Objectives

The course will provide a practical introduction to the psychological evaluation and treatment of mental disorders among clients. 

Contents

Through the counseling of a specialist in psychology, the students will be given a practical introduction to the role of the clinical psychologist and the practical use of research-based knowledge and methods related to common social and health related issues, included child neglect, bullying, violence, abuse, drugs- and socio-economic problems, and to provide essential intervention and/or treatment, or admit for further treatment when necessary. Ethical reflection around the role of the psychologist and respectful communication with clients will be strongly emphasized, included analyses and critical reflection concerning complex professional issues, different roles and possibilities in the work with various types of mental disorders, and to collaboration and delegation of tasks between various service levels.

The course is taught over three semesters (8, 9 and 10) and is connected to the teaching provided in PRPSY311A, PRPSYK311B, PRPSYK312A, PRPSYK312B, PRPSYK312C, and PRPSYK313.

Upon completion of the course, the student should have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student will be able to...

• conceptualise and analyse the clients¿ need for psychological treatment
• reflect on the use of research-based knowledge in psychological evaluation and treatment
• plan and implement interventions for treatment and prevention adapted to the individual problems, resources, phase of life and the sociocultural context of the client
• analyse ethical dilemmas in psychological treatment

Skills

The student will be able to...

• explain the client¿s problems and resources and prepare a case formulation with a treatment plan in mind
• treat milder mental disorders under competent supervision
• apply research-based clinical psychology knowledge in order to understand the client¿s problems and ensure the best possible treatment outcome
• assess assistive measures in the event of risk of suicide, self-harm and psychosis
• carry out record-keeping and document the treatment in line with good professional ethics and the applicable laws and regulations
• use systematic feedback provided by the clients in order to optimize the treatment outcomes and prevent deterioration
• use digital platforms to provide treatment 

 General competence

The student...

• will have an ethical and knowledge-based ability to reflect on the role and the obligations related to the work of a psychologist
• can demonstrate independent clinical psychology work
• can demonstrate the ability to make proper choices in the clinical psychology work situation
• can demonstrate an understanding of clinical problematics
• can enhance the clients¿ communication skills, show that they are in control of the therapy situation, ensure important development through therapy, understand when statements made by the client are relevant to the problem, and strengthen the clients¿ coping and competence
• is able to give a professional presentation of their work with the client
• can demonstrate confidence in their role as a therapist, be comfortable in the therapy situation, be open, request feedback, constructively implement the feedback, demonstrate empathy for the client and adhere to the boundaries of the role

The students will be assigned a placement at the Department of Clinical Psychology¿s psychological outpatient clinic, specifically in one of the clinic¿s three treatment sections (Section for adults and the elderly, Section for young people and adults, or the Section for children and adolescents).

In the 8th semester, the students will participate in a pre-placement seminar, and will then carry out direct clinical work with patients in the 9th and 10th semesters.

Both the seminar and the patient treatment parts of the course will follow the principles of problem-based learning.

In the pre-placement seminar, students will work in the plenary session and in groups of various sizes on topics relating to the understanding of the role, and the skills required to work as a clinical psychologist. 

6 hours teaching a week for 18 weeks

In the 9th and 10th semesters, the students will carry out clinical evaluation and treatment under the supervision of a specialist in clinical psychology. The supervision will be provided to groups of four students.

Completion of the pre-placement seminar will be approved based on attendance and active participation. 

In addition, the students will also write a case formulation and treatment plan. This will be approved by the supervisor.

The pre-placement seminar will include the following:

• Framework conditions (including the service system, legislation and regulations, quality assurance systems, evidence declarations, ethical guidelines and understanding the role).
• Supervision and group supervision (the supervision contract, supervision models, the group as an arena for learning, development of skills required of a therapist and clinical reflection).
• Skills required for the role of a therapist (conceptualisation, intervention, relation and alliance, patient administration, internal and external cooperation).
• Training in the electronic record-keeping system.
• Training in audio and video recording.
• Digital clinic

For this course to be approved, the students must have implemented and completed a treatment plan for at least two patients and had a minimum of 30 hours of supervision in psychological treatment during the course of the placement period in semesters 9 and 10. In addition to this, the student must have completed the following placement-related assignments (portfolio assessment):

• A presentation of the therapeutic challenges
• The staff presentation

Video presentation, recommended webpages. See the specific pre-placement reading list.

The recommended reading should be ready in Leganto June 1 for the autumn semester and December 1 for the spring semester.