This module will support students in developing the core skills that are common to all psychological intervention. This relates to the establishing of positive relationships and therapeutic alliances alongside working in teams. In particular, students will be introduced to issues relevant to the design and evaluation of interventions including knowledge of: process of formulation based on assessment which informs choice of intervention; psychological approaches to change; appropriate use of communication and interviewing skills such as development of rapport and trust, questioning, reinforcement, reflection of content and feeling and non-verbal communication; knowledge and skills relevant to working with other professionals; and introduction to basic approaches to intervention. Attention will also be given to professional conduct and personal and professional development (e.g., boundaries and self-care).

1. Simulated Practical of Therapeutic Skills with a service user (30%, 15 minutes).
Students will be provided with an assessment brief including details of a hypothetical client / service user and the role they are required to take. Students will undertake a 10-minute role play. Immediately following this, students will be required to verbally present a 5-minute reflection on the experience of the role play (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4).

2. Essay (70%, 2000 words).
This essay will examine students’ knowledge and critical evaluation of theory and applications of therapy and clinical practice explored in the module. Students will choose the focus of the essay in relation to the selected theories and element(s) of clinical practice. Reference to research, clinical literature and theory and independent thinking and appraisal of these sources should be evident within the essay (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3).

Formative feedback for both assessments will be provided. Students will be given the opportunity to submit an essay plan to the module lead and to submit practice recordings of role play skills for feedback. The introduction to the module session and assignment preparation sessions provides additional opportunities for guidance and for students to practise skills and clarify assessment requirements. Students are encouraged to separately meet with the module lead and make use of assessment drop-ins for further support, as necessary.

This module will include a combination of taught sessions in the form of interactive workshops and independent learning activities to explore theory behind therapeutic approaches. The observation suite will be used to run practical workshops on applying clinical and therapeutic skills.

1. Demonstrate the communication and interviewing skills necessary for working therapeutically, including: the ability to establish rapport and trust; questioning; reflection; and non-verbal communication.
Application, Problem Solving, Communication, Reflection.

2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of assessment, formulation and intervention delivery in one-to-one settings.
Knowledge & Understanding, Problem Solving.

3. Demonstrate a critical awareness and evaluation of the cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes underpinning psychological health and wellbeing.
Analysis, Enquiry.

4. Critically reflect on the development of skills relating to the role of a practitioner psychologist.
Analysis, Reflection.

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. Web-based databases to review current relevant literature in electronic database format. Internet access. Library. Resource rooms and supervision space. Counselling cubicles and observation suite. Guest speakers, including those with lived experience.

BABCP (2019). Improving access to psychological therapies. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic service user positive practice guide. https://portal.babcp.com/Portals/0/Files/About/BAME/IAPT-BAME-PPG-Short-Version-2019.pdf?ver=2020-06-16-004458-587.

Beck, J.S. (2011). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Basics and Beyond (2nd edition). Guilford Press.

Johnstone, L. & Dallos, R. (2014). Formulation in psychology and psychotherapy. Making sense of people’s problems (2nd edition). Routledge.

Mearns, D., Thorne, B. & McLeod, J. (2013). Person-centred counselling in action (4th edition). Sage Publications.

Miller, R.W. & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational interviewing: helping people change (3rd edition). Guilford Press.

Westbrook, D; Kennerley, H. and Kirk, J. (2011). An Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Skills and Applications. Sage.

Students must be registered on the MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology

This module will begin by covering the core skills that are common to all psychological intervention. This relates to the establishing of positive relationships and therapeutic alliances alongside working in teams. Assessment and formulation processes, introduction to several models of intervention, psychological approaches to change and personal and professional development form core elements of the module.