Psychopharmacology and Reflective Practice

This is a capstone unit that formally overviews, integrates and assesses a wide number of competencies central to the successful completion of the degree. In terms of content, however, it comprises two distinct topic foci: psychopharmacology and reflective practice. The psychopharmacology component covers the major neurotransmitter systems involved in psychiatric illness and the putative action of psychiatric medications on these targets. Further, the impact of illicit and other drugs will be reviewed in relation to mental health and prescribed medications. The relationship between psychotherapy and psychopharmacology will also be addressed. While reflective practice (RP) is embedded throughout the course, this unit will explicitly address theoretical and applied aspects of RP, especially its relationship to psychotherapy process and intervention. The assessment task for the RP component of this unit will involve critically reviewing session material from students’ Clinic clients, and the therapeutic processes responsible for facilitating or impeding the clients’ psychological progress. Students’ critical reflection on the therapeutic process will demonstrate their knowledge of RP models and principles.