DPSY7131 - Advanced clinical psychology: General - 2017

The content of seminars will cover the practice of psychological therapies with a sound evidence base. Learning will consolidate existing knowledge of psychopathology and focus on extending this knowledge within a tailored therapeutic approach.

We will also distinguish between different case formulation methods. Cases will be discussed using formulations that are problem focused (i.e., presenting symptoms and precipitating/ perpetuating/ predisposing/ protective factors), those that span multiple diagnostic categories, and those that are guided by an integrative conceptual framework accounting for different features of a client's worldview (e.g., relationship history, attachment style, core beliefs, schema, rules/ assumptions, and values).

A further focus is the development of advanced therapeutic skills. This unit aims to enable the trainee to use evidence-based interventions guided by various case formulation methods, within a therapeutic relationship that emphasizes evidence-based elements (e.g., expressed empathy, expressions of positive regard, alliance, active client participation, and feedback), and in a manner that is also tailored to client attributes. An emphasis on self-reflection and self-practice will be included throughout.

On completion of the unit students will be familiar with the field of clinical psychology as applied to mental health and health settings and have knowledge of the theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. They will have a better understanding of the psychological processes associated with various mental health and related conditions and the way developmental stages affect responses to illness.

Students will be expected to:

1. have an awareness of clinical psychology related theoretical frameworks;
2. be familiar with common mental health and health conditions and their impact on recovery;
3. show awareness of and, be sensitive and responsive to cultural/ethnic differences in response to illness; become familiar with specialised assessments, such as crisis assessment, and assessments in a consultation-liaison context.

Group Therapy Proposal (50%)

Self-Practice / Reflection Journal (30%)

Participation (2 x Case Presentations) (10%)

Seminar Discussions (5%)

Case Discussions (5%)

Weekly Learning Tasks, 1 hour in between-session role plays, learning journal (Hurdle)

Professor Peter Norton

Psychology

Must be enrolled in Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology