Foundations of Working with Adolescents

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 estimated total time commitment

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

The coursework subjects allow participants to develop an understanding of the principal theoretical and clinical concepts associated with individual child treatment, individual adolescent treatment, family work, and work with parents, teachers, and other professionals who are involved in a case.Each subject consists of a series of 12 seminars, held between 9:00 am and 11:00 am on Wednesday mornings.The seminars combine didactic teaching with discussion and experiential learning.

This subject will cover:

• specific aspects of developmental theory, cognitive-behavioural theory, psychodynamic theory and systems theory perspectives which may be used to understand and work effectively with adolescents;
• various forms of adolescent behaviour and how they may be responded to therapeutically;
• various forms of communication adolescents may use and how they may be responded to therapeutically; and
• the importance of confidentiality and appropriate therapeutic behaviour.

Participants will develop their understanding of:

• The principal theoretical orientations employed in clinical work with adolescents.
• The fundamental concepts that these theoretical orientations are based upon.
• The rationale for selection of one form of treatment over another.
• The application of appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Distinguish theoretical orientations employed in clinical work
• Describe fundamental concepts that these theoretical orientations are based upon
• Consider the rationale for selection of one form of treatment over another
• Discuss the application of appropriate therapeutic interventions

• A take-home test of 1,000 words worth 25% (performed in Week 6).
• An essay of 4,000 words counts for 75% of assessment (due end of semester).
• An attendance record will be kept and a minimum of 80% of seminars must be attended (hurdle requirement).

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, participants should be able to:

§Establish a therapeutic relationship with adolescents.

§Identify which interventions might be effectively applied to specific presenting problems of adolescents with whom they work.

Develop a treatment plan for specific presenting problems of adolescents with whom they work