OVERVIEW

This course introduces students to the foundations of clinical psychology, with particular focus on theoretical models, the therapeutic relationship, and neuropsychological principles. It provides conceptual tools to understand the role of psychology in care and rehabilitation contexts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• describe the main theoretical models of clinical psychology (psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive) and their conceptual foundations;
• explain defence mechanisms, relational dynamics, and the neuropsychological bases of mental disorders;
• identify the psychological implications in care and psychiatric rehabilitation contexts, applying theoretical models to clinical situations;
• critically analyse the relationship between mind, behaviour, and the brain from a clinical and rehabilitative perspective;
• produce descriptions of clinical and relational phenomena using appropriate technical language;
• evaluate theoretical models in relation to the clinical context and the needs of the multidisciplinary team.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures with multimedia support, clinical case discussions, exercises, and group work. All course materials are uploaded to Aulaweb.

Attendance is mandatory as required by the Degree Program regulations. Students with documented difficulties are advised to contact the instructor to request exemptions.

Non-attending students: students unable to attend are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to explain their situation. All materials on Aulaweb provide a complete resource for exam preparation.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or other specific educational needs: students holding valid certifications for SLD, disabilities, or other educational needs are invited to contact the instructor and the Department Inclusion Officer (Prof. Nicola Girtler – nicolagirtler@unige.it) at the beginning of the course, in order to agree on any adaptations to teaching methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take individual learning needs into account.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to clinical psychology and its areas of intervention
• Psychoanalysis: topographical model, drives, defence mechanisms, attachment
• Behaviourism: classical and operant conditioning, applied techniques
• Cognitive model: cognitive schemas, dysfunctional thoughts, CBT
• Neuroscience and psychopathology: brain and emotions, memory and behaviour
• Therapeutic alliance and the helping relationship
• The role of psychology in rehabilitation: motivational aspects and treatment adherence

The module contributes to the following UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, selected in the CATEGORIES section of the online form:

• Goal 4 – Quality Education: inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning
• Goal 5 – Gender Equality: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Materials provided by the instructor via Aulaweb.

Non-attending students: materials on Aulaweb provide the complete reference for exam preparation. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course.

Students with SLD: please contact the instructor to discuss possible adaptations to study materials (e.g., accessible formats).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester of A.Y. 2026/2027. For the exact start date and timetable, please consult the academic calendar of the Degree Program at:

servizionline.unige.it – Students / Timetable and Academic Calendar

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The assessment of the Clinical Psychology module takes place within the integrated examination of the course “Psychiatry I, Psychology and Propaedeutic Rehabilitation”, through an oral examination on the module’s content.

For the overall examination methods of the integrated course, please refer to the syllabus of the integrated course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination assesses the achievement of the stated learning outcomes as follows:

• Knowledge of the theoretical models of clinical psychology (outcome 1): ability to describe and compare the main models – psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive – and their conceptual foundations.
• Understanding of defence mechanisms, relational dynamics, and neuropsychological bases (outcome 2): ability to explain the links between mind, brain, and behaviour from a clinical perspective.
• Application of models to rehabilitative contexts (outcome 3): ability to identify the psychological implications in concrete clinical and rehabilitative scenarios.
• Critical analysis and evaluation of models (outcomes 4 and 6): ability to reason critically about the mind-brain-behaviour relationship and to evaluate models according to the clinical context.
• Correct use of technical language (outcome 5): assessed through terminological precision and clarity of expression during the oral examination.

Students with disabilities, SLD, or other specific educational needs who have submitted their certification via the online form are entitled to request exam accommodations following the procedure below.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or SLD are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload the relevant certification via the University’s online services:

servizionline.unige.it – “Studenti” section

The documentation will be verified by the University Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLDs:

rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111

Subsequently, at least 7 days prior to the exam date, students must complete the accommodation request form:

modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti

The form will be sent automatically to the course instructor and to the Department Inclusion Officer (Prof. Nicola Girtler – nicolagirtler@unige.it). Accommodations must be agreed with the responsible instructor, who will confirm whether the requested adaptations can be applied.