Clinical Practicum: Families

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours total

Curently working in the field.

A minimum of 80% attendance

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This clinical practicum is designed to provide closely supported training in clinical work and promote the participants’ practical application of the theoretical material covered in PSYT90038. The clinical practicum is conducted in small groups (approximately 3 to 5 participants per group), under the guidance of experienced supervisors.

This subject will cover:

• Forms of engagement that may be employed and the development of a therapeutic relationship.
• Various forms of family systems intervention.
• Specific types of family therapy questioning techniques.
• Strategic, structural and systemic theoretical perspectives.
• The maintenance of a log in which therapeutic contacts with families will be recorded.

Students should note that attending and undertaking activities in this subject will not be possible without at current Working with Children Check.

Participants will hone specific therapeutic skills required for effectively conducting family work, accounting for:

• The process of engaging families.
• The goals of therapy.
• Forms of questioning.
• Ethical issues and continuity of care issues.

• Case assessment of 3,000-3,500 words due end of semester (worth 70%)
• Clinical log of 1,500-2,000 words due end of semester (worth 30%)
• Minimum 80% attendance at practicums (hurdle requirement)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

• Evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions with families.
• Utilise problem-solving skills in determining how to modify a treatment plan for work with families, as appropriate.
• Identify avenues for ongoing consultation and supervision around family work.

It is required that applicants have a Working With Children Check before commencing this subject.