Unit snapshot

  • Unit type
    PG Coursework Unit
  • Credit points
    12
  • Faculty & College
    Faculty of Health
  • Placement
    No

Unit description

Develops an understanding of common factors in psychotherapy and how these may be usefully employed in mental health practice settings. Develops knowledge and capabilities in evidenced based psychotherapeutic practices including the application of focused psychological strategies for people experiencing high prevalence mental health problems. Develops case formulations based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) theory and plans and can delivery basic CBT informed interventions. Understands, utilises and recommends mindfulness practices appropriately to enhance health and wellbeing.

This unit is an integral part of a selection of courses at SCU Online. Each course incorporates this unit into a complete and immersive educational experience. If you're interested in this unit, we highly recommend enrolling in one of the courses listed below.

 

Unit content

  • Core therapeutic skills
  • Common factors in psychotherapy outcome research
  • The therapeutic alliance and key components
  • Mindfulness, its purpose and application in a range of settings
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) theory and formulation
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy theory (DBT) practices and principles
  • Schema therapy its basic principles
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) theory and practices
  • The application of focused psychological strategies for high prevalence mental health problems
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A diverse group of individuals engaged in conversation while seated around a table, fostering collaboration and connection.

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

 

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of how common or nonspecific factors such as therapeutic rapport and alliance contribute to positive outcomes in mental health practice
  • Critically describe the underpinning assumptions, theory and practice of mindfulness and cognitive behaviour therapy
  • Compare and contrast compare common therapeutic models, approaches and schools of psychotherapy
  • Apply focused psychological strategies and psychotherapy informed principles in the treatment of people with high prevalence mental health problems

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning

Assessment
Essay: 45%
Report: 45%
Quiz: 10%

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A female mental health student speaking to a group of people with a notepad

Study this unit in the following courses

This unit is a fundamental component of the full courses listed below, each designed to equip you with the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to achieve your career goals. To fully benefit from your learning experience and apply it to real-world challenges, engaging with the entire course is essential. Explore the courses that include this unit and take the next step towards your professional success.

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