Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Contemporary approaches to psychological treatment have increasingly emphasised the importance of a relational understanding of human problems and change processes as well as common factors associated with change. This perspective is based upon the notion that current adaptation is acquired in large part through early experience, interpersonal learning and development. These experiences result in relational patterns or schemas based upon early experiences and are often outside conscious awareness. The goal of interpersonal approaches is to enhance awareness of these relational patterns with a view to promoting adaptation and addressing current issues. This process may take the form of brief psychodynamic psychotherapy or interpersonal psychotherapy with its emphasis upon the primacy of current interpersonal issues.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with a theoretical grounding and practical skills in brief psychodynamic and interpersonally-based psychotherapies and their application within an integrative framework.

Objectives

On successful competion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. demonstrate a critical understanding of the major concepts from interpersonally based approaches to psychotherapy;


2. demonstrate the clinical skills which characterise an interpersonally based approach to the practice of psychotherapy with an adult population;


3. demonstrate the ability to undertake an initial interview to assess the suitability of a client for interpersonally based psychotherapy and arrive at a diagnostic formulation of a client¿s presenting problems;


4. critically evaluate the approach covered from an evidence-based perspective;


5. demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of this approach within an integrative framework.

Content

The theory and practice covered in the unit will be derived from psychodynamic theory and practice, supportive-expressive psychodynamic theory and practice, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Foundational concepts introduced by the early psychodynamic theorists including object-relations, self-psychology and attachment theorists, the work of Sullivan, and contemporary approaches to interpersonally-based psychotherapy will be examined. You will learn about the development of interpersonal theory and practice, basic methods and techniques and client selection criteria. The evidence-base and potential within an integrative framework of interpersonal therapies will also be explored.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Class meetings will normally comprise:

• Presentation of theory;


• Demonstration role plays;


• Student seminar presentations;


• Group supervision of cases currently being seen by participants.

You will also be required to complete weekly worksheets that will involve either practising the skills presented in class, or answering questions about therapeutic techniques or rationale for techniques.

Assessment

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT:
Worksheets
You will be required to complete and submit weekly worksheets as part of the unit requirements. These worksheets will require that you define key terms or provide a reaction to selected readings. Worksheets need to be submitted for discussion on a weekly basis and will provide a basis for class discussion.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT:

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: A 2000 word casestudy demonstrating knowledge of the contemporary psychodynamic concepts covered in the unit should be completed. In particular, the study should demonstrate the theory, the application of the theory to the clinical material and a capacity to draw inferences based upon your observations. In addition, you will be required to provide a formulation in which you are able to integrate key observations and make recommendations.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Video
Description: You will make a 30 minute video demonstrating a role-play of a therapy session in which you demonstrate selected theory and skills covered in the unit. Accompany the video with a 1500 word reflective paper.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

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

Book, H.E. (1998). How to practice brief psychodynamic psychotherapy: The core conflictual relationship theme method. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Fonagy, P. et al. (2005) What works for whom? A critical review of treatments for children and adolescents.<.em> New York: Guilford Press
Teyber, E. (2005). Interpersonal process in psychotherapy: An integrative approach. 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

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Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

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