Introduction to Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Unit code: APC6006 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
APC6005 - Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy; or
APC6091 - Interventions 1 - Introduction to CBT
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit develops students’ skills in the assessment, formulation, and treatment of adult disorders using psychodynamic psychotherapy theory and practices. The unit furthers student competencies in the Victoria University’s clinical training model, which emphasises both cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic interventions. Learning will focus on the application of psychodynamic psychotherapy to a range of client problems and disorders, meta-competencies in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and application of psychodynamic psychotherapy to high prevalence mental health disorders.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Conceptualise, plan and implement a course of treatment based on a psychodynamic framework.
  2. Critically reflect on, contextualise, and apply psychodynamic techniques to a client’s individual requirements.
  3. Critically evaluate client progress and based on the evidence, where necessary revise the intervention plans accordingly.
  4. Critique, contextualise, and apply psychodynamic psychotherapy to presentations in adult clients.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Essay
|
Grade: 30%
Essay psychodynamic therapy interventions and change mechanisms (1500 words)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 30%
Case Study, including formulation of a diagnosis and treatment plan (1500 words)
Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 40%
Critical review of a psychotherapy session to demonstrate dynamics and intervention suitability (2000 words)

Required reading

Readings and source materials will be listed in the unit guide and available through VU Collaborate, and the VU library e-resources.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
AMAL | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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