Elective Course
PSY305 – Basic Clinical Skills & Techniques
Course Unit Code: PSY305
Type Of Unit: Elective
Level of Course Unit: Undergraduate
Year of Study: Year 3
Number of ECTS Credits: 7.5
Class Contact Hours: 36
Mode of Delivery
Face to Face
Prerequisites
PSY208
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to give students a solid understanding of the fundamental clinical methods and methods that are relevant to psychology and are employed in clinical practice. Through this course students will be provided with the core skills and information needed to communicate with patients in the clinical context. However, this course is introductory and does not prepare students to offer clinical services in the first place. Overall, this course will introduce students to the critical competencies required for working successfully with people in psychological contexts, whether they choose to seek more clinical training in the future or not.
Learning Outcomes
The following learning outcomes are expected, where students will:
- Communicate effectively through active listening, empathy, and clear explanation of psychological concepts.
- Conduct structured and semi-structured interviews, demonstrating the ability to establish rapport and ask pertinent questions.
- Apply fundamental psychological assessment instruments and communicate findings to clients and peers.
- Use ethical principles in clinical interactions, understanding relevant ethical concerns.
- Practice basic counseling skills, such as active listening and reflection, to support therapeutic encounters.
Course Content
Overall, this course will introduce students to the critical competencies required for working successfully with people in psychological contexts, whether they choose to seek more clinical training in the future or not.
Week 1: Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Week 2: Ethical and Professional Considerations
Week 3: Effective Communication Skills
Week 4: Clinical Interviewing
Week 5: Psychological Assessment
Week 6: Case Formulation and Diagnosis
Week 7: Basic Counseling Techniques
Week 8: Crisis Intervention and Risk Assessment
Week 9: Introduction to Psychotherapy Theories
Week 10: Clinical Skills Practice
Week 11: Self-Care and Burnout Prevention
Week 12: Case Studies and Analysis
Week 13: Supervision and Professional Development
Week 14: Final Assessment and Integration
Course Features
Teaching methodology: Lecture
Assessment:
- Midterm & Final Exam (25% & 25%): Mid-term and final exams will be conducted covering the entire course. Both exams will include multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions sing case scenarios.
- Group assignment and presentation (20%): Assign group that require students to apply their clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to analyze client scenarios.
- Individual assignments (20%): Skills demonstration where students will demonstrate specific clinical skills, such as active listening or reflective responses, in an in-class controlled setting. Written Assignments where students will complete reflective journals of their learning experiences, challenges, and growth.
- In-class Participation (5%): Assess students’ practical application of clinical skills through role-playing exercises.
- Presence (5%): Students should be present and actively participate in in-class discussions.
Readings
- Ivey, A. E., Zalaquett, C. P. & Ivey, M. B. (2022). Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural Society (10th ed.). Brooks/Cole.
- Kottler, J.A. (2022). On Being a Therapist (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.
3. Bernstein, D. A., Teachman, B. A., Olatunji, B. O., & Lilienfeld, S. O. (2020). Introduction to clinical psychology: bridging science and practice. Cambridge University Press.
4. Sharf, R. S. (2015). Theories of psychotherapy & counseling: Concepts and cases. Cengage Learning.
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