Guidelines for Year One Case Studies

GUIDELINES FOR YEAR ONE CASE STUDIES

In Year One you will be required to submit three case studies at module ten. The learning outcomes and construction of the case study should follow the Chrysalis Marking and Grading Guidelines that have been supplied to you. The length of the case studies sould be within 10% of the word count of 2000 words per case study (not including the screeds). Case studies are a very important part of your final diploma. Case studies should only be done on the issues that you have covered in the year. They show us several things regarding your work:

1. That you have learnt and been able to apply the theories and skills that you have been taught to a therapeutic situation

2. You can diagnose the client's issues ethically and successfully

3. You can create a treatment plan for the client and work successfully and ethically within this framework

4. You are fully aware of the level of your skills and are willing to refer a client on when you or your supervisor feel there is a need to do so

5. You fully understand the need for supervision and are willing to speak to your tutor on a regular basis and heed their advice and comments

6. You are able to analyse any process that you would have done differently and can learn from your errors if you made any

7. You can write up a case study in a concise, confidential and professional way

8. That you are capable and ethical in your practice as a hypnotherapist.

Your case study should provide the following information: -

Abstract

This is a short paragraph outlining the case.

Introduction and Initial consultation

This should include an outline of the client's current situation and their presenting issue. Do not include the name and address of the client, but refer to them by initials. It should also outline any ethical issues that should be included and show a copy of your initial consultation form with any identifying information removed. The copy of the form should be inserted in the appendices at the end of the study. In this section you should also include whether you needed to obtain G.P. permission for your client. IT is important that you liaise with your tutor on this subject. It may be that your client needs to visit their doctor and get verbal permission as not all G.P.s will be in a position to give a written consent for the therapy that you are engaging in. In any event you must seek TUTOR permission for all of your case studies and explain that you have it in this section of your case study.

In addition to this if your case study does not appear to have any ethical issues you must state this in order to show that you have given this some thought.

Diagnosis

This section should show that you have successfully diagnosed the client's issues and have assessed whether you have the skills to treat this client or whether they should be referred on.

Treatment Plan

This section should show the treatment plan that you develop for the client. Although it will have to be flexible as the client's presentation at the therapy sessions may change. You should also include any contact that you have had with your tutor.

Session Content

You should write an account of each session that gives concise details of what happened, your analysis of the session and any plans you have for the next session. The last session (if there is one) should show the methods of closure that you used with the client.

End of Treatment and Results

This section should detail the results of therapy. If the therapy was unsuccessful you can still submit it as a case study but you will need to detail why you think the therapy was not a success along with anything that you would have done differently.

Limits and Flaws

In this section you should include any mistakes that you feel you have made and anything that you would have done differently. It may highlight your emotions when dealing with the case or your nerves at having a client to work with. You could also include any limits in your knowledge and experience that you feel may have affected your performance as a therapist.

Conclusion

This should be a short paragraph in summary of the case. If you feel your work with the client will continue past the end of the case study, you should put your plans for the continuation of therapy in the case study.

Attachments

You should attach copies of all of your screeds in their complete form and any other information relevant to the case, for example your initial consultation form with identifying information removed.

Out of the three case studies this year you can do ONE single one session case study. This could be a Quit Smoking or exam nerves for instance. The other two case studies should be at least four sessions long in order to show your ability to progress a course of therapy with a client.

Please also remember the following points: -

� Always ask your tutor for permission to carry out the case study and stay in contact with them. They are there to help you but not do the study for you.

� Make sure that your tutor has signed the relevant boxes on your study log to show that you have their consent

� Follow the guidelines that are in the marking and grading guide when you write up the case study

� You will be supervised throughout by your tutor and should contact them during their contact hours or speak to them during the class

� If you are using regression you must get this cleared with your tutor and NEVER use it on a first session. If it is used in subsequent session you must clearly explain why you have decided to use this technique and ensure that you include your screed in its entirety

� Never use clients that exhibit any of the contraindications listed in the modules

� Always carry out the sessions in a suitable environment. At this point in your studies this is likely to be either your client's home or yours. Do ensure that all telephones and mobiles are turned off or on silent.

� Attach all the screeds that you used as appendices. These will not be included in your word count

� When you print out your case study make sure it is clear and your printer has enough ink in it. So that the marker can easily read the text

� Double check that you have included all the information that is requested above

� Your tutor is NOT allowed to pre- read your study for you so please do not ask them.

The most important things to remember are: -

1. You are showing the marker that you have the ability to be a safe, productive and ethical therapist

2. Your tutor is there to help and guide you when you need it BUT they are not there to do the work for you! You are expected to work individually to demonstrate your competence

3. If you are unsure of any aspect regarding your submissions please ask your tutor rather than worry.

4. The case studies will not be marked by your class tutor, they will be sent to an experienced and qualified case study marker.

5. You may only do one case study that consists of one session and this should generally only be a quit smoking session, in some cases it may be help with driving test nerves or exam nerves, but it should always be with the permission of the tutor and should always contain feedback.

6. The case studies should be on issues that have been covered in the course and where the modules content specifically state are appropriate, and nothing else.

7. Case studies cannot be on minors � even your own children.

8. Case studies should be handed in during the class at module 10.