PS910-15 Clinical Psychology in Adult Mental Health
Introductory description
The over-arching aim of this module is to provide an introduction to some of the psychological factors that have specific relevance for adults and older adults.
Module aims
Along with child and adolescent specialties, adult and older adult mental health is one of the key areas of specialisation for professional Clinical Psychologists. This module will provide students on the MSc in Clinical Applications of Psychology with a broad theoretical background and introduce them to key professional issues in the adult and older adult specialisations. The module will evaluate of the main theoretical approaches to adult psychological distress, and consider the repercussions of the increasing importance of evidence-based practice. The module will consider the distinctive contribution Clinical Psychology can make in a multi-disciplinary workplace alongside other professions such as counselling, psychiatric nursing and specialist psychotherapists.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
1: Introduction to working with adults
2: Cognitive behavioural therapy: anxiety
3: Working with trauma
4: Cognitive behavioural therapy: depression
5: Mental health from a physical health perspective
6: Third Wave Approaches to Psychosis
7: Dementia
8: Introduction to ageing
9: Older people: mental health presentations and treatment
10: Changing relationships
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Identify and evaluate the key theoretical approaches to psychological disorder in adults
- Identify and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic methods proposed by these approaches
- Differentiate major categories of psychological disorder with a diagnostic system such as the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)
Indicative reading list
Suggested Module Readings
- Carr, A. (2012) Clinical Psychology: An introduction. Hove: Routledge.
- Carr, A. & McNulty, M. (2006) The handbook of adult clinical psychology: An evidence-based practice approach. Hove: Routledge.
- Johnston, L. & Dallos, R. (eds.) (2013) Formulation in psychology & psychotherapy: Making sense of people’s problems (second edition). London: Routledge (First edition is available as an e-book).
- Laidlaw, K. & Knight, B. (eds.) (2008) Handbook of emotional disorders in later life: Assessment and treatment. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Woods, B. (ed.) (1999) Psychological problems of ageing: Assessment, treatment & care. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Subject specific skills
- Critical evaluation of key theoretical approaches
- Critical evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic methods
- Understanding of the use of diagnostic systems
Transferable skills
- Effective communication skills to present and justify conclusions and recommendations
- Critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources
- Appreciation of a range of methodologies
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 2 hours (13%) |
| Private study | 130 hours (87%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
130 hours of guided private study and preparation for assessment
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group B2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Examination (locally held) | 100% | No | |
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4 day, open-book exam. Duration 120 minutes |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback provided online
Courses
This module is Core for:
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TPSS-C8P5 Postgraduate Taught Clinical Applications of Psychology
- Year 1 of C8P5 Clinical Applications of Psychology
- Year 1 of C8P5 Clinical Applications of Psychology