Foundations of Psychotherapy

Unit code: APC6085 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
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. Exemplify skills in performing a clinical interview with a simulated client;
  2. Distil ethical knowledge and cultural awareness as it applies to professional psychology practice;
  3. Critically reflect on their own interviewing skills and learning;
  4. Assess and articulate risk in relation to self-harm and suicidality; and
  5. 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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