OVERVIEW

The teaching of clinical psychology concerns one of the main theoretical and applied branches of psychology including the scientific study and applications of psychology about the understanding, prevention and intervention of psychological and relational problems in individuals, families and groups.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching of clinical psychology aims to provide a framework of clinical psychology, as regards the main theories and methods of intervention. The teaching will be specifically focused on clinical methods and their application fields, models and contexts of assessment, with particular attention to the following themes: diagnostic and care processes, analysis of psychological and relational dynamic processes, consulting and intervention methodologies.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

1. to define the clinical psychology and the role of the clinical psychologist in the different intervention's contexts
2. understand and reflect on the model of demand analysis
3. acquire adequate knowledge related to the construction of the clinical relationship, from sending it to its conclusion, to its processes and problems
4. acquire adequate knowledge concerning the psychodynamic evaluation and its methodologies
5. apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of clinical cases
6. acquire the technical language typical of clinical psychology to communicate with specialists and non-specialists and to orientate oneself in future choices

PREREQUISITES

Required prerequisites: Dynamic Psychology exam

The student must adequately master the concepts of dynamic psychology and have good knowledge of the contributions of the most significant and influential psychoanalysts.

TEACHING METHODS

Combination of traditional lectures in the presence through slides presentations and classroom discussion of clinical cases both in small and large group. 

A critical and active participation of the students will be encouraged.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The teaching aims at providing students with theoretical and methodological knowledge on Clinical Psychology, its intervention methods and research field. The teaching will address the main issues of clinical psychology and it will be organized in three parts:

• Part 1: Concepts, definitions and paradigms of Clinical Psychology.

Definition of Clinical Psychology – Theoretical models of motivation – Psychopathology – Intervention techniques – Diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative activities – Psychological intervention in different contexts

• Part 2: Assessment of clinical disorders and personality disorders.

Mental functioning - Psychopathological suffering - Affect Regulation - Relational patterns - Developmental issues - Defense mechanisms - Personality organizations - Psychodynamic diagnosis 

• Part 3: Models and Methodologies of Clinical Intervention.

Therapeutic relationship - Transference and countertransference – Emotional resonance – Clinical Training - Efficacy of treatments - Ethical principles and professional ethics

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography list

The following books can be also found in English:

1. Hansell J. & Damour L. (2005). Psicologia clinica, Zanichelli, Bologna
2. Muller R.T. (2010). Il trauma e il cliente evitante. Strategie di guarigione basate sull’attaccamento (Trauma and the avoidant client: attachment-based strategies for healing). Giovanni Fioriti, Roma.
3. Gabbard G.O. (2005) Introduzione alla psicoterapia psicodinamica. Raffaello Cortina, Milano

The book written by Italian scholar (Grasso M. (2010). La relazione terapeutica, Il Mulino, Bologna) can be replaced with other text agreed with the Lecturer

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CECILIA SERENA PACE (President)

FABIOLA BIZZI

STEFANIA MUZI

PATRIZIA VELOTTI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 (first semester)

Class schedule

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written form, Registration

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam is in written form and it includes four open-ended questions regarding the bibliographic material and topics presented and discussed in classes.

Exam schedule