DCP0004 - Psychodynamic assessment of children and adolescents

Leader(s): Ms Toni Heron

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit is designed to present an introduction to the conceptual framework and guidelines for the methodology of the psycho-dynamic assessment of psychological disturbance in children and adolescents. It will introduce students to disturbances in normal psychological development and the clinical concepts of assessment that are based on psychodynamic and developmental principles.
It will consider interviewing and observational methods with children and adolescents that enable psychological data to be collected and understood. It will also demonstrate the complex task of integrating information from several different sources to provide a diagnostic assessment of the individual nature and degree of disturbance presented, and the extent to which that interferes with the child's normal development and functioning.

Objectives

This unit is designed to present an introduction to the conceptual framework and guidelines for the methodology of the psychodynamic assessment of psychological disturbance in children and adolescents. On completion of this unit the student is expected to:

1. Understand theoretical and clinical concepts relevant to psychodynamic and developmental assessment of children and adolescents;
2. Have an understanding of the possible meaning of the child's/adolescent's behaviour;
3. Recognise the process occurring between child and worker and the data this provides;
4. Recognise that assessment is a process that will provide a psychodynamic and developmental diagnostic formulation; and
5. Explore optimal case management where treatment options and timing are presented in light of the diagnostic formulation, the available professional and clinical resources, and the child/adolescent's context. This will include the indications or contra-indications for child psychotherapy and other treatment options.

Assessment

Regular written assignments
Final written assignment
Interactive assessment via a residential workshop
1. Residential workshop -20%
2. Report - 10%
3. Report - 10%
4. Report - 10%
5. Report - 10%
6. Essay - 40%

Prerequisites

DCP0001 and DCP0002