MSc Clinical and Health Psychology

This unit covers the theory and practice around the key stages of providing effective psychological interventions as a health or clinical psychologist.  This unit is linked to Semester 2 course Psychology in Clinical Practice 2 (for MSc Clinical & Health Psychology). Psychology in Clinical Practice 1 content includes understanding the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing; assessment and formulation; CBT and related approaches to the treatment of various mental health conditions. 

• Provide an introduction to the core principles and features of contemporary, theory- and evidence-based approaches to facilitating psychological change in people with mental and physical health problems.
• Introduce students to key stages in the psychological treatment process – assessment, formulation, intervention
• Provide opportunities for simulating clinical assessment and formulation.
• Encourage a critical analysis of the strengths and limitations of psychological interventions with an emphasis on CBT and related therapies.
• Equip students with an awareness of the reciprocal links between theory, research and clinical practice in the development and evaluation of psychological interventions.
• Introduce students to cultural factors affecting the provision and success of psychological interventions. 

By the end of the course unit, students will be able to:

• Understand the importance of assessment and formulation.
• Understand the science and practice of CBT.
• Understand the extent and limitations of the evidence-base for CBT and related therapies.
• Gain an appreciation of how a range of interventions are practiced across settings.
• Understand the features of good communication and interviewing skills
• Critically analyse and evaluate the science and practice of interventions.
• Develop an understanding of the importance of culture in psychological models and practice 

Teaching will be delivered in 10 x 2-hour face-to-face sessions and will include lectures, group discussions, experiential tasks and demonstrations of interventions. To assist in preparation for the sessions, students will be provided with access to asynchronous/preparatory resources on Canvas including PowerPoint slides, key papers, web links and discussion boards. 

The unit will include a formative piece of work preparing students for completion of the letter task. Student will receive feedback individually and in a group session. 

To be provided by individual session facilitators