Course syllabus for Psychological Treatment, Including Psychotherapy

Specific entry requirements

Passed results from semester 1-7 of the psychology programme consisting of 210 credits and at least 15 credits from semester 8.

Students who fail a clinical placement (or equivalent) as a result of demonstrating such a serious lack of knowledge, skills or attitude that patient safety or the patients' confidence in medical care is at risk, will only be qualified for a new clinical placement once the individual action plan has been carried out.

Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

Module 1, Patient care under supervision

• under supervision carry out behavioural analysis/case conceptualisation, assessment, treatment planning (action assessment), treatment and treatment evaluation with patients (children and/or adults) who have commonly occurring problems (e.g. anxiety/mood disorder, health or stress-related problems), based on relevant scientific and clinical aspects
• demonstrate the ability to have a professional approach to clients
• plan for and scientifically evaluate the psychological treatments that the student carries out within the scope of the course
• write treatment report, journal notes and reflect on experiences of treatment for at least one patient.

Module 2, Clinical skills, clinical evaluation and psychotherapy research

• describe research methodology and relevant concepts in psychotherapy research, including using of time series analyses and "single-subject" design
• describe what is included in a scientific clinical evaluation and be able to plan one
• illustrate and model the application of central evidence-based principles/ techniques
• reflect on research and application of key evidence-based principles/ techniques.

Module 3, Evidence-based treatment models in the treatment of children and adolescents

• account for and critically review evidence-based principles and treatment models for various pshychological issues in children and adolescents
• have knowledge of how one adapts assessment, psychological treatment and clinical evaluation in working with children and adolescents and their families
• demonstrate the ability and skill to use evidence-based principles for the treatment of psychological problems in children and adolescents
• demonstrate the ability to reflect on theory and the application of knowledge, in relation to a developmental perspective, cultural context, and different diagnoses.

Module 4, Evidence-based treatment models in the treatment of adults

• in an integrated way account for and discuss evidence-based principles, findings from research and psychological treatment models/ methods and combination therapy for various pshychological issues in adults, as well as describe different pitfalls in treatments
• demonstrate the ability and skill to use evidence-based principles for the treatment of psychological problems in adults
• demonstrate the ability to reflect on how to adapt assessment, psychological treatment and clinical evaluation in specific contexts (e.g. based on a group, a couple, cultural differences, or when implementing in different clinical settings).

Module 5, Patient care under supervision and mechanisms of change in psychological treatment methods

• under supervision independently and with in-depth ability carry out behavioural analysis/case conceptualisation, assessment, treatment planning (action assessment), treatment and treatment evaluation with patients (children and/or adults), that have commonly occurring problems (e.g. anxiety/mood disorders, health or stress-related problems), based on relevant scientific and clinical aspects
• plan for and scientifically evaluate (measure, critically review, analyse and discuss) the psychological treatments that the student carries out within the scope of the course
• write treatment report, journal notes and reflect on experiences, central principles and approaches to treatment, for at least one patient
• describe and critically reflect on, illustrate to others and discuss how one applies and adjust therapeutic principles and techniques
• reflect on potentially effective mechanisms in psychological treatment, especially with a focus on the treatment one conducts with one's own patients, with knowledge of current empirical evidence, and be able to use research-related concepts such as mediators and moderators
• critically reflect on how to create an approach characterized by sustainable development in one's professional role and in one's work (e.g. preventing burnout, continued skills development, etc.).

Content

The student is expected from previous courses to have basic knowledge of assessment and testing methodology, the DSM system, interview techniques, and various psychological schools of thought/theories within the therapeutic field from the past to the present (psychodynamic, cognitive and behavioral therapies, learning theory/ behaviour analysis). This course deepens knowledge with a focus on more and more complex conditions, and is supplemented with knowledge of integrative trends in the field of psychotherapy, combination treatment (pharmaceuticals and psychological treatment) and knowledge of specific patient- and context-related issues.The students are to a large extent expected to be active and independently gather knowledge through literature, role play, preparation before supervision and patient care, as well as seminars.

The course is divided into the following five modules:

Module 1, Patient care under supervision, 6 credits
The student is allowed, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, to carry out at least one treatment of a patient with commonly occurring problem areas. The supervisor is also a licensed psychotherapist or a clinical specialist (psychologist) with relevant expertise. The supervision is given in groups of about 4-5 students. To optimise the supervision, the sessions are auditory recorded, and the student writes a session report for each supervision session. Patient care is divided into two course modules, supervision and patient care continue during the spring semester within the framework of course module 4. The supervision is given regularly, weekly about 3 hours per occasion, all in all 120 hours, distributed over the two semesters. Students will carry out their supervised treatment within the psychotherapeutic method that has shown evidence for the current patient's problems. In accordance with the current state of research, emphasis will be on cognitive behaviour therapy, CBT, but other evidence-based methods may also be considered. The supervisor and student have a brief meeting (in the middle of the semester) about the supervision and the student's development during the semester, as well as an additional evaluation towards the end of each semester.

Module 2, Clinical proficiencies, clinical evaluation and psychotherapy research, 5 credits
Building on knowledge and proficiencies from previous clinical courses in the program, students will learn more about key clinical methods, techniques, and proficiencies through role-playing exercises, discussions, and reflections. They will also learn about methods and relevant concepts in psychotherapy research, including time series analysis and "single-subject" design, and how psychotherapy can be evaluated.

Module 3, Evidence-based treatment models in the treatment of children and adolescents, 4 credits
The module provides a broad knowledge of diagnosis-specific and transdiagnostic treatment interventions for the psychiatric conditions and problems that are most commonly encountered in children and adolescents in healthcare. Students also gain knowledge about how to deal with common difficulties, traps and barriers in clinical treatment work with a focus on children, adolescents and their families, as well as how to adapt assessment, treatment and evaluation of treatment for this group.

Module 4, Evidence-based treatment models in the treatment of adults, 9 credits
The module intends to integrate advanced theoretical knowledge with the clinical proficiencies that students acquire during the supervised patient care. The module provides broad and deap knowledge of diagnosis specific and transdiagnostic treatment interventions for the psychiatric conditions that are commonly encountered in adults in health care, including complex conditions. The students also develops knowledge about how to handle common difficulties, traps and barriers in clinical treatments (e.g. lack of treatment compliance). In addition to theoretical components, the teaching also contains occations for the students to practice practical clinical proficiencies through role-playing exercises, video recordings of role-playing, discussions and reflections.

Module 5, Patient care under supervision and mechanisms of change in psychological treatment, 6 credits
In addition to what is presented in module 1 (Patient work under supervision), students will, with the help of recorded lectures, discussions in supervision groups and in-depth study of the literature, reflect on mechanisms of change in psychological treatment, with a focus on the patient work they conduct. The module also aims to provide students with the opportunity to critically reflect on different theoretical perspectives on treatment in terms of their similarities and differences, strengths and potential limitations, and to discuss their focus on different mechanisms of change and central specific methods and techniques versus non-specific therapeutic factors (for example, therapeutic alliance and general therapist skills).

Teaching methods

The teaching is given as lectures, seminars, group assignments, role play and literature studies. The students are expected to take an active responsibility for reading of the course literature before each lecture. The course also includes student-activating pedagogical models in conjunction with seminars and group work.

Within the scope of modules 1 and 5, specific supervision is given by a registered psychologist/registered psychotherapist specialized in cognitive behaviour therapy or in other appropriate therapeutic orientations suitable for the patient work the student will carry out.

Some course elements are compulsory, see heading "Examination".

Examination

The course is examined in the following way:

Module 1, Patient care under supervision
a) continuous examination in connection with VFU with a minimum of one completed client work, is graded U or G
b) compulsory participation in at least 90% of supervision sessions
c) compulsory session reports, journal notes and treatment report(s)

The module is graded U or G. A student who begins but does not complete the VIL/VFU, without special reasons, shall be given the grade U (Fail). The student will then have used up one VIL/VFU opportunity. The grade G on the module requires G on examination a, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements according to instructions.

Module 2, Clinical skills, clinical evaluation and psychotherapy research
a) written assignment and reflection, is graded U or G
b) role plays of therapeutic proficiencies, is graded U or G
c) own preparations for and active participation in compulsory seminars/ clinical skills training according to schedule

The module is graded U or G. The grade G requires G on examination a and b, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements according to instructions.

Module 3, Evidence-based treatment models in the treatment of children and adolescents
a) oral examination, is graded U or G
b) own preparations for and active participation in compulsory seminars/ clinical skills training according to schedule

The module is graded U or G. The grade G requires G on examination a, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements according to instructions.

Module 4, Evidence-based treatment models in the treatment of adults
a) written examination, is graded U or G
b) review of video-recorded role play, is graded U or G
c) active participation in compulsory seminars/ workshops according to schedule

Failed examination b can be supplemented according to instructions from examiner, provided that the grade is close to Pass. The examiner assesses if supplementary qualification is possible.

The module is graded U or G. The grade G requires G on examination a and b, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements according to instructions.

Module 5, Patient care under supervision and mechanisms of change in psychological treatment methods
a) continuous examination in connection with VFU with a minimum of one completed client work, is graded U or G
b) compulsory participation in at least 90% of supervision sessions
c) compulsory session reports, journal notes and treatment report(s)
d) supervision in and modelling of counseling skills, is graded U or G
e) compulsory written reflecting assignments
f) compulsory oral presentation and discussion of reflection about mechanisms of change

The module is graded U or G. A student who begins but does not complete the VIL/VFU, without special reasons, shall be given the grade U (Fail). The student will then have used up one VIL/VFU opportunity. The grade G on the module requires G on examination a and d, as well as fulfillment of compulsory course elements according to instructions.

Course grade
The course is graded U or G. The grade G on the entire course requires G on all modules 1-5.

Absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements
The examiner decides whether, and if so how, absence from or unfulfillment of compulsory course elements can be made up for. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in or fulfilled compulsory course elements, or compensated for any absence/failure to fulfill in accordance with instructions from the examiner. Absence from or unfulfillment of a compulsory course element may imply that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Limitation of the number of examinations
Regarding VIL/VFU opportunities (clinical training in module 1 and 5), the number of times a student has the right to participate, is limited to two (2) times.

Guidelines in case of failure of VIL
If a student is at risk of failing module 1 or 5 (VFU), based on the ongoing examination, the student should be informed about this orally and in writing for example at the mid-way assessment meeting during the semester. Furthermore, a written plan of action for how the student will be able to achieve Pass level on the module should be established by the supervisor and the student, together with the module coordinator/examiner. This takes place so that the student is given the opportunity to improve his knowledge.

The examiner can with immediate impact interrupt a student's VIL/VFU placement if the student shows such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitudes that the patient security or the patients' trust for the healthcare is jeopardised. If a clinical placement is interrupted in this way the student is deemed to have failed that element and to have used up one clinical placement opportunity. In such cases, an individual action plan should be set up stating which activities and tests are required before the student is qualified for a new clinical placement on this course. The number of times a student has the right to undergo such activities and examinations is limited to two times.

Possibility of exception from the course syllabus' regulations on examination
In the event of special circumstances, or a need of adjustments for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to depart from the syllabus' regulations on examination form, number of examination opportunities, possibility of completion or exemption from compulsory educational elements, etc. Content and intended learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and approach must not be altered, removed or lowered.

Transitional provisions

If the course is cancelled or goes through substantial changes, information about interim regulations will be stated here.

Other directives

This is a translation of the Swedish version (Psykologiska behandlingsmetoder inklusive psykoterapi). In the event of any discrepancy between the versions, the Swedish version constitutes the official decision, and the Swedish wording will prevail.

Literature and other teaching aids

Mandatory literature

Barlow, David H.
Clinical handbook of psychological disorders : a step-by-step treatment manual
Sixth edition : Guilford Press, [2021] - xvii, 822 sidor ISBN:9781462547043 LIBRIS-ID:v8v9nkbss5l27gvf

*Öst, Lars-Göran *
KBT inom barn- och ungdomspsykiatrin
Andra utgåvan : 2017 - 341 sidor
ISBN:9789127819375 LIBRIS-ID:20815741

Linton, Steven James; Flink, Ida
12 verktyg i KBT : från teori till färdighet
Andra utgåvan : [Stockholm] : Natur & kultur, [2021] - 327 sidor ISBN:9789127824546 LIBRIS-ID:lzx7kpl5jxbzpw78

McKay, Dean
Treatments for Psychological Problems and Syndromes
2017
LIBRIS-ID:20531459

Öst, Lars-Göran
Att utvärdera psykoterapi och kritiskt granska psykoterapistudier
1. utg. : Stockholm : Natur & kultur, 2016 - 191 s.
ISBN:9789127146495 LIBRIS-ID:19088152
Or the hardback edition of the same book from 2020, ISBN:9789127829275.

Various scientific papers and compendium.

In addition, students are expected to read treatment manuals that are included in the programme's theoretical courses, according to teacher's instructions and on recommendation from their supervisor during clinical training.

Recommended literature

Bennett-Levy, James.; Thwaites, Richard; Haarhoff, Beverly; Perry, Helen
**Experiencing CBT from the inside out : a self practice/self-reflection **
New York : Guilford, 2015. - xvi, 278 pages
ISBN:1462518893 LIBRIS-ID:17851919
Course book for another, previous course.

O'Donohue, William T.; Fisher, Jane E.
General principles and empirically supported techniques of cognitive behavior therapy
Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley, 2009. - xxiii, 743 p.
ISBN:047022777x LIBRIS-ID:12088224

Leahy, Robert L.
Cognitive therapy techniques : a practitioner's guide
2. ed. : New York : Guilford Press, 2017 - 517 s. ISBN:9781462528226 LIBRIS-ID:20213540

Nyberg, Ullakarin
Suicidprevention i praktiken
Första utgåvan : [Stockholm] : Natur & kultur, [2018] - 215 sidor ISBN:9789127141728 LIBRIS-ID:19088258

Bennett-Levy, James
Oxford guide to behavioural experiments in cognitive therapy
Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2004 - xxi, 461 s.
ISBN:0-19-852916-3 (hft.) LIBRIS-ID:9373318

Shouri, Soroush
Interkulturell medvetenhet : med kunskap, självkännedom, acceptans, nyfikenhet och välvilja
Stockholm : Natur & Kultur, 2019
ISBN:9789127823655 LIBRIS-ID:t37hqrpvr346p2mt

Gilbert, Paul (Ed.); Leahy, Robert L. (Ed.)
The therapeutic relationship in the cognitive behavioral psychotherapies
London : Routledge, 2007 - 292 s.
ISBN:978-0-415-38437-7 (hbk.) LIBRIS-ID:10411738

Öst, Lars-Göran
Tillämpad avslappning : manual till en beteendeterapeutisk coping-teknik
[7., rev. uppl.] : [Stockholm : Lars-Göran Öst], 2013 - 108 s.
LIBRIS-ID:14985056
Available for purchase during the course

Farmer, Richard F.; Chapman, Alexander L.
Behavioral interventions in cognitive behavior therapy : practical guidance for putting theory into action
Second edition. : Washington, D.C. : American Psychological Association, [2016] - vi, 430 p.
ISBN:9781433820359 LIBRIS-ID:18240553