Clinical Coursework II is comprised of a number of sub-units covering a range of topics designed to further advance the students knowledge of clinical theory and practice and relevant research methodology. 

The sub-units that comprise this course are:

• Models and Methods in Clinical Psychology II
• Child and Family Assessment and Treatment
• Research Methods in Clinical and Health Psychology
• Developmental Disabilities

Models and Methods in Clinical Psychology II (Convenor:  Assoc. Prof. Richard O'Kearney) 2 hrs/week

(Staff: Dr Angela White, Assoc. Prof.  Richard O'Kearney and Dr Jeff Ward)

This course continues the focus on models of specific psychological disorders and their treatment begun in Models and Methods in Clinical Psychology 1 by focusing on schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Psychological assessment, interventions and rehabilitation for these disorders with a focus on motivational interventions and cognitive-behavioural approaches are described. Assessment consists of a formal assessment report from case based material, a learning journal and a case report.   

Child and Family Assessment and Treatment (Convenor: Dr Bernd Heubeck) Four full day workshops

This course provides an introduction to clinical practice that covers the major theoretical models for understanding psychological disorders presenting in childhood and adolescence and the effective clinical interventions for these disorders. The main goals of the course are for trainees to understand the developmental framework to the study of emotional and behavioural problems of children and adolescents, assess and appropriately formulate these problems and select appropriate interventions and apply them effectively. Some variation in the content of these workshops may occur from year to year. However, some externalising (e.g. ODD, CD) as well as some internalising disorders (e.g. anxiety, depression) will always be covered. Treatment models will emphasise empirically validated assessment and treatment, esp. CBT, parent training, school and family interventions. Participation in the discussions, exercises and role plays is a requirement, as is the demonstration of competence in conceptualising cases and treatment planning.

Research Methods in Clinical and Health Psychology (Convenor: Dr Jay Brinker) 2 hrs/week

The underlying philosophy of professional psychology advocated in this program is the scientist-practitioner model.  Essentially this model argues that to be an effective and responsible, professional psychologist, scientific research should both inform and be part of your practice.  Thus, appropriate clinical research skills (both methodological and statistical) are viewed as an essential part of your professional training.

The main goals of this course

• To update/refresh participants understanding and critical thinking of psychological research methodology and multivariate statistical analysis, particularly as they apply to clinical and health research.
• To introduce participants to applications of advanced statistical techniques in clinical and health psychology (eg Structural Equation Modelling)
• To introduce participants to research methodologies that can be applied in independent clinical practice (eg Single-Case Designs)
• To assist students to become familiar with the research and thesis requirements of their degree.
• To assist participants in the development and formulation of the appropriate research methodology for their research project/thesis.

Developmental Disabilities (Convenor: Dr Bernd Heubeck; Staff: Dr Chris Kilham)

One workshop plus 2 days school observational assessment

These three days complement Child and Family Assessment and Treatment by offering training in understanding and communicating effectively with children with a developmental handicap. A report based on a two day placement at a special school is a requirement.

Enrolment in postgraduate clinical psychology units is usually restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) or Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical) at the School of Psychology. 

This course may be available with the written permission of the Director of Clinical Training Program. 

Applicants must be eligible for registration as a psychologist in the ACT. 

Completion of PSYC8101 is recommened.

Schizophrenia

Andrews et al (2000) The Management of Mental Disorders; Volume 2, Third Edition.

Kaplan & Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry; Editor: Sadock, Benjamin J.; Sadock, Virginia A. Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 8th Edition; ISBN: 0-7817-3434-7.

New Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry;   Editor: Gelder, Michael G.; Lopez-Ibor, Juan J.; Andreasen, Nancy;Publisher: Oxford University Press;Edition: 1st Edition; ISBN: 0 19 262970 0.

Essential Psychopathology; J.S.Maxmen (1986).Publisher W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. ISBN 0-393-70029-1.

Leff, J.P. (1976) Schizophrenia and sensitivity to the family environment Schizophrenia Bulletin V2 #4.

Pilling, S. et al (2002)  Psychological treatments in Schizophrenia: I. Meta-analysis of Family intervention and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Psychological medicine July V32(5), pp 763-782

Addiction

Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change. New York: Guilford Press.

Useful references (All available in Hancock Library)

Beck, AT. et al. (1993). Cognitive therapy of substance abuse. New York: Guilford. Beck provides a comprehensive overview of treatment issues in the management of drug and alcohol dependence. Includes important new contributions that focus on specific cognitive aspects of addiction.

Hester R.& Miller, W.R. (1995). Handbook of alcoholism treatment approaches: Effective alternatives (2nd Edition). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. A comprehensive handbook on treatment approaches. Provides good succinct summaries of most approaches to assessment and treatment that have evidence in support of their use.

Jarvis, T. J., Tebbutt, J., & Mattick, R. P. (1995). Treatment approaches for alcohol and drug dependence: An introductory guide. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons. This is an Australian publication that provides a brief overview of assessment and clinical interventions. It has a comprehensive listing of assessment instruments and treatment manuals. 

Marlatt, G.A., & Gordon, J.R. (Eds). (1985). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors.  Guilford: New York. A comprehensive overview of a cognitive behavioural approach to treatment that is widely used to treat addiction and other impulse disorders (e.g. sexual disorders, binge eating).

Orford, J. (2001). Excessive appetites: A psychological view of addictions. (2^nd ed.). John Wiley: Chichester UK. This book provides a comprehensive review of the psychological literature on addictions. Orford addresses most of the issues that arise when one considers addictions from a psychological perspective. The model is an important influence on the motivational interviewing approach to the addictions.

Child and Family Assessment and Treatment

Mash & Wolfe (2005). Abnormal Child Psychology (3^rd ed). Thomson/Wadworth.

Specific readings for each topic

Developmental Disabilities

Chapter 9 Mental Retardation and Chapter 10 Autism in Mash & Wolfe (2005). Abnormal Child Psychology, 3^rd ed. Thomson.

Plus different individual papers recommended each year