UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on the development of basic skills involving the application of assessment techniques to the treatment of common psychological problems and diagnoses, including depression and anxiety-related disorders, as well as neuropsychological disorders (e.g., memory impairments following brain injury). Specifically, students will learn about common empirically validated approaches to psychotherapy and neuropsychological rehabilitation. Examples of skills include using standardised tests and measuring behaviour and attitude change in the context of individualized treatment plans. A particular focus will be in developing an understanding of the therapeutic process, specific psychological interventions, and identifying the contributions of individual factors in successful treatment (including an individual's culture) and presenting evidence for treatment outcomes. These skills are highlighted with reference to principles and strategies of cognitive behavioural (CBT) and interpersonal (IPT) therapies, as well as within the context of neuropsychological interventions.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify and describe a science-informed approach to obtaining and integrating relevant clinical psychological and/or clinical neuropsychological assessment information required for individualized treatment

; (2) utilise this approach to complete a psychological case formulation with an individualized treatment plan based on that formulation; (3) identify and describe theory and application of some basic empirically validated psychological treatment strategies for clinical psychological and clinical neuropsychological case presentations and disorders; (4) produce basic psychological treatment plans for an individual in the context of the relevant case formulation and clinical research literature.; (5) identify and describe how a clinician's cultural responsiveness can influence psychological assessment and treatment planning for an individual, including for Indigenous Australians

; and (6) identify and describe how to apply empirical approaches to evaluate outcomes of psychological interventions.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignment(s); (2) examination; and (3) quizzes. Further information is available in the unit outline.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Michael Weinborn

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

HON-PSYCH Psychology (ID 4591)

Approved quota: 100—based on academic merit

Contact hours

lectures: 2 hours per week
small group seminars: Four weeks, 2-hours each

Note

Student are exposed to topics in psychology units that may cause some discomfort or distress in certain individuals (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). They are required to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations, examinations) so it is important that students carefully consider whether they are able to cope with the demands of studying psychology and whether there is anything that would impact upon their ability to complete the requirements of the unit. Refer to individual unit outlines for more detailed unit information.