycho-social-cultural assessment related to the case study of Arjun. Outline his current issues or concerns, the history of the problem(s), his interpersonal/life functioning, social and cultural context. Please provide specific examples and include references to evidence based literature. (10 marks).
2. Theory Selection and Rationale
Select one of the following theories to apply to the case of Arjun:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
Provide a clear rationale for your choice. Critically analyse why the evidence-based literature supports the choice of this theory as a suitable approach to working with Arjun, based on his presenting issues, communication style, and potential needs as observed in the case study. Please reference evidence-based literature to support your rationale. (12 marks)
3. Risk Assessment Do you think Arjun is currently at risk to self (e.g., thoughts of self-harm or suicide), at risk to others (e.g., potential for aggressive behaviour), at risk from others (e.g., exposure to relationship or family violence), and/or experiencing alcohol or drug misuse? Using an evidence-based framework (refer to Module three), complete a risk assessment across these domains and justify your conclusions with specific examples from the case study. Discuss why conducting a risk assessment is an essential component of counselling practice, and outline how you would respond to any identified risks, drawing on evidence-based guidelines and best-practice standards. (10 marks)
4. Therapeutic Goal Setting Consistent with your chosen therapeutic approach, define two short-term and two long-term goals for therapy that emerge from your assessment of Arjun. The goals must be theoretically coherent with the theory you selected in Part 2. Please provide specific examples from the case study and include references to evidence-based literature to support your goal-setting process. (8 marks)
Academic Writing:
Each question or task in this assessment will also be evaluated based on writing style and adherence to APA 7 formatting standards.
Please refer to the UNE Assessment Guideline Information.
Case Conceptualisation Using a Therapeutic Framework
Criteria HD (85–100) DI (75–84) CR (65–74) PS (50–64) FL (0–49) Mark
Criterion 1: Bio-Psycho-Social-Cultural Assessment (10 marks)
Conduct a bio-psycho-social-cultural assessment using the chosen therapeutic lens
A comprehensive and critically analysed bio-psycho-social-cultural assessment is conducted using the selected therapeutic framework. Demonstrates specialised insight into how each domain contributes to Arjun’s presentation. Case examples and peer-reviewed literature are seamlessly integrated. A thorough and well-analysed assessment across all domains using the chosen theory. Clear links are made between assessment content, theory, and Arjun’s presentation. Literature is well integrated. A sound assessment is conducted across key domains using the chosen framework. Examples and literature support the discussion. A descriptive assessment is provided with limited analysis. The therapeutic framework is applied at a basic level. Some examples and literature used. Assessment is incomplete, poorly applied, or not clearly linked to a therapeutic framework. Minimal examples or literature. /10
Criterion 2: Theory Selection and Rationale (12marks)
Select and critically analyse a therapeutic approach (CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, or Narrative Therapy)
Provides a clear, accurate, and critical rationale for the selected therapeutic approach, demonstrating specialised understanding of the theory. Explicitly and insightfully links theory to Arjun’s presenting concerns, communication style, and therapeutic needs. Peer-reviewed evidence is seamlessly integrated to justify suitability. Provides a clear and well-developed rationale for the selected theory, showing strong understanding of its relevance to Arjun’s presentation. Literature is well integrated and supports the rationale. Provides an appropriate rationale for the selected theory, with clear links to Arjun’s presenting issues. Uses relevant evidence-based literature. Provides a basic or largely descriptive rationale for the selected theory, with limited linkage to Arjun’s needs. Some use of literature. Does not adequately justify the selected theory, shows limited understanding, or lacks evidence-based support. /12
Criterion 3: Risk Assessment (10 marks)
Assess risk to self, others, from others, and substance misuse A comprehensive and critically analysed risk assessment is conducted across all relevant domains using an evidence-based framework. Demonstrates advanced understanding of ethical, legal, and clinical implications of risk assessment. Provides a well-reasoned response to identified risks supported by best-practice guidelines and literature. A thorough risk assessment using an evidence-based framework. Clearly explains the importance of risk assessment and outlines appropriate responses. Strong use of case examples and literature.
Relevant risks are identified and discussed using an evidence-based framework. The importance of risk assessment is explained, with appropriate examples and literature.
Risk assessment is largely descriptive, with limited analysis of importance or response. Some examples and literature used.
Risk assessment is inadequate, lacks an evidence-based framework, or is unsupported by case examples and literature.
/ 10
Criterion 4: Appropriate goals are identified and linked to the assessment and therapeutic framework. Uses examples and literature to support discussion. Two short-term and two long-term goals are clearly defined and theoretically coherent with the selected therapeutic approach. Goals demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning, are clearly derived from the assessment, and are justified using specific case examples and seamlessly integrated evidence-based literature.
Clear and theoretically coherent goals aligned with the chosen approach and Arjun’s needs. Examples and literature are well integrated.
Appropriate goals are identified and linked to the assessment and therapeutic framework. Uses examples and literature to support discussion.
Goals are identified but are broad or descriptive, with limited theoretical coherence or justification. Some literature used.
Goals are unclear, not theoretically coherent, or unsupported by case examples or literature.
/8
Total /40
Definition of Terms for Academic Assessment
Key Terms Description of Terms
Comprehensive A complete and thorough piece of writing that effectively communicates ideas or information on multiple levels. It covers the topic in-depth and includes everything that is needed or relevant while effectively working within the constraints of word limits.
Critical Analysis Engaging with the material through a questioning approach. This involves going beyond description to assess arguments and ideas, question their validity and understand broader implications. Critical analysis requires reasoning and developing insights into limitations, gaps and improvements of existing research, theories, concepts or ideas.
Discussed
The writing is well-structured, coherent, and persuasive with language and terms used to communicate complex ideas clearly, making it easy to follow the reasoning within the paper.
Identified
Accurately determining the most relevant concepts, ideas, theories, examples or evidence that are critical to the topic. It shows an understanding of what is most significant.
Seamless Integration The integration of examples, data, references and quotes are smooth and purposeful, maintaining a natural flow and clarity in writing.
Thoroughly While comprehensive includes breadth and depth, thoroughly focuses on depth and detail.