PYN045 Clinical Psychological Interventions 2

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This core unit covers the theories and skills of family and systemic therapy, narrative therapy, and emotionally-focused approaches required for relationship counselling and family therapy. The general area of family and couples therapy has been most notable in contributing important concepts and skills, which can be applied to most broader relationship structures. Regardless of whether a psychologist's primary work is with individuals or larger groups, it is important to have a sound understanding of these concepts and skills, in order to be able to respond to the diverse needs of contemporary practice. The unit will have a practical emphasis on common child-focused and adult-focused problems. The unit will examine the implications of each of the approaches from an evidence-based practice perspective.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the major concepts, contributions and evidence-base of systemic, narrative, and emotionally-focused approaches to the field of relationship counselling and family therapy.
2. Critically analyse relationship dynamics in the context of family adaptations with regard to developmental changes, the blending of families, significant life events, extra partnership affairs as well as the impact of domestic violence.
3. Competently undertake an assessment interview with a couple and/or family and conceptualise problems from the standpoint of selected models.
4. Critically evaluate the therapeutic approaches introduced in this unit as they contribute to an integrative framework.
5. Analyse potential influences of your own family dynamics on your work in relationship therapy.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit integrates face-to-face lectures with enriched online learning experience. Face-face class meetings will normally comprise presentation of theory (supported by online resources), role plays, presentation and discussion of video material of therapy and, if  relevant, group supervision of cases currently being seen by externs. The PYN045 Canvas site is used to convey resource material and broadcast timely messages and alerts to engage learners at key milestones.

PY18 course design is intentionally blended to purposefully integrate active face-to-face learning experiences with blended/online learning experiences across the course consistent with the course learning outcomes, cohort needs and discipline professional practices. Canvas is used within this unit to inform and enhance your learning. All unit material required for learning and completing assessment is included online through Canvas. Additional readings and resources such as web links and video material is also posted where appropriate to expand your ability to advance your knowledge in the unit's subject matter.

A key aim of the unit and course is to support (provisional) psychologists in developing their knowledge, skills and competencies so they are able to provide the best quality care for their clients. Underlying this aim, and in line with registration guidelines, is a focus on ensuring the public's safety.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback on your skills and conceptualisation as a part of the class activities. You will receive written feedback for the two assessments, which will help you further develop your psychotherapy skills.

Assessment

Overview

This unit will focus on learning through self-reflection on your own client contact. Assessment will engage you in authentic therapeutic processes and work as a psychologist. Criteria for each piece of assessment will be discussed in Week 1.

You will receive a numerical mark for your case study and video. Feedback will be provided on these submissions according to the criteria and standards provided in the rubric. At the end of semester, your mark for both items will be summed and weighted and will contribute to your overall percentage. Note that prior to release of marks, the unit coordinator undertakes a moderation process to ensure that criteria and standards have been applied consistently and fairly. A percentage of assignments will be reviewed by an independent marker against the criteria explicated in the marking rubric. Final grades are not confirmed until reviewed by the relevant Faculty Assessment Committee and approved by the Executive Dean at the completion of each teaching period.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Family of Origin Case Study

You will be required to present a 3000 word case study of an individual, couple or family you are currently working with (or have worked with). The case study should include an analysis of pertinent family of origin issues and how these impact upon current functioning, a discussion of the therapeutic impact these issues will have on future work with the individual/couple/or family, and incorporation of the family of origin issues into your clinical perspective. You will be given more information about this assessment in Week 1.

This is an assignment for the purposes of the 48-hour late submission period and extension.

Assessment: Video and Critique

Make a digital recording of a role-play session with an individual, couple or family in which you demonstrate selected theory and skills covered in the unit. (If possible, base this assignment on a case or composite of cases that you have seen or are currently seeing.)  Select a 20 minute segment for submission and accompany the tape with a 1500 word critical evaluation analysing the relevance and effectiveness of your work, and pointing out areas of strength and deficit. You will be given more information about this assessment in Week 1.

This is an assignment for the purposes of the 48-hour late submission period and extension.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

Registration (provisional or general) with the Psychology Board of Australia is required.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Nichols, M. (2020). The essentials of family therapy (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.

Risk Assessment Statement

You should be aware that some content in this unit may be confronting to certain audiences. Please exercise your own discretion when participating in classroom activities or discussions. The QUT Student Counselling service is also available and free of charge to all QUT students.

Course Learning Outcomes

PY18 Master of Clinical Psychology

1. Apply advanced and specialised knowledge of Clinical Psychology to plan, assess, treat and manage clients with mental disorders and conditions, across the lifespan and from a range of backgrounds, including accessing, evaluating and utilising digital health information.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Family of Origin Case Study
2. Engage in the development and evaluation of evidence-based interventions, using advanced critical thinking and decision making skills, applying professional values and reflective practice to inform culturally safe and effective intra- and inter-professional collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.
   Relates to: Video and Critique
3. Deliver Clinical Psychology services with a high degree of professionalism and reflective practice.
   Relates to: ULO3, ULO5