Basic Interventions

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject provides a variety of learning experiences including lectures, large group discussions, clinical demonstrations, clinical case material, role-plays, and small workgroup practicals. Emphasis is on shared experience and cooperative learning based around the students' shared expertise and the total resources available to the larger group. Within this larger group, students have a variety of backgrounds, interests and professional experiences that provide a rich source of resources; students are encouraged to make use of these resources throughout the component. The component is organised around small workgroups of 4-5 people within which most of the practical work takes place. The workgroups provide feedback and discussion of homework exercises, and provide the opportunity for enactive experiences that are simply not possible in a large class format. In addition, there are large class discussions and the opportunity to share information across workgroups.

On completion of this subject, students should:

1. Be familiar with and possess practical skills in the implementation of a number of basic evidence-based behavioural and cognitive therapeutic interventions, that will be applicable both individually and in groups;
2. Be aware of the possible use of basic psychological intervention approaches with a variety of people across a range of problems, disorders and settings;
3. Understand the historical, theoretical and empirical bases of and support for specific breif interventions approaches;
4. Be familiar with a range of resource material relevant to implementing basic interventions with clients/patients within a brief intervention framework; and
5. Possess a basis for continued learning and skill acquisition in the development and delivery of brief interventions.

1. A hurdle requirement of maintenance of a logbook
2. An end-of-semester written assignment of 2000 words (80%)
3. A mid-semester practicum assignment of a (DVD) mock application of a psychological intervention (20%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Improved problem identification and problem solving skills

Improved writte,oral and interpersonal communication skills

Improved information integration skills