How to Prepare MAPC Case Study Report (Clinical / Counselling / I-O)

Writing a great case study report is an integral element of the IGNOU MAPC program. It doesn't matter if your specialty is Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Industrial and Organisational Psychology (I-O), cases are an essential component of your learning experience. Many students feel stressed because they do not know how to write a good case study or what to include and how much details are required. This guide shows how to write a clear, tidy and well-structured report for MAPC Step-by-step.

1. What is a Case Study Report in MAPC?

A case study is a thorough document of your interactions with an employee, client or research participant. It will show how you are able to collect data, observe behaviour, understand psychological issues and apply the theory to actual situations. IGNOU demands that students write case studies based off of actual client exposure during practicum, internship or in supervised sessions.

An entire case study covers the background of the person, his or her issues, assessment tools used, observations, counselling or interventions given, as well as the outcomes.

2. How Many Case Studies Do You Need to Prepare?

It usually depends upon your expertise as well as your supervisor's guidelines. A common practice is:

If your internship centre provides more opportunities, you may write more, but the quality of your work is more than quantity.

3. Before Writing the Case Study - Collect the Right Data

Don't begin writing right away. Begin by gathering and recording data in a journal or notebook as you work with the client.

The first information you should collect:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Personal information (name and code such as age, gender education or family background)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Observation notes
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Conversation summary
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Emotional and behavioral signs
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Assessment and assessment tools. findings
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Counseling method or intervention used
  
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  
  Progression in sessions
  
  

  
  
  

Keep your notes tidy and dated. This will aid you in writing a a smooth final report.

4. Format of a MAPC Case Study Report

This is a straightforward structure that works for Counselling, Clinical and I-O cases. You can modify as needed according to your area of expertise.

A) Basic Information

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Customer Code or Initials (Do not write the full name to keep your information confidential)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Age, Gender, Education, Marital Status
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Duration of sessions (Date of the session that began to the last session)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  (if applicable) (if appropriate)
  

  
  
  

B) Presenting Problem / Reason for Visit

Define the primary concern expressed by the client. Write it down in plain English.
Example: "The client reported difficulty sleeping, constant worry, and loss of interest in daily work."

C) Background Information

Include a brief biography with respect to:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Family background
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Education and learning
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Social connections
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Medical and psychological history
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Significant life experiences
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Status of academic or work (for I-O: that includes your job title and workplace)
  

  
  
  

D) Behavioural Observations

Mention your observations during sessions:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Body language Tone of voice eye contact
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Physical appearance
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Emotional state (sad and anxious, confused angry, irritable, calm)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Interaction with counsellor, participation and motivation
  

  
  
  

E) Assessment Tools Used

Write down the psychological tests or the method used.
Examples:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Clinical/Counselling: MSE, BDI, HAM-A, 16PF, SCL-90, Family Environment Scale, etc.
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  I-O: Job Satisfaction Scale, Stress Scale, Workplace Motivation Scale, Interviews, Surveys
  

  
  
  

Include the motive, scoring pattern and the result. Provide results in a tiny table in case you need.

F) Case Formulation

This is the summation of your understanding and your analysis of the case.
It should include:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Client's past
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Behaviour observed
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Test results
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Psychological explanation
  

  
  
  

Write 2-4 paragraphs showing how the various pieces of the puzzle connect.

G) Intervention / Counselling Approach

Define what you learned in the sessions:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Type of therapy or model employed (e.g. CBT, Person-Centred or REBT Behavioural modification, Career counselling, Relaxation-training, Group counselling, etc.)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  A brief summary of each session, including goals, tasks and the client's response
  

  
  
  

For I-O cases, intervention might include:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Counselling for stress and work
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Communication training
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Time management techniques
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Feedback sessions
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Workplace behaviour modification
  

  
  
  

H) Outcome and Progress

Define how the client has transformed or improved after sessions:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  A reduction in symptoms
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Better coping skills
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  A better way of thinking or a more positive attitude
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Feedback from the client
  

  
  
  

If there was limited progress Be sure to acknowledge that in detail.

I) Summary & Future Plan

Write a brief closing report and provide suggestions for next care or follow-up.

J) Self-Reflection (Optional but Very Useful)

Write down what you learned while you studied:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Was it uncomfortable or difficult?
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Which skills did you work on?
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  What can you do differently next time?
  

  
  
  

This section is personal touch and provides an improved impression of evaluation.

5. Sample Outline of One Case Study (Short View)

Case Code C-01 Age/Gender 22 years old Female. Presenting Problem: Lack of confidence, stress in the classroom and low self-esteem. Assessment tools: MSE, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Intervention: Person-Centred Therapy + Homework Assignments. Results: Improved self-confidence, higher academic performance

The complete report will be more in-depth But this little example helps you comprehend the process.

6. Important Differences Between Case Studies in Clinical, Counselling, and I-O

7. Tips for Writing a Strong MAPC Case Study

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Use simple and straightforward language
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Write in past tense (as it was already happening)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Secure your privacy (never record your full name)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Keep sequence and headings neat
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Do not copy from the internet or other files
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Avoid technical or slang words if you cannot explain them
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Note your honest observations. Do not exaggerate or overstate the progress.
  

  
  
  

8. What Not to Write in a Case Study

Students can create unnecessary or inappropriate content. Avoid:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Theory that is too long (write only the information that is pertinent to your particular situation)
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  False test results, or a flims improvements
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Judgmental remarks about the client
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Doing diagnostics or using harsh labels without supervision
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Copy-paste from the sample files
  

  
  
  

Your supervisor might ask questions if something looks unreal.

9. Ethical Points to Keep in Mind

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Protect the dignity and privacy of the client
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  You must be given permission before you take tests or performing interventions
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Don't share the client's information in the outside world, unless it is part of your training.
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Do not mention any code or initials for identity
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Be careful when dealing with sensitive topics.
  

  
  
  

10. Presentation and Submission Tips

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Typographical reports appear cleaner, however, handwritten reports can be accepted in a neat manner
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Use A4-sized paper and attach pages securely
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Make sure to include the signature of the supervisor on each case
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Proformas for testing or samples only if permitted.
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Keep a backup copy for note
  

  
  
  

11. Benefits of Writing Case Studies Properly

Preparing case studies helps you:

• 
  
• 
  

  
  Know the true application of psychology
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Master the art of handling clients and communicating with them.
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Build counselling and assessment skills
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Get ready for MAPC in viva
  

  
  
  
• 
  

  
  Develop confidence for a job in the future or by practicing
  

  
  
  

Many students use these cases to show their experience during applications for job opportunities or programs.

Closing Thoughts

A well-written study of a case study can demonstrate your ability to comprehend, empathy and how you are learning as a student. If you follow the guidelines and keep your writing genuine Writing MAPC case studies will become easier and more meaningful. Each case should be viewed as a process of learning rather than just a formality. Make sure you understand people, their thoughts, emotions and behaviour, and relate your learning to real-world situations. This will not only aid you in scoring well, but also develop your skills as a psychologist.