Module overview
This module introduces the profession of Clinical Psychology with a specific focus on the core roles and responsibilities of a Clinical Psychologist. It comprises three related areas (1) the basic principles and skills underpinning professional practice as a Clinical Psychologist (2) ethical issues relating to that practice (3) core generic clinical skills. By doing this, the module provides the fundamental grounding for your first placement.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to respond to professional and ethical dilemmas in a flexible and appropriate way
- demonstrate awareness of the key roles and responsibilities of a Clinical Psychologist, including key legislative frameworks
- demonstrate an awareness of the impact of the wider social context (i.e. social GRRAACCES) on a client's presenting difficulties and have critically reflected on issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- demonstrate your knowledge of and had the opportunity to show skill in the practice of core generic clinical/therapy skills
- demonstrate awareness of the reasons for and importance of your personal and professional development (and your development as reflective scientist practitioners) and have critically reflected on the interaction between these and on your practice.
Syllabus
The syllabus is organised around the following three areas:
1. Basic principles and skills underpinning professional practice as a clinical psychologist
- History of Clinical Psychology & Core purpose and philosophy
- Competencies model of training & preparation for placement
- Core skills (e.g., note taking, report writing, electronic records systems)
- Legal frameworks guiding Clinical Psychology practice
2. Ethical issues relating to clinical practice
- Code of ethics and professional conduct
- Frameworks guiding ethical practice
- Practical ethical issues (e.g., confidentiality, risk, whistleblowing, safeguarding vulnerable adults / children)
- Use of supervision
3. Core generic clinical skills.
- Introduction to counselling skills
- Risk assessment and management framework
- Diagnostic frameworks
- Social Constructionism
- Personal and Professional development
- Relapse and recovery
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will involve teaching through lectures, experiential exercises (both group and individual), and written exercises. Most of the teaching will be delivered through a workshop format with a strong element of experiential/action learning and where possible input from service users. The teaching sessions will be delivered either at the University or via a remote platform such as Teams.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 40 |
| Teaching | 60 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Beinart, H., Kennedy, P. & Llewelyn, S. (2009). Clinical Psychology in Practice. West Sussex: BPS Blackwell.
Division of Clinical Psychological (2010). Clinical Psychology Leadership Development Framework.. Leicester: BPS.
Health and Care Professions Council (2015). Standards of proficiency - Practitioner psychologists. London: HCPC.
Hough, M (2014). Counselling skills and theory. Hodder Education.
Hall, J., Pilgrim, D. & Turpin, G. (2015). Clinical Psychology in Britain: Historical Perspectives.. Leicester: British Psychological Society.
Health and Care Professions Council (2016). Guidance on conduct and ethics for students. London: HCPC.
Youngson, S. & Hughes, J. (2009). Personal Development and Clinical Psychology. West Sussex: Blackwell.
British Psychological Society (2008). Generic professional practice guidelines. Leicester: BPS.
Department of Health (2007). New ways of working for applied psychologists in health and social care. The end of the beginning: Summary report.
British Psychological Society (2009). Code of ethics and conduct. Leicester: BPS.
Barlow, D. H. (2011). Oxford Handbook of Clinical Psychology.. New York: Oxford University Press.
Division of Clinical Psychology (2010). The Core Purpose and Philosophy of the Profession. Leicester: BPS.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Small Group Discussion
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Group discussion of case vignettes with peers and staff members.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Video Recorded Roleplay | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal