PSY 8553 - Advanced Clinical Skills: Psychotherapy

1. Feminist Approaches to Psychotherapy. This seminar addresses the theory and practice of feminist therapy. The approach is considered in historical context, and the epistemological base of more traditional approaches, as well as the feminist approach, are explored. The emphasis is on application and focuses upon discussion of clinical issues and case supervision through discussion and role play.
2. Narrative Approaches. This course introduces students to the theory and practice of Narrative Therapy. It focuses on the work of Michael White and David Epston and their development of a “storied therapy”. The course assists students in conceptualizing problems as located within stories that influence identity. Problems are also situated within a socio-cultural context. In addition, the course attends to those moments that stand in contradiction to the plot of problems, and represent the promise of potential “counterstories” that may profoundly reshape identities.
3. Couples. This section of Advanced Clinical Skills provides an overview of the most important theories of couple therapy. The course introduces students to the clinical assessment of couples, techniques of interview, and strategies of intervention. Special emphasis is given to systems theory, mechanisms of change, and issues of diversity. The course combines diverse teaching-learning strategies, such as lectures, group discussions, dyad/triad presentations, videotape analysis, experiential exercises, and guest speakers on special topics.
4. Clients with Chronic Illness or Disability. There are expanding roles for mental health professions to treat clients with chronic illness or disability (CID). In addition to supportive psychotherapy, many types of interventions can have an impact on a client’s symptoms, functioning and quality of life. This skill-building course covers psychosocial aspects of CID, common medical and psychological diagnoses, treatment issues, multicultural aspects of health and treatment, and evidenced-based interventions. Particular attention will be on autoimmune diseases and pain, depression, anxiety, and stress management with CID populations.