Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is the first practicum unit for postgraduate clinical psychology students. The aim is to provide a broad introduction to the practice of psychotherapy, and to offer students supervised training and experience in interviewing and assessment. The unit provides an introduction to the key aspects of professional practice and includes consideration of the ethical guidelines and legal responsibilities that relate to clinical practice. The unit also introduces students to assessment, basic counselling skills, interviewing techniques, note taking and report writing.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) apply evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, case formulation, intervention, and evaluation for clients with diverse backgrounds (e.g. age and/or culture); (2) implement setting specific professional practice policies and procedures, including culturally-responsive written and oral communication with clients and colleagues regarding findings and progress; (3) show effective and respectful professional interactions with colleagues, peers, and supervisors, consulting when appropriate; (4) show self-reflective practice and openness to supervisor feedback, maintaining professional practice within the boundaries of one's competence; (5) apply a biopsychosocial framework to inform clinical practice, including consideration of diversity with respect to culture (e.g. Aboriginal and Torres/Strait Islanders), age, and other factors (e.g. psychopharmacology); and (6) demonstrate the competencies in the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council's Standards at Level 3 (Professional Competencies 3.2-3.16) and Level 4 (Professional Competencies for Specialised Areas of Practice, Clinical Psychology 4.2). A summary of these competencies are offered as learning outcomes below..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) placement evaluation reports, online quizzes & online logbook; (2) active participation and attendance (clinic meetings, supervision, seminars/workshops, assessment/therapy sessions, intervention modules); and (3) completion of client intake/termination reports; client files/session notes; ability to comply with administrative requirements as per professional guidelines. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the placement evaluation reports, online quizzes & online logbook, active participation and attendance (clinic meetings, supervision, seminars/workshops, assessment/therapy sessions, intervention modules), and completion of client intake/termination reports; client files/session notes; ability to comply with administrative requirements as per professional guidelines components.

This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Lisa Saulsman
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
01870/54570 Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology
and Successful completion of
three Unit(s) PSYC5672 Foundations in Clinical Skills I
and Unit(s) PSYC5673 Foundations in Clinical Skills II
and Unit(s) PSYC5675 Assessment and Intervention—Emotional Disorders
Contact hours
Minimum 200 hrs (including observation, supervision, supervised clinical work and case presentations). A record of signed hours and activities must be kept using the electronic logbook system and submitted at the end of semester.
Note
Students enrolled in an APAC accredited program must hold provisional registration as a psychologist. It is the students' responsibility to ensure registration eligibility. Enrolled students are also responsible for maintaining provisional registration for the duration of their enrolment in the program.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.