Students

PSYP904 – Working with Special Populations

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Joanne Earl
Julie Boulis
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MProfPsych
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
In this unit, students will be introduced to a range of presentations that pose special challenges for professional psychologists in terms of assessment and clinical management, including: indigenous and CALD clients; clients with psychosis; clients with alcohol and/or substance abuse problems; clients with intellectual disabilities; clients experiencing one or more forms of trauma; clients experiencing grief and loss; clients at risk of self-harm and/or suicidality; and clients seeking relationship counselling. The focus is on the unique challenges posed by these different presentations and on the approaches to assessment, counselling and clinical management most likely to be effective for each. Where appropriate, the use of additional therapeutic modalities (ie, additional to those covered in PSYP903 and PSYP905), such as the use of Emotion-Focused Therapy in couples counselling and Motivation Interviewing for substance abuse problems and eMental Health will be considered.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Explain evidence-based therapy regarding the psychopathology of a range of child, adolescent and adult psychological disorders.
  • Review the evidence based diagnostic, assessment, and treatment procedures of key cognitive and behavioural procedures for traumatised clients across the lifespan.
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of Emotional Focused Therapy theory and principles with procedural techniques used in Relationship counselling.
  • Implement communication skills effectively in writing and through oral presentations with clients and other professionals.
  • Summarise and explain pharmacotherapy with the nature, modes of action and effects of drugs to facilitate effective communication with other carers.
  • Recognise the issues and obstacles for delivering effective cultural psychological interventions particularly, with Indigenous Australians, diverse and vulnerable populations.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
SP Suicide Assessment Report 60% No September 25
Oral Presentation 40% No October 10

SP Suicide Assessment Report

Due: September 25
Weighting: 60%

SP Suicide Assessment Report 3000 words

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain evidence-based therapy regarding the psychopathology of a range of child, adolescent and adult psychological disorders.
  • Review the evidence based diagnostic, assessment, and treatment procedures of key cognitive and behavioural procedures for traumatised clients across the lifespan.
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of Emotional Focused Therapy theory and principles with procedural techniques used in Relationship counselling.
  • Implement communication skills effectively in writing and through oral presentations with clients and other professionals.
  • Summarise and explain pharmacotherapy with the nature, modes of action and effects of drugs to facilitate effective communication with other carers.

Oral Presentation

Due: October 10
Weighting: 40%

Critique Research/Oral presentation maximum 30 minutes (includes 15 minute group discussion)

The purpose of this assignment is to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to access, critically interpret, and communicate key findings from the research literature bearing on a given area of applied professional psychology practice. You will also be required to lead a group discussion among your fellow students. These skills are important for treatment planning and for presentations in many clinical settings where you may be required to communicate and promote service goals and outcomes.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain evidence-based therapy regarding the psychopathology of a range of child, adolescent and adult psychological disorders.
  • Review the evidence based diagnostic, assessment, and treatment procedures of key cognitive and behavioural procedures for traumatised clients across the lifespan.
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of Emotional Focused Therapy theory and principles with procedural techniques used in Relationship counselling.
  • Implement communication skills effectively in writing and through oral presentations with clients and other professionals.
  • Recognise the issues and obstacles for delivering effective cultural psychological interventions particularly, with Indigenous Australians, diverse and vulnerable populations.

Delivery and Resources

The unit is comprised of lectures 

Lectures: 4 x 6 hour lecture on Wednesday

2 x 6 hour lecture on Saturday

If more than one workshop per unit is missed, then the student is at risk of being excluded and university rules may apply.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Trauma Counselling

Lecture and Small group discussion

eMental Health/Grief and Loss Counselling

Large group discussion/demonstrations and role play

Psychoses/Alcohol and Substance abuse

Large group discussion

Working with older adults/indigenous Sensitivity

Large group discussion/small group discussion

Intellectual Disability/Relationship Counselling

Large group discussion/demonstration and role play

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain evidence-based therapy regarding the psychopathology of a range of child, adolescent and adult psychological disorders.
  • Implement communication skills effectively in writing and through oral presentations with clients and other professionals.
  • Summarise and explain pharmacotherapy with the nature, modes of action and effects of drugs to facilitate effective communication with other carers.
  • Recognise the issues and obstacles for delivering effective cultural psychological interventions particularly, with Indigenous Australians, diverse and vulnerable populations.

Assessment tasks

  • SP Suicide Assessment Report
  • Oral Presentation

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain evidence-based therapy regarding the psychopathology of a range of child, adolescent and adult psychological disorders.
  • Review the evidence based diagnostic, assessment, and treatment procedures of key cognitive and behavioural procedures for traumatised clients across the lifespan.
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of Emotional Focused Therapy theory and principles with procedural techniques used in Relationship counselling.
  • Implement communication skills effectively in writing and through oral presentations with clients and other professionals.
  • Summarise and explain pharmacotherapy with the nature, modes of action and effects of drugs to facilitate effective communication with other carers.
  • Recognise the issues and obstacles for delivering effective cultural psychological interventions particularly, with Indigenous Australians, diverse and vulnerable populations.

Assessment tasks

  • SP Suicide Assessment Report
  • Oral Presentation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain evidence-based therapy regarding the psychopathology of a range of child, adolescent and adult psychological disorders.
  • Review the evidence based diagnostic, assessment, and treatment procedures of key cognitive and behavioural procedures for traumatised clients across the lifespan.
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of Emotional Focused Therapy theory and principles with procedural techniques used in Relationship counselling.
  • Summarise and explain pharmacotherapy with the nature, modes of action and effects of drugs to facilitate effective communication with other carers.
  • Recognise the issues and obstacles for delivering effective cultural psychological interventions particularly, with Indigenous Australians, diverse and vulnerable populations.

Assessment tasks

  • SP Suicide Assessment Report
  • Oral Presentation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain evidence-based therapy regarding the psychopathology of a range of child, adolescent and adult psychological disorders.
  • Review the evidence based diagnostic, assessment, and treatment procedures of key cognitive and behavioural procedures for traumatised clients across the lifespan.
  • Summarise and explain pharmacotherapy with the nature, modes of action and effects of drugs to facilitate effective communication with other carers.

Assessment tasks

  • SP Suicide Assessment Report
  • Oral Presentation

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Review the evidence based diagnostic, assessment, and treatment procedures of key cognitive and behavioural procedures for traumatised clients across the lifespan.
  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of Emotional Focused Therapy theory and principles with procedural techniques used in Relationship counselling.
  • Implement communication skills effectively in writing and through oral presentations with clients and other professionals.
  • Summarise and explain pharmacotherapy with the nature, modes of action and effects of drugs to facilitate effective communication with other carers.
  • Recognise the issues and obstacles for delivering effective cultural psychological interventions particularly, with Indigenous Australians, diverse and vulnerable populations.

Assessment tasks

  • SP Suicide Assessment Report
  • Oral Presentation

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Integrate and synthesise the learning and knowledge of Emotional Focused Therapy theory and principles with procedural techniques used in Relationship counselling.
  • Summarise and explain pharmacotherapy with the nature, modes of action and effects of drugs to facilitate effective communication with other carers.
  • Recognise the issues and obstacles for delivering effective cultural psychological interventions particularly, with Indigenous Australians, diverse and vulnerable populations.

Assessment tasks

  • SP Suicide Assessment Report
  • Oral Presentation

Changes from Previous Offering

- Suicide workshop excluded (taught as separate workshop under PSYP901)

- Greater emphasis on trauma counselling

- Introduction of a topic on working with older adults

Changes since First Published

Date Description
25/06/2018 - updated list of workshops in the order presented - additional time devoted to trauma counselling - additional workshop on working with older adults - deadlines for assessment tasks added
19/02/2018 Overview of Assessment
13/12/2017 student is at risk