Clinical Placement A1

The placement units in this degree are integrated into a placement program that runs across the years of the course. Clinical training at Swinburne is based on the problem formulation and hypothesis testing approach. The emphasis of this approach is on developing an optimal individualized formulation of each client or clinical challenge. Intervention choices and monitoring strategies flow directly from this formulation, which in turn will explicitly develop as treatment progresses. Accordingly, graduates of the program will be able to:
• Reach a detailed program formulation on the basis of both standardized and unstandardised assessments, and
• Design and conduct appropriate individual, group and family treatment intervention programs, with ongoing monitoring, and revision of problem formulation and interventions where necessary.

 

This initial placement is undertaken at the Swinburne Psychology Clinic under the close supervision of clinical academic staff of the University or Clinical Associates of the University. The focus of this work is on the assessment and treatment of individual cases with less complex and less severe presentations. This placement is closely tied to the knowledge and skills developed in the two foundation subjects, HAY530 Counselling Theory and Skills and HAY527 Advanced Psychological Assessment, and the co-requisite subject HAYC550 Adult Psychopathology.

Placement subjects are graded as PASS/FAIL. The specific tasks that must be adequately completed in HAYC556, Clinical Placement A1 are:
• 2 x Supervisor’s Appraisal of Video / Live Session

• Placement Activities Logbook

• Professional journal

• 500 word Trainee Placement report

• 6 x written mental state examinations

• 2 x 2,000 word psychological assessment report

• A record form listing Psychometric Assessments completed by the trainee, approved and co-signed by the Supervisor.

• Supervisor’s Report

 

 

 

Graduates are capable in their chosen professional area:
• Competence with the management of clients in a professional manner within specialist settings.

• Advanced skills in customer service.

• Competence in therapeutic interventions.

• Ability to conduct psychological assessments concerning personality, intelligence and vocational questions.

• Therapy skills in working with individual clients.

• Competence in directing and evaluating group programs.

 

Graduates are adaptable and work effectively and ethically:

• Applying the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines.

 

Graduates are aware of environments:
• Respect clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Understand the impact of culture on therapy.