Basic Interventions

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

85 hours

Enrolment in one of the following Psychology professional training programs, 527CL, 527CN, 080CL, 080CN or MC-PSYCHCS

Completion of APAC approved psychology studies to fourth-year (Honours) level.

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 experience. Emphasis is on shared experience and cooperative learning based around the students' shared expertise and the total resources available to the larger group. The focus is on development of knowledge and skills related to basic evidence-based behavioural and cognitive interventions. The component includes work in small groups of 4-5 people within which most of the practical work takes place. At the end of semester students will attend a full-day workshop aimed at providing them with further opportunities to practice the skills taught throughout the semester. In addition students undertake homework tasks which they report and discuss via the subject blogging tool. 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 brief interventions;
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 and more complex psychotheraputic interventions.

1. An end-of-semester written assignment of 2000 words (70%)
2. A mid-semester 15 minute practical class exercise (20%)
3. A 15 min group presentation (4 students presenting at the beginning of each class throughout weeks 3-12 of semester) (10%)

Hurdle requirement:

• At least 80% attendance (based on 12 weeks of lecturing)
• All assessment tasks are hurdle requirements
• Maintenance of a log book
• Attendance at two 6-hour clinical training workshops: Working as a CBT Practitioner

Martin, G. & Pear J. (2010). Behaviour modification: What it is and how to do it. (9th Ed.) Pearson Prentice Hall.

Kazantzis, N. Mark A Reinecke. M. A. & Freeman, A. (2009). Cognitive and Behavioural Theories in Clinical Practice.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Improved problem identification and problem solving skills

Improved written, oral and interpersonal communication skills

Improved information integration skills