Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This core unit of the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) program builds upon PYN038 and provides you with the opportunity to develop advanced psychodiagnostic assessment and clinical skills within a specialised area of clinical practice. This unit consists of supervised psychological practice at an external agency where relevant psychological practice is conducted. The unit is designed to meet the supervised practicum requirements of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychology.

Aims

The aim of this core unit is to enhance your level of professional knowledge and skills in the practice of clinical psychology, awareness of ethical guidelines, and a good standard of professional conduct through supervised clinical practice within an area of specialisation.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Articulate and demonstrate an advanced level of competence in an area of specialisation involving knowledge, psychological assessment and intervention strategies based upon two models in clinical psychology;


2. Demonstrate advanced competence in ethical, legal and professional matters including knowledge of and adherence to the APS Code of Ethics, Psychology Clinic procedures and legal requirements involved in psychological practice;


3. Demonstrate advanced competence in relation to communication and professional conduct in: meeting placement requirements; punctuality and organisational skills; managing professional activities; maintaining effective communication with clients, Clinic staff, and external agencies; informing the public and other professions about relevant psychological and clinical services; critically appraising psychological research and communicate information to wider audiences;


4. Demonstrate a capacity to utilise the supervision process and deliver case presentations; discuss relevant theoretical and clinical issues within an integrative framework; give and receive constructive feedback in peer reviews; and to comply with the supervision contract;


5. Demonstrate advanced competence in research and evaluation relevant to your placement including a capacity to identify and define research problems and evaluate research outcomes, pertaining to your area of specialisation.

Content

The 'Supervised Practicum 5' consists of 250 hours (excluding supervision time) of psychological practice in a selected field of psychological practice. The 250 hours must include a minimum of 120 hours direct client contact. The minimum requirement of supervision hours is 25 hours of individual supervision. You must allocate sufficient time for undertaking the supervised practicum (approximately 12 hours per week).

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The advanced level practicums have been designed to provide you with an opportunity to gain supervised experience and learning in your area of specialisation. At the same time, you will be expected to engage in supervision groups designed to promote advanced skills to psychological practice within an integrative paradigm. This process will emphasise self reflective practice and self-assessment skills. This will be achieved primarily through the supervisory relationship and fortnightly on-campus integrative psychotherapy case presentations and seminars. You will be required to articulate a personal framework underpinning your practice by the end of each practicum.

Assessment

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT:

Formative assessment is ongoing and is provided through your regular contact with your supervisor and fortnightly, Doctoral level case presentations held within the School of Psychology and Counselling.

Whilst individual strengths and weaknesses, theoretical orientation, particular skills and interests and previous experience may vary, you are expected to demonstrate, and will be assessed on, generic as well as specialised skills throughout the course of your placement.

1. Hours of general psychological practice (method of assessment: Logbook, Summary sheet) (Objectives 1-4)


2. Hours of direct client contact (method of assessment: Logbook and Client Contact Sheet) (Objectives 1-3)


3. Supervision (method of assessment: Supervisor¿s evaluation, Supervision Logbook) (Objectives 2-4)


4. Clinical work (method of assessment: Supervision Contract, Supervision, Observations, A/V Recordings, Reports, Case File, Case Summary) (Objective 1)


5. Case Summary (method of assessment: Assessment of written reports) (Objective 3)


6. Psychological Testing (supervision, written report) (Objective 1)


7. Case Study (method of assessment: Written Report) (Objective 1)


8. Case Files (method of assessment: Unannounced audits) (Objective 3)


9. Logbooks (method of assessment: Unannounced audits, final submission) (Objectives 1 & 4)


10. Case presentations (conceptualisation, formulation, ethical issues, relevant research) (Objectives 1, 2, 5)

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: You are required to submit a suitably bound placement portfolio comprising:

• copies of your placement agreement;


• one case study demonstrating an advanced understanding of at least two theoretical orientations and integrative principles;


• two psychological reports, one of which demonstrates advanced assessment techniques (child / adult / older person);


• a record of supervision sessions;


• a record of activities and summary of placement hours;


• two examples of client related correspondence;


• the completed mid and end of placement review;


• two copies of discharge summaries;


• your student evaluation of placement; and


• a reflective essay on your experience.

Your portfolio will be assessed on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Assessment is due at end of the placement.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 4
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Placement

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

American Psychiatric Association (2000).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (4th ed., Text revision) (DSM-IV-TR). Washington: American Psychiatric Press.

Texts and references are subject to change.
Set texts will be confirmed at the start of semester.
Check QUT Blackboard and CMD.

Risk assessment statement

There may be out of the ordinary risks associated with placements, eg. exposure to forensic populations, those with impaired judgment due to psychological disorders or intoxication. You will be provided with printed notes relating to safety issues at the beginning of the semester, and you will be reminded of safety guidelines at the beginning of each placement.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Sep-2012