It can be difficult to make distinctions between the various theoretical models studied in this course. Some of the theories/models use the same
terms but might attach different meanings to them. Other theories use different terms to refer to similar concepts. To help, students are to
create one grid that compares the major theories across several categories. It is suggested that this project be begun when the student first
begins to read about the theories and updated as each theory is studied. This project is designed to help distinguish the fine points
between the theories and to serve as a personal study guide for exams and post-graduate testing.
I. General Directions: Include each of the following theoretical approaches for this grid assignment:
1. Psychoanalytic (you may use example in these guidelines)
2. Adlerian
3. Existential
4. Person-Centered
5. Gestalt
6. Dialectical Behavior Therapy 7. Cognitive Behavior Therapy 8. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
9. Reality Therapy
10. Feminist Therapy
11. Narrative Therapy
12. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
13. Structural Family Therapy
II. Create a table that compares these theories across the following dimensions:
1. Major Theorist(s)
2. Key Concepts
3. Therapeutic Goals
4. Relationship Between Therapist and Client
5. Therapeutic Techniques and Procedures
6. Applications
7. Strengths
8. Limitations
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9. Specific Multicultural Perspectives
***See the example for Psychoanalytic Therapy below, which you can use in your own project.
III. Layout Directions: Students may use Microsoft Word or Excel to create their project. If Microsoft Word is used, please export the
file as a .pdf and upload the .pdf file for the assignment. Suggestions for designing this project would be to create a table for each
theory/approach in Word and use page breaks between each theory/approach. Choose the landscape option in Page layout and
insert a table. Use short statements and include definitions of terms if you are not sure of the meaning of some of the
terminology. Since using bullet points causes information to automatically indent into your column space, you might consider
using asterisks for your major points as shown in the Psychoanalytical example below. Another space-saving suggestion is to
highlight your cells, choose the Layout tab, select Cell Margins, and set the default cell margins to 0”. Doing so allows you to
maximize the use of space within the cells.
IV. Information Sources: You can use your textbook and outside resources such as journals or internet sources, but you must properly
cite and reference APA style (7th edition) all information you use from ALL sources used to answer your questions. Common
terms/language relative to each theory can be used (i.e., id, ego, superego, empty chair technique, etc.). Otherwise:
PARAPHRASE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE-you will learn the particulars of the theories more easily if you can explain
the information in your own words
V. Plan Ahead: Work on your project each week as you study each theory/approach.
VI. Be Creative: Use your creativity to create the project. For example, you can insert graphics or examples (your own) to further
explain certain points. In past projects, some students have chosen to use colored fonts to differentiate between the
theories/approaches and included pictures of either the theorist(s) or icons representative of each theory. Techniques like
these make the project information more memorable.
VII. Use the Project: This project can be used as part of your notes when taking your chapter tests and will make an excellent study
guide when preparing for comps.
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Example of Layout Using Psychoanalytic Theory:
Theory Major
Theorists
Key Concepts Therapeutic
Goals
Therapist-Client
Relationship
Techniques