Pepperdine University

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

THEORIES OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

PSY 612

Midterm Exam Study Guide

Writing Tips:
• The exam is comprised of 4 short essays (2 pages maximum). Each essay is graded out of
20 points. Grading rubric is provided. Writing proficiency is worth 20 points (APA
format, 1 citations, spelling/grammar, style and readability).
• Read the exam question thoroughly to make sure you understand exactly what is
being asked.
• If there is a case vignette or scenario, be sure to read the exam questions before
you read the vignette in order to focus your attention to the case details.
• Make an outline before you start to ensure that your essays are coherent, well
thought out, comprehensive, and incorporates all of the material you wish to
include.
• Make your answers as concise, yet comprehensive as possible and address all
aspects of each question.
• Begin your discussion of each point with wording taken directly from the test
question as this will alert the instructor to the specific parts of the question you
are answering.
• Review your answers not only for content, but also for spelling and grammar
accuracy.
PLEASE NOTE: This is only a guide and is not intended to be comprehensive. Students are
responsible for all the material listed on the syllabus, covered in the class lectures, and class
discussions.

Learning Outcome/Tasks Related Course Content

Explain the importance of theory and critical
thinking application of theories to counseling
and psychotherapy.
• Use of theory to guide treatment
planning and intervention in counseling
and psychotherapy
• Application of theories in light of
socio-historical-political contexts of the
individual, family, and community
• Understand common elements of
psychotherapy and counseling

Classic Psychoanalytic Theory

Formulate working definitions and applications
of theories that inform case conceptualization
and treatment planning.
Demonstrate the analytic skills to integrate and
apply multiple, sometimes competing
perspectives to a specific case.
• Be able to name and describe the three
parts of the Mind
• Be able to name and describe the three
Structures of the Mind
• The two instincts that drive behavior in
this theory: sex and aggression
• Use theory of stages of psychosexual
development to a case vignette

Apply the concepts of various theories to a case Ego Psychology

study.
• What are functions of the ego?
• Identify and explain Defense mechanisms?
What is adaptive? Maladaptive?
• What is Ego mastery? How can we tell
when a person has achieved ego mastery?
• Name, identify, and describe processes of
stress, coping, and adaptation
• Use stages of Erikson’s psychosocial
developmental theory to explain behaviors
in a case vignette

Relational Theories

• Humanistic and Existential Theories

• Adlerian Theory
• Object Relations Theory
 Attachment Theory
Behavioral Theories
Cognitive Approaches
Understand how different theories explain the
influence of ecological/environmental variables on
human behavior.
Be able to demonstrate understanding and ability to
critically evaluate application of theories to different
genders, cultural, or ethnic groups.
Be able to demonstrate understanding and ability to
critically evaluate application of theories to across
different developmental stages or life.
Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of
key theories covered in units 1-4.
Critically evaluate the relevance of understanding
key theories in understanding adaptive vs.
maladaptive behaviors across the early lifespan and
development of treatment goals and interventions
based on these theories.
Critically evaluate the way in which the values and
ethics of counseling and psychotherapy are
exemplified in these theories and where they present
ethical dilemmas for the practitioner.
• Bowlby and origins of Attachment theory
• Attachment Behavior (including natural
cues)
• Psychobiological attunement,
neurobiological development, and
attachment
• Identify and define different Attachment
Styles
• Classical and Operant Conditioning
• Behavioral theory principles and concepts
• Social cognitive theory
• How does age, gender, class, race,
ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation,
disability, and religion play a part on the
development of the individual and his/her
interaction with the social environment?
• How do specific theories account for the
role diversity factors on presentation of
behaviors?
• Psychoanalytic Theory
• Ego Psychology
• Relational Theories
• Attachment Theory
• Humanistic and Existential Theories
• Behavioral Theories
• Cognitive Approaches