MHSC8025 Theory and Practice of Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy 2

2012

4.5

1 x 5-day intensive workshop per semester
1 x 105-hour independent study per semester

1 Admission into GDPMHS-Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Sciences
1a Admission into MMHS-Master of Mental Health Sciences
2 1 of : MHSC8021, MHSC8002
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a) and 2)

MHSC8006 has been successfully completed

Must be a registered health professional

Assignments; Oral

This topic will build upon knowledge and skills learned in previous topics. The student will become familiar with complex and resistant psychological disorders such as depression and psychosis, their assessment and the factors that determine suitability for Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy. They will expand their knowledge and experience of the management and range of treatment techniques appropriate for clients with these presentations.

Building upon the theory and practice learnt in topic 8021 students will be introduced to Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy with an emphasis on assessment for suitability for treatment and core treatment methods in relation to depression, psychosis and complex anxiety disorder. Students will learn to convey a clear rationale of cognitive and behavioural therapy to suitable clients, developing awareness of the range of therapeutic interventions, demonstrating knowledge of treatment tactics and the use of clinical measures.

Students will also apply strategies for active involvement of significant others as co-therapists in treatment and the education of clients with regard to relapse prevention. The subject reviews phenomenology and theoretical frameworks of complex problems helped by Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and the intervention approaches associated with their management, within the context of students' own experiences.

Students will learn the case conceptualization approach, treatment planning, and the measurement and evaluation of outcomes. There will be opportunity for observation of skilled clinical practice via video and direct experience of clinical sessions.

Students will be able to:

1. Use Cognitive Behavioural interviewing and assessment techniques to identify a range of complex psychological disorders and be able to formulate them clearly to determine suitability for treatment.

2. Distinguish between problems requiring active therapist treatment and those appropriate to self-directed treatment programs.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive paradigm and incorporate this within evidence-based treatments that have a greater emphasis upon cognitive intervention

4. Convey a clear Cognitive and Behavioural rationale of treatment to suitable clients.

5. Develop an awareness of the range of cognitive and behavioural therapeutic interventions and demonstrate knowledge of treatment tactics and the use of clinical measures (outcome and process).

6. Apply strategies for active involvement of significant others as co-therapists in treatment and the education of clients with regard to relapse prevention.

7. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in behavioural formulation and cognitive conceptualization approaches.