Leader: Ms L Andary

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

History of the development of concepts of the mind, modern understandings of the nature of consciousness, philosophical problems in understanding consciousness;
the nature of introspective, empirical, narrative and phenomenological evidence for the efficacy or otherwise of various forms of psychological interventions;
assessment in cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural interventions in depression and anxiety; use of cognitive behavioural strategies in controlling positive symptoms in psychosis. The unit also includes origins of aggression; negotiation strategies, boundary issues, milieu issues; psychological issues associated with the use of restraint; dynamic and learning theory based understandings of the major personality disorder groups; modern approaches to therapy in these conditions.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students will have:

1. An understanding of modern theories of the mind in normal and abnormal states. They will be aware of the range of psychological interventions available in the management of mental disorder and of the nature of the evidence which underpins the efficacy of these interventions.
2. Developed a familiarity with the practice of modern psychological interventions useful in both inpatient and community settings, particularly as applied to the areas of depression, maximisation of compliance with therapeutic regimes, management of aggression, management of positive and negative symptoms in psychotic disorders and the management of personality disorders.

Assessment

Two written assignments each of 3,000 words and weighted at 50% each. Both must be passed to pass the unit.