Advanced Structured Psychotherapies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

This subject is delivered online with two full day on-campus workshops.

170 hours total

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 advanced subject is aimed at any clinician working within the mental health field who wants to further develop practical skills and application in implementing Evidence Supported Structured Psychotherapies in a range of mental health settings and conditions. It comprises a range of learning activities. These include pre reading of prescribed texts and articles, on line discussions, case write ups, tutorials and skill development workshops.

The Advanced subject will focus on the development and application of specialised structured psychotherapy skills for specific Anxiety Disorders (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Eating Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Bipolar Disorders and Personality Disorders.

To acquire advanced knowledge and skills required to apply the theory and practice of structured psychotherapy to the treatment of people with Mental Health Disorders. At the end of the subject participants will have developed advanced competencies in the practice of structured psychotherapies such as CBT in specialist clinical areas.

• Case report of 1,500 words due end of semester (worth 20%)
• Demonstration of skills via structured role plays during class. Assessed by workshop facilitators using Cognitive Therapist competency checklist. Scores (on the cognitive therapist competency checklist) will be summated over the 5 workshops and assigned at the end of semester. Occurs in 5 x skill application and development workshops. (Worth 20%)
• Critical writing assignment of 3,000 words due week 6 (worth 35%)
• Class participation – demonstration of completion of skill application and evaluation. Completion of diary containing application and outcome of specific structured psychotherapy skills in clinical practice. Assessed by facilitators. Due end of semester. (Worth 25%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Critically discuss the application of advanced training and skill development in structured psychotherapies for serious Mental Health Disorders
• Provide examples of case conceptualisations for individuals with phobic disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders and personality disorders
• Develop and demonstrate advanced competence in the use of behavioural and cognitive interventions
• Apply advanced skills to specific disorders (e.g. exposure and response prevention for OCD)
• Design a treatment plan specifically tailored to an individual’s needs and based on a comprehensive conceptualisation of the case
• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse one’s skill development using reflective practice and an experimental approach
• Critically appraise the research evidence available for specific structured psychotherapies in the treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders and personality disorders