Clinical Practicum: Families

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Curently working in the field.

For the purposes of considering requests 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 Overview, Objectives, 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 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; and
• The maintenance of a log in which therapeutic contacts with families will be recorded.

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; and
  
• 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.