Overview
In this unit you will focus on consolidating and expanding on previously acquired psychological knowledge through the exploration of contemporary intervention skills, approaches, and techniques. You will draw upon foundational competencies such as micro-counselling skills, assessment interviews, and record keeping, and be introduced to additional intervention models to broaden your knowledge of the discipline. The role of motivational interviewing in evidence-based psychological intervention and psychopharmacology will also be explored.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL68 Master of Professional Psychology or CG17 Master of Clinical Psychology. Anti-req PSYC21004
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2023
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from "Have your say" student feedback item
Students reported that feedback on written tasks was sometimes unclear.
Rationale for competency based constructive feedback will be reiterated and provided in verbal and written feedback pre and post the written task feedback.
Feedback from In-class and cohort feedback/discussion
Students suggested more time for demonstrated role plays.
Inclusion of additional lecturer-led role plays/exercises in class within the extended teaching time of 3hrs.
- Synthesise and apply knowledge of contemporary intervention approaches, skills, and techniques on the basis of case formulation.
- Communicate high level, independent clinical judgements regarding client presentations and interventions using processes that are responsive to cultural context and practice across the lifespan.
- Engage in critical self-reflective practice in regard to skills, techniques, and clinical judgements.
Learning outcomes are drawn from specifications for study at level 9 as indicated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), program of study criteria as stated by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsychBA), and the following core competencies stated by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC):
- 3.3 Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients,
- 3.6 Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk,
- 3.7 Monitor outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health and health concerns, family and support networks, and organisational, cultural or community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client within their wider context,
- 3.8 Interpret and communicate findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language,
- 3.9 Implement appropriate, empirically supported interventions, and monitor clients’ progress and intervention outcome, and
- 3.14 Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result (APC, 2019, p.13-14).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | |
1 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||
2 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 0% | |||
3 - Report - 0% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | |
1 - Knowledge | |||
2 - Communication | |||
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||
4 - Research | |||
5 - Self-management | |||
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||
7 - Leadership | |||
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
t.best@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Therapeutic Relationship
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), theory and skill development: part 2
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), theory and skill development: part 3
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), theory and skill development: part 4
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) - introduction to theory and skill development
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
MPP students may be on campus in Cairns for Residential School (PSYC29002)
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Compassion Focused Therapy - further skills and approaches
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Psychopharmacology in therapy - approaches and skills: part 1
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Therapy SKills Due: Week 7 Monday (28 Aug 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Psychopharmacology in therapy - approaches and skills: part 2
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Motivational Interviewing
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Case Reports and Reflective Practice
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Reflection of practice and self Due: Week 10 Monday (18 Sept 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Further therapy skills and approaches
Chapter
E-reading list for relevant readings and resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Preparing for practice: therapist self-care and reflection
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This is a non-graded (Pass/Fail) unit and therefore, in accordance with CQUniversity's Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework), all assessment tasks must be passed in order to pass this unit. The minimum pass rate for each assessment task is 70% for this unit. Students who have made a reasonable attempt to complete an assessment task initially will have one opportunity to re-attempt a failed assessment task. The mark achieved for the reattempted assessment task will be recorded as the final mark.
1 Practical Assessment
This assessment requires you to record (audio-visual) a 10-15 min demonstration of a therapeutic skill and provide a 250-300 word reflection. Your video recording is to demonstrate a therapeutic intervention strategy of your choice relevant to the content of the unit. This task provides opportunity to learn, grow and practice your skill as well as receive feedback and support on the therapeutic modality of your choice. Your client will be a fellow student, and in pairs one student will be the client and one will be the therapist.
You will be provided a scenario to work with. Your task is to decide which approach/intervention strategy you would like to use and then demonstrate that therapeutic intervention approach to assist the client
Week 7 Monday (28 Aug 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 9 Monday (11 Sept 2023)
Feedback will be provided and uploaded through Moodle
The student is provided an assessment framework to assist competency. The recording, aimed at capturing and providing feedback and support for your skill, is the predominant focus of the task, with a brief written reflection. The overall skill-based competency rubric and further supporting details will be provided on moodle and discussed in class time.
- Synthesise and apply knowledge of contemporary intervention approaches, skills, and techniques on the basis of case formulation.
- Engage in critical self-reflective practice in regard to skills, techniques, and clinical judgements.
2 Reflective Practice Assignment
This assessment requires you to utilise a further therapeutic intervention approach/technique (that is, it is different from the one you demonstrated in assessment task 1).
Choose a particular approach, technique or strategy that you would like to develop and through class engagement and opportunity, practice that skill with a fellow student. You will be given time to do this in class throughout the term. In selecting one of the approaches for intervention, write a reflection of your experience from a professional and personal growth viewpoint.
The reflection is to be 800-1000 words and needs to address 3 main components.
1. Include a brief discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the intervention approach
2. Provide a personal reflection on the experience, including lessons learned and how practice might be modified in light of the experience for future growth and development. This could include articulating the thoughts and feelings of your experience and your evaluation and conclusion from the experience.
3. Provide a reflection on the likely impact for the client and areas of further action for growth and development in your professional practice.
Week 10 Monday (18 Sept 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 12 Monday (2 Oct 2023)
Feedback will be provided and uploaded through Moodle
This assessment is considered against a competency framework. A more detailed outline of the 3 components of the reflection will be provided on Moodle, as well as discussed in class time.
- Communicate high level, independent clinical judgements regarding client presentations and interventions using processes that are responsive to cultural context and practice across the lifespan.
- Engage in critical self-reflective practice in regard to skills, techniques, and clinical judgements.
3 Report
Intervention reports are an important aspect of psychological practice and incorporate many key skills for clinicians.
This assessment requires you to write a case report for an intervention. You can use the simulated/actual clients from your current supervised practice, or the scenarios worked with in class, or develop a client scenario as if you have continued seeing this client over six sessions.
In preparation for your continued skill development in this area, the purpose of the case report is to demonstrate your critical thinking and decision making around interventions based on a clear formulation and evidence based approach. The case report structure is aligned with the requirements for registration.
Review/Exam Week Monday (9 Oct 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (20 Oct 2023)
Feedback will be provided and uploaded through Moodle
In general, your submission will follow the Psychology Board of Australia guidelines for intervention case reports.
Further details of the task along with supporting information such as the intervention case report checklist will be provided on Moodle.
- Synthesise and apply knowledge of contemporary intervention approaches, skills, and techniques on the basis of case formulation.
- Communicate high level, independent clinical judgements regarding client presentations and interventions using processes that are responsive to cultural context and practice across the lifespan.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.