Foundations of Psychotherapy

    Unit code: APC6085 | Study level: Postgraduate
    Credit points
    12
    (Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
    Location
    Footscray Nicholson
    Footscray Park
    Prerequisites
    N/A
    Overview
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    Overview

    This unit of study will introduce students to the applied practice of psychotherapy. The unit aims to develop students in the foundation skills of evidence-based, non-specific treatment factors, which are common to all therapeutic orientations. In an ethically appropriate way, these include core skills for development and maintenance of the therapeutic relationship, managing emotional content, therapeutic structure and the use of supervision as a learning tool.

    Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

    1. Exhibit skills in performing a clinical interview with a simulated client;
    2. Apply ethical knowledge and cultural awareness to professional psychology practice;
    3. Critically reflect on their own interviewing skills and learning; and
    4. Assess and address risk in relation to self-harm and suicidality.

    Assessment

    For Melbourne campuses

    Assessment type: Case Study
    |
    Grade: 20%
    Risk assessment case study (1000 words)
    Assessment type: Exercise
    |
    Grade: 40%
    Simulated role play demonstrating foundation counselling skills and reflective practice (15mins)
    Assessment type: Test
    |
    Grade: 40%
    Test assesses knowledge and application of ethical standards (90 minutes)

    All assessment tasks need to be passed to attain a pass grade in this unit. This unit is a pre-requisite for HCP 6001 Clinic Experience and all placement units.

    Required reading

    Basic personal counselling: A training manual for counsellors
    Geldard, D., Geldard, K., & Yin Foo, R. (2017).| Cengage Learning
    Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond.
    Beck, J.S. (2021).| The Guilford Press

    As part of a course

    This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

    Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
    AMAL | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years
    Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology)
    AMAC | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years
    Master of Professional Psychology
    HMPP | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 1 year

    Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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