CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC21003 Therapy I: Theory, Research, Practice
Therapy I: 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 intended to provide clinical training in the implementation of culturally-responsive, evidence-based, clinical psychology interventions to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Specifically, in this unit you will focus on developing competencies in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with a strong emphasis on the skill of case 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

There are no requisites for this unit.

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 - 2021

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: 25%
2. Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs)
Weighting: 30%
3. Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs)
Weighting: 30%
4. Presentation
Weighting: 15%

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 student evaluations

Feedback

Students liked the structure of classes (based on the structure of a typical Cognitive Behavioural Therapy session) including time for interactive discussion.

Recommendation

Retain the structure of classes with check-in, the bridge between sessions, session agenda, summary, feedback and check-out.

Feedback from Have your say student evaluations

Feedback

Students appreciated the in-depth feedback provided with each assessment.

Recommendation

Continue to provide timely and detailed assessment feedback in relation to assessment items.

Feedback from Have your say student evaluations

Feedback

Students thought that the weighting of the final assessment (presentation) should be adjusted to reflect the preparation required.

Recommendation

The final assessment (student presentation) will be reviewed and adjusted to ensure it is reflective of the stated weighting.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain and demonstrate appropriate selection and implementation of evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions on the basis of case formulation
  2. Adjust therapeutic interventions, based on an evolving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy case formulation, using processes that are responsive to cultural context
  3. Apply evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions across the lifespan.

The course Learning Outcomes for this unit are consistent with the new Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) Accreditation Standards, in particular, Section 4.2.3 regarding application of advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology. 

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
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Presentation - 15%
3 - Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs) - 30%
4 - Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs) - 30%

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

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Presentation - 15%
3 - Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs) - 30%
4 - Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs) - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

An introduction to cognitive behaviour therapy: Skills and applications

Edition: 3rd (2017)
Authors: Kennerley, H., Kirk, J. & Westbrook, D.
Sage
London London , England
ISBN: 9781473962583
Binding: Paperback

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 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Leonie Lorien Unit Coordinator
l.lorien@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Unit Overview

Basic Theory, Development and Current Status of CBT

Distinctive Characteristics of CBT 

Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017)  Chapters 1 and 2 reading and videos. 

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.  

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

The Therapeutic Relationship 

Culturally Responsive CBT

Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapter 3 reading and videos.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

Assessment and Formulation

Measurement in CBT


Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapters 4 and 5 reading and videos.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1: Information for case formulation provided in-class.

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Mar 2021

Module/Topic

No Class this week (Public Holiday) 

Between Class Reading and Videos: 

Helping Clients become their own Therapists

Socratic Methods 

Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapter 6  and 7 reading and videos.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1: Additional Information for case formulation posted to Moodle.

Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Cognitive Techniques

Behavioural Experiments

Physical Techniques    

Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapters 8 and 9  reading and videos.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

No Classes this week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Anxiety Interventions

Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapters 13 and 14 reading and videos.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2: Referral information and intake notes for your simulated client and the 3 CBT strategies you will be required to demonstrate will be provided in-class.


CBT Intervention Plan - Child Due: Week 6 Friday (23 Apr 2021) 1:00 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Apr 2021

Module/Topic

Depression Interventions 


Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapter 12  reading and videos.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 May 2021

Module/Topic

The Course of Therapy     

CBT Session from start to finish 

Case Study: Formulation 



Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapter 11 reading and videos.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

CBT Skills Demonstration - Child Due: Week 8 Friday (7 May 2021) 1:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 10 May 2021

Module/Topic

Case Study: Intervention Plan 

Wider Applications of CBT


Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapter 15  reading and video.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 4: Case study for adult client provided in-class.


Week 10 Begin Date: 17 May 2021

Module/Topic

Adjusting Therapeutic Interventions 1

Alternative Methods of Delivery

Developments in CBT

Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapters 16 and 17 reading and videos.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 4: Additional information for case study for adult client provided in-class.


CBT Skills Demonstration - Adult Due: Week 10 Friday (21 May 2021) 1:00 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 24 May 2021

Module/Topic

Adjusting Therapeutic Interventions 2

Evaluating CBT Practice

Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapter 18  reading and videos.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 31 May 2021

Module/Topic

Using Supervision in CBT

Unit Review

Chapter

Kennerly, Kirk & Westbrook (2017) Chapter 19 reading and video.

See Moodle for learning activities to be completed prior to class.

Events and Submissions/Topic

CBT Intervention Plan Adjustments - Adult Due: Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Jun 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
CBT Intervention Plan - Child

Task Description

You will write a 10-week CBT intervention plan, showing clear goals, specific intervention strategies to achieve these goals and a plan for managing risk factors. The intervention plan will be clearly linked to the diagnosis and case formulation (developed in class in Week 3) and discuss relevant evidence-based theories. You will describe how to adjust the CBT intervention plan based on an evolving case formulation, using culturally responsive processes (based on additional case information posted to Moodle in Week 4). You will describe how to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Your reference list will be provided in the American Psychological Association (APA) format. Word limit: 3500 words (excluding references).


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Friday (23 Apr 2021) 1:00 pm AEST

Submit your CBT intervention plan and case formulation in Moodle. The case formulation will not be graded but is required to ascertain that the intervention plan is clearly linked to the case formulation.


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Friday (7 May 2021)

Feedback and marks provided via Moodle


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

You will write a 10-week, CBT intervention plan, including the following: 

  1.  Clear and specific goals, with a rationale explaining how they are linked to the case formulation (15/100 marks)
  2. Description of the intervention plan (including the structure of sessions, interventions strategies, the order of interventions and expected length of treatment), with reference to the relevant evidence-based literature (60/100 marks)
  3. Description of the adjustments you would make to the intervention, based on the evolving case information, with an evidence-based rationale for the changes (20/100 marks).
  4. Description of how you evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, using person-centred and evidence-based measures of change (5/100 marks).



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain and demonstrate appropriate selection and implementation of evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions on the basis of case formulation
  • Adjust therapeutic interventions, based on an evolving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy case formulation, using processes that are responsive to cultural context


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

2 Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs)

Assessment Title
CBT Skills Demonstration - Child

Task Description

You will submit 3 x 10-minute videos of you demonstrating key Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills with a simulated child client, role-played by another student in the unit. In the videos you will demonstrate: 1) the application three specific CBT strategies, adapted to be developmentally and culturally appropriate for your client, 2) collaborative empiricism (i.e. collaboratively working with the client, using relevant evidence to inform treatment) and 3) professional communication with your client. You will be provided with referral information and intake notes for your simulated client and advised of the three CBT strategies that you will be required to demonstrate in-class (in Week 6).


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Friday (7 May 2021) 1:00 pm AEST

Submit via Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Friday (21 May 2021)

Feedback and marks provided via Moodle


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

1. Effectively uses three CBT strategies (as advised in-class in Week 6) to work with a simulated child client in ways that are developmentally and culturally appropriate (20/100 marks/strategy x 3 strategies). A more detailed marking rubric for each strategy will be available in Moodle.
2. In each of the three role-plays of CBT strategies, the student demonstrates:
a) The use of collaborative empiricism (i.e. collaboratively working with the client, using relevant evidence to inform treatment) (20/100 marks).
b) Professional communication, including the expression of appropriate empathy, accurate understanding, clear professional boundaries, and eliciting and providing feedback (20/100 marks).


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions across the lifespan.


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

3 Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPs)

Assessment Title
CBT Skills Demonstration - Adult

Task Description

You will submit a 40-minute video of you demonstrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills for a simulated adult client. The skills will include demonstration of a complete session including check-in, agenda setting, the bridge, development of a thought record, summaries, feedback and check-out. The case study for your adult client will be provided in-class (in Week 8). The simulated adult client is to be role played by another student in the unit.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Friday (21 May 2021) 1:00 pm AEST

Submit to Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021)

Feedback and marks provided via Moodle


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

You will demonstrate the following CBT competencies working with the adult:

1. Appropriate use of check-in, agenda-setting and the bridge between sessions (20/100 marks)

2. Effective use of developmentally appropriate strategies to develop a thought record with the adult (20/100 marks)

3. Appropriate use of the summaries, setting between-session activities, feedback and check-out (20/100 marks)

4. Maintenance of a collaborative, empirical alliance with the adult (20/100 marks)

5. Explicit demonstration of the expression of appropriate empathy, accurate understanding, clear professional boundaries, and eliciting and providing feedback (20/100 marks).


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions across the lifespan.


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

4 Presentation

Assessment Title
CBT Intervention Plan Adjustments - Adult

Task Description

You will present an intervention plan for a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) case formulation for an adult (you have developed in-class in Week 9). The presentation will focus on adjustments to your initial treatment plan for depression (based on additional information provided in-class in Week 10). The intervention plan will have clear and specific goals, intervention strategies and a plan for the management of risk factors. You will describe the methods to evaluate treatment effectiveness and review the strengths and weaknesses adjustments to your plan. You will cite relevant evidence-based literature to support your adjustments. The presentation will comprise a 20-minute video recording and reference list in APA style. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (4 June 2021) 5:00 pm AEST

Your video and references to be uploaded to Moodle.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (18 June 2021)

Feedback and marks provided via Moodle


Weighting
15%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

You will present an intervention plan for an adult focusing on the following:

  1. Description of how to adjust the CBT intervention plan based on an evolving case formulation, using processes that are culturally responsive (70/100 marks).
  2. Evaluation of the effectiveness of adjustments to the plan (10/100 marks)
  3. Description of appropriate methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the adjustments (10/100 marks).
  4. Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of adjustments to the intervention plan (5/100 marks).
  5. References provided in American Psychological Association (APA) format, including references to psychological assessment, intervention manual, and peer-reviewed journal articles supporting the approach (5/100 marks).


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain and demonstrate appropriate selection and implementation of evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions on the basis of case formulation
  • Adjust therapeutic interventions, based on an evolving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy case formulation, using processes that are responsive to cultural context


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

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?