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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Research

Unit Code: HAYC551

Duration

Contact Hours

Campus

Prerequisite

Corequisite

1 semester / teaching period

36 Hours

Hawthorn

HAY530 Counselling Theory and Skills

Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) and Graduate Diploma of Science (Clinical Psychology) .

Aims & Objectives:

Aims

The unit of study is designed to introduce a range of issues and life problems to which cognitive behavioural interventions have been applied. Emphasis is on developing an understanding of CBT theory and competence in the application of CBT approaches to these life problems.

Learning objectives
After successfully completing this unit, students should be able to: assess the suitability of cognitive-behavioral interventions for a given case (being mindful of presenting problems and client characteristics); conduct a cognitive-behaviorally based therapeutic intervention appropriate to the major classes of disorder; be aware of the limitations of cognitive interventions; be knowledgeable of the theory that underpins cognitive interventions; to design, assess and report on a behavioural intervention; to understand single case designs in clinical research.

Teaching Methods:

Seminars

Assessment:

Videotaped interview with "mock" client and report (approx 2600 words) 50%; behavioural change program with report using a single case study design (approx 3000 words) 50%; practical exercises with comments hurdle. Further details of assessment requirements are contained in the Unit Outline provided to students upon enrolling in the unit.

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Graduates are capable in their chosen professional area:
* Competency in a range of cognitive-behavioural interventions for different clinical presentations.

* Ability to conduct cognitive-behavioural assessments and design treatment strategies.

* Understanding of single case study designs and their incorporation of CBT principles.

Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:
* In interviewing clients from different backgrounds
* In discussion and consultation with others

* in the oral and written presentation of case material and relevant research literature.

Graduates are entrepreneurial:

* Are aware of how psychologists can work effectively in private practice.

Content:

The focus on cognitive behavioural theory and techniques is designed to distinguish the subject from the theoretical perspectives introduced in other skills based subjects of the course. Specific topics may include anxiety disorders (e.g. social phobia, PTSD), mood disorders, eating disorders, sleep problems, anger management, and cognitive-behavioural strategies with children and adolescents. Students will also develop competence in major research strategies (e.g. single case design) used to explore therapeutic interventions.

Reading Materials:

Barlow, DH, Clinical handbook of psychological disorders, fourth edition: A step-by-step treatment manual, Guilford Press, New York, 2007.
Beck, JS, Cognitive therapy for challenging problems: what to do when the basics don't work, Guilford Press: New York, 2005.
Clark, DM & Fairbairn, CG, Science and practice of cognitive- behaviour therapy. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1997.
Dobson, K, Handbook of cognitive-behavioural therapies. The Guilford Press, New York, 2000.
Friedberg, RD & McClure, JM, Clinical practice of cognitive therapy with children and adolescents: The nuts and bolts. Guilford Press, New York, 2002.
Heimberg, RG & Becker, RE Cognitive-behavioural group therapy for social phobia: Basic mechanisms and clinical strategies, Guilford Press, New York, 2002.
Tarrier, N, Wells, A & Haddock, G, Treating complex cases: The cognitive behavioural therapy approach, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 1999.