Foundations of Professional Psychology

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Abstract

This subject introduces students to the core competencies required to practice as a professional psychologist. It focuses on the development of competence in evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, basic interviewing and counselling skills, assessment and diagnosis of psychopathology, and in generating socio-culturally informed individualised formulations and treatment plans.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics Legal, ethical, and professional issues in psychology practice.Evidence-based practice in psychology.Developing a reflective practice frameworkCultural diversity in psychological practice (including indigenous psychologies).Interviewing and counselling micro skills.Professional communication skills.Inter-professional learning and practiceClassification and diagnostic interviewing (Mental Status Examination, structured diagnostic interviews and assessment instruments, … For more content click the Read More button below.

The subject will cover the following topics

Legal, ethical, and professional issues in psychology practice.
Evidence-based practice in psychology.
Developing a reflective practice framework
Cultural diversity in psychological practice (including indigenous psychologies).
Interviewing and counselling micro skills.
Professional communication skills.
Inter-professional learning and practice
Classification and diagnostic interviewing (Mental Status Examination, structured diagnostic interviews and assessment instruments, current classification systems).
Suicide and dangerousness risk assessment.
Biopsychosocial assessment, case formulation and treatment planning.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to reflect on current levels of competence in order to further develop and enhance demonstration of basic counselling skills

be able to analyse critically and synthesize a large body of complex information in order to support the application of ethical decision-making theories and practices to ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in professional practice

be able to reflect on current levels of competence in order to develop and/or enhance diagnostic interviewing skills in the assessment of psychopathology

be able to critically analyse and synthesise a large body of literature in order to discuss the history and characteristics of the major taxonomic systems for psychopathology

be able to synthesise complex information in order to develop individualized culturally informed formulations and treatment plans for disorders commonly encountered in professional practice

be able to discuss an understanding of the issues relevant to inter-professional learning and practice

Assumed knowledge

A foundation in the core psychology graduate attributes, including knowledge of the discipline of psychology, undergraduate studies in abnormal psychology, biological bases of behaviour, learning, individual differences, research and analysis methods, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and an appreciation of professional ethics.

Enrolment restrictions

Available to students in Psychology Masters programs.

Incompatible

Learning activities

Online Intensive

This online intensive is intended to serve a number of functions:

- to introduce staff and students;- to orient students to the academic requirements, support services and technical facilities available to them;- to familiarize students with the detailed placement requirements of the professional psychology programs;- to commence provision of information regarding core foundational knowledge components of the professional psychology programs;- to undertake the counselling skills training and assessment component required by accreditation guidelines;- to demonstrate the application of skills in diagnosis and case formulation;- to engage the students in case analysis and discussion.

Activities include:- Introduction to program;- Orientation to the Interact2 site;- Provision of information regarding the academic and placement requirements of the program;- small-group learning activities, case discussions, role-plays, and self-evaluation tasks;- demonstrations of specific psychological skills.

Duration60 hours