Foundations of Psychotherapy

Unit code: APC6085 | Study level: Postgraduate

Credit points

(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

N/A

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. Students will develop skills in suicide risk and risk assessment and ethical knowledge. Students will be introduced to key psychological skills of cultural awareness and interprofessional practice.

Learning Outcomes

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

Exemplify skills in performing a clinical interview with a simulated client;
Distil ethical knowledge and cultural awareness as it applies to professional psychology practice;
Critically reflect on their own interviewing skills and learning;
Assess and articulate risk in relation to self-harm and suicidality; and
Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test

Grade: 20%

Multiple-choice test to assess knowledge and application of ethical standards (40 minutes)

Assessment type: Case Study

Grade: 30%

Risk assessment case study (1000 words)

Assessment type: Exercise

Grade: 50%

Simulated role play demonstrating foundation counselling skills and reflective practice (15mins)

Assessment type: Other

Grade: 0%

Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

This unit provides the foundations for commencing client work in the VU Psychology Clinic, including assessment of core skills that underpin APAC standard1: Protection of the Public, therefore all assessment tasks need to be passed to attain a pass grade for 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. (2022).| Cengage Learning

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 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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