Assignment: Create a Background Sketch and Ecomap
Preparation for this Discussion involves two parts: 1. Background Sketch, and 2. Prepare an Ecomap.
Background Sketch: Create a background sketch for a hypothetical child or adolescent for whom you might provide clinical mental health counseling services. As you create your background sketch, consider and include some of the common contextual issues that children or teens face today that were reviewed in Chapter 1 of your text. Consider also the developmental stages and tasks discussed in Chapter 2 and the introduction to this unit that would be important for your child; consider cultural factors, as well.
The background sketch should be brief. There are many examples of brief background sketches in Counseling Children in the introductions to the case studies offered throughout (for example, see page 195). In your discussion post, use headings in the format below:
Case 1: [Your Child's Pseudonym]
• Identification of the Problem-A brief summary of why adults are concerned about this child and why a referral for counseling has been made.
• Individual and Background Information- Briefly identify developmental stages, neurobiological, personality, and health information about your child, using these categories.
• Academic Background-Where is the child in school? Is there a history of academic problems?
• Family and Cultural Background-With whom does the child live? What cultural influences are important?
• Physical Health-Is the child well? Are they any physical problems or disabilities?
• Social Adjustment- How does the child get along with peers and others outside of the family? Are normal social milestones being reached?
Prepare an Ecomap: Refer to the graphic, Designing an Ecomap, linked in Resources, from this unit's first study. Draw an Ecomap for the hypothetical child or teen for whom you created the background sketch, depicting:
1. The systems and factors where there are stressors.
2. The programs, networks, and relationships that provide support, such as those discussed in Chapters 1 and 2 of your text.
3. Compose a one-paragraph narrative that summarizes what you are depicting in the Ecomap for your hypothetical child or teen.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.