Unit Overview
- Description
This unit examines therapeutic interventions and broader modalities in contemporary clinical psychology practice. Students explore the theoretical underpinnings, assessment, formulation, and intervention techniques associated with approaches such as schema therapy, imagery rescripting, and interpersonal psychotherapy, and evaluate how these inform effective practice. Key themes include the application of broader intervention modalities, such as group therapy, brief interventions, and early intervention and prevention approaches, as well as the evolving role of the therapist. Students are given the opportunity to consider technological advancements in therapy, including digital treatments and the use of artificial intelligence in practice, alongside developments in precision medicine, assessment, and advocacy and policy work. The unit also addresses the application of evidence in practice.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode First year of offer Not available in 2026 UWA (Perth) On-campus - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) evaluate and apply knowledge of psychological theories of aetiology, progression and/or recovery, precursors, and sequelae of psychology disorders through the lens of schema therapy, imagery rescripting, and interpersonal psychotherapy, considering developmental systems and biopsychosocial models across the lifespan and implications for case formulation; (2) construct a case formulation from multiple sources of information and use this formulation to select, tailor, and implement therapies, including in different modalities (e.g., group therapy, brief interventions, prevention) and across ages and cultures, and use evidence-based practice to manage psychological disorders; (3) critically examine the role of digital technology in assessment and intervention, including current applications and ethical considerations; (4) evaluate recent innovations in personalised medicine and assessment that inform intervention selection, modifications, and outcome monitoring; (5) demonstrate understanding of how to collaborate with other professionals to further advocacy and policy changes relevant to clinical care; and (6) apply clinically relevant psychological research to inform evidence-based therapeutic practices and decision-making, while critically self-reflecting on the role of integrating science into practice.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class test; (2) viva; and (3) research assignment. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Kristin Gainey
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- 36 hours (3-hour weekly workshops x 12)
- Note
- There is no textbook for this course.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.