Individual Therapies in Mental Health Care (300205)

Individual Therapies in Mental Health Care (300205)

Level ~ Graduate Diploma
Availability ~ Semester 2
Type ~ Elective

This unit investigates current issues and debates on the role of psychotherapy, e-therapies and other therapies and technologies in different settings and models of care. Students will consider the suitable application of different psychotherapeutic techniques to practice. They will develop intervention plans that promote collaborative care planning and evidence-based treatment, including models of support for people using e-therapy. As a study focus, this elective unit examines the core principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) within recovery-oriented mental health care, and explores key adaptations required for individuals across life stages. It will enhance students’ knowledge and skills in the application of CBT and MI to enhance the care of a person presenting with mental distress.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the unit, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the core principles of individual psychotherapy focused interventions (CBT and Motivational Interviewing) in mental health across the lifespan.
  • Use advanced problem-solving skills to apply collaborative, individual oriented therapy and be able to critically evaluate outcomes.
  • Demonstrate enhanced clinical judgement when applying individual psychotherapeutic interventions considering socio-economic, political, gender, spiritual and cultural contexts of practice in mental health.
  • Critically review mental health services and be able to support people in undertaking e-therapy.

Weekly Schedule
Week 1 Overview of Recovery-Oriented Individual Psychotherapy
Week 2 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Key Principles and Case Formulation
Week 3 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Cognitive Interventions
Week 4 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Relaxation Training
Week 5 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Behavioural Interventions
Week 6 Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Emotion Regulation
Week 7 Motivational Interviewing – I
Week 8 Motivational Interviewing – II
Week 9 Managing Transference, Process and the Therapeutic Alliance
Week 10 Evidence Supported Practice and Monitoring Outcomes in Individual Therapies
Week 11 E-therapy and Web-based Therapy
Week 12 Strengths-based Approaches
Week 13 Cultural and Spiritual Diversity
Week 14 Gender and Sexuality Issues
Week 15 Integrative Therapy Case Scenarios