CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC21003 Therapy 1: Theory, Research, Practice
Therapy 1: Theory, Research, Practice
All details in this unit profile for PSYC21003 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit is part of the sequence of units that culminates in the degree of Master in Clinical Psychology. This unit is intended to provide you with the basic knowledge in therapy research, theory and practice necessary for working as a Clinical Psychologist. The skills and knowledge developed in this unit, in conjunction with the other units offered in Term 1, will provide you with a basis for commencement of clinical practice. Specifically, this initial unit will focus on allowing you to develop fundamental skills in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and to develop insight into the range of common and specific factors that shape therapeutic outcomes. A strong emphasis will be placed on the skill of cognitive conceptualisation and the relationship between conceptualisation and treatment planning.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Academic Course = CG17

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 1 - 2019

Rockhampton

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%
2. Presentation
Weighting: 25%
3. Examination
Weighting: 25%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

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' in Moodle

Feedback

Students indicated that the assessments reflected the skills they needed to learn with real clients and as such, provided really good opportunities for learning.

Recommendation

Retain assessments that reflect practical application of knowledge.

Feedback from 'Have Your Say' in Moodle

Feedback

Students indicated that they liked the structure of the class, including group discussions and opportunities to practice skills through role plays.

Recommendation

Retain the structure of the class, including group discussions and opportunities to practice skills.

Feedback from 'Have Your Say' in Moodle

Feedback

Students requested more time in-class to practice skills.

Recommendation

Maintain a balance between group discussion of knowledge-based learning and practical application of skills.

Feedback from 'Have Your Say' in Moodle

Feedback

Students requested to have the Indigenous component earlier in the Unit.

Recommendation

Introduce cultural awareness earlier in the Unit and integrating discussion of cultural competencies throughout the Unit.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Develop cognitive conceptualisations of common psychological conditions including mood, anxiety and somatoform disorders.
  2. Utilse cognitive conceptualisations to develop and establish structured and effective treatment plans
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of behavioural and cognitive treatment strategies
  4. Access and critique the research that describes the role of common and specific factors and issues around evidence based practice in psychotherapy.
  5. Reflect critically on therapeutic practice as a way of improving as a learner and as a clinical psychologist.

The curriculum of this unit aligns with the APAC College Course approval guidelines for Clinical psychology 1 Interventions and the APAC standards under categories of Knowledge of the Discipline, Ethical, Legal and Professional Matters,Psychological Assessment and Measurement, Intervention Strategies and Communication and Interpersonal Relationships

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Presentation - 25%
3 - Examination - 25%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
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

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Written Assessment - 50%
2 - Presentation - 25%
3 - Examination - 25%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Learning Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

2nd Edition (2017)
Authors: Wright, J.H., Brown, G.K., Thase, M.E., & Basco, M. R.
American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Arlington Arlington , VA , United States of America
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA)

Edition: 6th ( )
American Psychological Association
ISBN: 1433805618
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

Paper copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Leonie Lorien Unit Coordinator
l.lorien@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Overview of Unit and Assessment Evidence base for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Principles of CBT

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006). Chapter 1. Basic Principles of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. Complete Learning Exercise 1-1.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Prior to class each week, please ensure that you have read the relevant chapter, completed learning exercises and watched videos as specified.

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

The Therapeutic Relationship

Assessments for Therapy

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006). Chapter 2. The Therapeutic Relationship, and Chapter 3. Assessment and Formulation p45-51. Watch Video 1 & 2

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Cognitive Conceptualisation - 5P Model

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006). Chapter 3. Assessment and Formulation p51-61. Complete Learning Exercise 3-1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Structuring and Educating in CBT

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006). Chapter 4. Structuring and Educating Watch Video 3 & 4 Complete Learning Exercise 4-1 & 4-2.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Working with Automatic Thoughts

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006) Chapter 5. Working with Automatic Thoughts Watch Video 5 - 11 Complete Learning Exercise 5-2 - 5-6.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

No Classes Scheduled

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Behaviour Methods I

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006).Chapter 6. Behavioral Methods I: Improving Energy, Completing Tasks and Solving Problems. Watch Video 12 - 15 Complete Learning Exercise 6-1 - 6-2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 (Part A) In-class. Watch Intake assessment and complete cognitive conceptualisation (26 April 2019) 9:00 am AEST.

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Behavioural Methods II

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006).Chapter 7. Behavioral Methods II: Reducing Anxiety and Breaking Patterns of Avoidance. Complete Learning Exercise 7-1 - 7-3 Watch Video 16 - 19

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 May 2019

Module/Topic

Modifying Schemas

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006). Chapter 8. Modifying Schemas. 

Watch Video 20 - 22.

Complete Learning Exercise 8-1 - 8-6. 

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 9 Begin Date: 13 May 2019

Module/Topic

Reflective Practice in CBT

Chapter

Bennett-Levy, Thwaite, Chaddock & Davis (2009). Chapter 7. Reflective Practice in cognitive behavioral therapy: The engine of lifelong learning. In Rudi & Stedman. Reflective Practice in Psychotherapy and Counselling (online access)

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 In-class Presentations



Presentation of CBT Strategy with Rationale and Critique Due: Week 9 Thursday (16 May 2019) 9:00 am AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 20 May 2019

Module/Topic

CBT to Reduce Suicide Risk

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006). Chapter 9. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy to Reduce Suicide Risk Watch Video 23 Complete Learning Exercise 9-1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 May 2019

Module/Topic

Treating Chronic, Severe or Complex Disorders

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006). Chapter 10. Treating Chronic, Severe, or Complex Disorders.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 (Part B) Due prior to the commencement of class.


Cognitive Conceptualisation (Part A) and Treatment Plan (Part B) Due: Week 11 Thursday (30 May 2019) 9:00 am AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

Building Competence in CBT Review

Chapter

Wright et al., (2006). Chapter 11. Building Competence in CognitiveBehavior Therapy. Complete Learning Exercise 11-1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

See Exam Schedule for Date/Time of Examination during the examination period. 

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Cognitive Conceptualisation (Part A) and Treatment Plan (Part B)

Task Description

The Written Assessment will be in two parts: Part A - Cognitive Conceptualisation and Part B - Treatment Plan. Part A - Cognitive Conceptualisation. You will be required to develop and write up a cognitive conceptualisation from a clinical scenario provided during class in Week 6 (Thursday 26/4/19) 9:00 am AEST. The cognitive conceptualisation will include a 1-page dot-point summary of your cognitive conceptualisation using the 5P Model, and a 1-page written summary of the cognitive conceptualisation. Part B - Treatment Plan. You will be required to develop and write up a 6-week treatment plan for a cognitive conceptualisation provided at the end of class in Week 10. Submit the written assessment to Moodle prior to the commencement of class in week 11 (Thursday 30/5/19) 9:00 am AEST. The Treatment Plan will be a maximum 2500 words dot-point summary including rationale, treatment goals, assessment measures, session plans and further recommendations, and a 1-page critical reflection on your learning. Written feedback will be provided to each student at the end of class in week 7 for Part A, and at the end of class in Week 12 for Part B. Cumulative grades for Part A and Part B will be provided in Moodle in Week 12.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Thursday (30 May 2019) 9:00 am AEST

Part A to be completed in class and uploaded to Moodle during class time in Week 6. Part B will be due prior to commencement of class in Week 11.


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Thursday (6 June 2019)

Feedback and marks provided via Moodle


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
20 marks out of a total of 50 for Parts A and B.

Assessment Criteria

This assessment is marked out of 50.

Detailed marking criteria will be available on the unit Moodle site, and will be based on the following:

Part A - 25 marks

Part B - 25 marks


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Part A to be uploaded to Moodle during class, in Week 6. Part B to be uploaded to Moodle prior to commencement of class in Week 11.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop cognitive conceptualisations of common psychological conditions including mood, anxiety and somatoform disorders.
  • Utilse cognitive conceptualisations to develop and establish structured and effective treatment plans
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a range of behavioural and cognitive treatment strategies
  • Access and critique the research that describes the role of common and specific factors and issues around evidence based practice in psychotherapy.
  • Reflect critically on therapeutic practice as a way of improving as a learner and as a clinical psychologist.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

2 Presentation

Assessment Title
Presentation of CBT Strategy with Rationale and Critique

Task Description

You will present a 10-minute video of you demonstrating a key Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategy for treatment of the client presented in Assessment 1 (Part A). You will then have 10 minutes to explain your rationale for selecting that specific CBT strategy and critique your implementation of it.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Thursday (16 May 2019) 9:00 am AEST

20 minute in-class presentation.


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Monday (20 May 2019)

The lecturer will upload completed marking guide with feedback to Moodle.


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
10 marks

Assessment Criteria

This assessment will be marked out of 25. Detailed marking criteria will be available on the unit Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Utilse cognitive conceptualisations to develop and establish structured and effective treatment plans
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a range of behavioural and cognitive treatment strategies


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
25%

Length
120 minutes

Minimum mark or grade
10 marks

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
Academic Integrity Statement

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.

What can you do to act with integrity?