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Unit (2020)


Clinical Psychology: Working with Adults (PSY565)

Organisational Unit Psychology, Counselling, Exercise Science and Chiropractic
Credit Points 3
Availability MURDOCH: S1-internal, S2-external
Teaching Timetables Murdoch S1
Murdoch S2
Description This unit will consist of lectures and seminars covering the assessment, etiology, formulation and treatment of common psychological problems in adults. In addition to teaching a broad conceptual framework, commonly encountered specific disorders will be discussed with an emphasis on developing an understanding of the phenomena from psychological research and the unique experiences of the individual. Topics include anxiety, depression, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders.
Unit Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate scientific evidence for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning.
2. Incorporate appropriate language including diagnostic terms in communicating clinical
3. Synthesise the range of interventions that have scientific merit for each diagnostic category
covered in the unit.
4. Develop appropriate treatment plans based on an understanding of the types and duration
of psychological therapy and accurate diagnosis.
5. Communicate the role of diversity in addressing the psychological needs of people from a
range of sexual orientations and identifications, cultural, class and diversity backgrounds,
(especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians).
Timetabled Learning Activities Seminars: 3 hours per week.
Unit Learning Experiences The principle objectives of the unit are to:
1. provide a framework for recognising common psychological disorders and their etiology
2. provide a framework for conceptualising adult psychological problems
3. introduce evidence based practice interventions for common psychological disorders in adults
Assessment Assignment 1: Assess the evidence base for current manualised treatments for the more
common psychological presentations. Quiz: assess knowledge of the main diagnostic categories covered in
the unit. Exam: will assess knowledge of diagnostic criteria as well as etiological factors, differential
diagnoses, and the available evidence-based treatments.
Prerequisites Enrolment in MAppPsych, DPsych or MAppPsych/PhD.
Appears in these Courses/Majors:
see individual structures for context
Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (MAppPsych)
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) (DPsych)


Unit Coordinator
Dr Vance Locke
Translational Clinical Researcher

e: Vance.Locke@murdoch.edu.au
Unit Contacts

MURDOCH: S1-Internal
Dr Vance Locke
Translational Clinical Researcher

e: Vance.Locke@murdoch.edu.au

MURDOCH: S2-External
No contacts found
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