Students

PSYC8984 – Clinical Psychology Professional Practice

2024 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Philippe Gilchrist
Contact via Email
AHH Level 3, Room 802
Email for appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
((PSYC988 or PSYC8988) and (PSYC989 or PSYC8989)) or PSYC8102
Corequisites Corequisites
(PSYC993 or PSYC8993 or PSYC8103) and (PSYC995 or PSYC8995)
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit will focus on the advanced professional practice skills necessary for a well-rounded, competent, and self-reflective therapist. Building upon the therapeutic relationship in cognitive behavioural therapy, issues of resistance in psychotherapy and therapeutic integration will be explored when working with diverse groups. Students will develop skills in analysing and strengthening the client-therapist relationship through a consideration of the therapeutic process to ensure well-targeted and effective therapeutic interventions. These skills and principles will be applied to diverse populations, and in the light of ethical, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary considerations.

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:

  • ULO1: Report upon the therapeutic relationship through different modes of delivery, complex disorders, severe comorbidities, and diverse populations. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 4: Professional)
  • ULO2: Demonstrate both a creative and critical understanding of theory and evidence-based therapy integration. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar)
  • ULO3: Critically evaluate the prediction, prevention, and techniques to overcome resistance in cognitive behavioural therapy and other evidence-based approaches. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • ULO4: Demonstrate a critical and current understanding of common and specific factors in therapy, and its implication for clinical practice. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • ULO5: Report upon the methods of clinical supervision, and how to overcome common challenges to effective clinical practice. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 4: Professional)

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128).

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

 

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Case Report 45% No Week 7
Self-Reflective Report 25% Yes Week 11
Viva with a follow up self- reflective report 30% No Week 13

Case Report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 41 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 45%

 

Based upon a case provided, and drawing upon factors related to the therapeutic relationship and specific evidence-based techniques, students will demonstrate competency in overcoming resistance and maintaining a strong alliance during therapeutic integration of different approaches to psychotherapy in relation to complex diagnoses. The report is 1500 words.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Report upon the therapeutic relationship through different modes of delivery, complex disorders, severe comorbidities, and diverse populations. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 4: Professional)
  • Demonstrate both a creative and critical understanding of theory and evidence-based therapy integration. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar)
  • Critically evaluate the prediction, prevention, and techniques to overcome resistance in cognitive behavioural therapy and other evidence-based approaches. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Demonstrate a critical and current understanding of common and specific factors in therapy, and its implication for clinical practice. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)

Self-Reflective Report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 32 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Drawing upon material from the unit, students will briefly describe clinical settings where they expect potential challenges, including ways to overcome these. The report is 1000 words.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Report upon the methods of clinical supervision, and how to overcome common challenges to effective clinical practice. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 4: Professional)

Viva with a follow up self- reflective report

Assessment Type 1: Viva/oral examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 2 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%

 

Students will be required to conduct part of a treatment session in 20 minutes that incorporates advanced clinical and counselling skills and techniques to working with complex diagnoses in a multidisciplinary setting, and overcoming resistance. Following the viva, a 500 word report will summarise key reflections upon the performance and will be submitted the following day.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Report upon the therapeutic relationship through different modes of delivery, complex disorders, severe comorbidities, and diverse populations. (Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner; Capability 4: Professional)
  • Demonstrate both a creative and critical understanding of theory and evidence-based therapy integration. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar)
  • Critically evaluate the prediction, prevention, and techniques to overcome resistance in cognitive behavioural therapy and other evidence-based approaches. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)
  • Demonstrate a critical and current understanding of common and specific factors in therapy, and its implication for clinical practice. (Capability 1: Scientist scholar; Capability 2: Psychologist practitioner)

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of face-to-face, and at times online, learning activities, including readings, online modules, videos, lectures, practical skill demonstrations etc. Details can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.

Recommended and required readings can also be found on the iLearn site via weekly modules and Leganto.

This Unit will aim to integrate science, theory, and critical thinking as the foundation for practice. Students are required to prepare for seminars by completing readings and/or material (e.g., videos, links, etc.) available via iLearn and Leganto prior to classes in order to benefit most from the Unit.  Additional resources and reading material will be provided throughout the course during the relevant sections.  Engagement with material and participation in class is essential. 

Technology Used:

Active participation in the learning activities throughout the unit will require students to have access to a tablet, laptop or similar device. Students who do not own their own laptop computer may borrow one from the university library.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Inclusion & Diversity

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.

Professionalism

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including clinical, practical, laboratory, work-integrated learning (e.g., PACE placements), and team-based learning activities. Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.


Unit information based on version 2024.01 of the Handbook