Overview
In this unit you will focus on consolidating and expanding on previously acquired psychological knowledge through the exploration of contemporary intervention skills, approaches, and techniques. You will draw upon foundational competencies such as micro-counselling skills, assessment interviews, and record keeping, and be introduced to additional intervention models to broaden your knowledge of the discipline. The role of motivational interviewing in evidence-based psychological intervention and psychopharmacology will also be explored.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must be enrolled in CL68 Master of Professional Psychology or CG17 Master of Clinical Psychology. Anti-req PSYC21004
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback item from evaluation survey
Students reported the practical application of theory to psychological practice was comprehensive
Continue with class structure which is a lecture followed by application and practice of techniques in class.
Feedback from Student feedback item from evaluation survey
Students reported lecture length was too long
Review structure and length of lectures.
- Synthesise and apply knowledge of contemporary intervention approaches, skills, and techniques on the basis of case formulation.
- Communicate high level, independent clinical judgements regarding client presentations and interventions using processes that are responsive to cultural context and practice across the lifespan.
- Engage in critical self-reflective practice in regard to skills, techniques, and clinical judgements.
Learning outcomes are drawn from specifications for study at level 9 as indicated by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), program of study criteria as stated by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsychBA), and the following core competencies stated by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC):
- 3.3 Employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients,
- 3.6 Conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions, including management of risk,
- 3.7 Monitor outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health and health concerns, family and support networks, and organisational, cultural or community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client within their wider context,
- 3.8 Interpret and communicate findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language,
- 3.9 Implement appropriate, empirically supported interventions, and monitor clients’ progress and intervention outcome, and
- 3.14 Engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result (APC, 2019, p.13-14).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||
| 2 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 0% | |||
| 3 - Report - 0% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||
| 2 - Communication | |||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||
| 4 - Research | |||
| 5 - Self-management | |||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||
| 7 - Leadership | |||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
t.best@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Therapeutic Relationship: micro-skills and context for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources provided on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), theory and skill development
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), theory and skill development
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources provided on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), theory and skill development
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
No lecture for MCP students. MPP student practical skill development at Cairns Residential School.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Residential School for CL68 MPP students in Cairns (PSYC29002)
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), further skill application and case report development
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Therapy Skills and Reflection Due: Week 6 Monday (25 Aug 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) - introduction to theory and focus of clinical practice
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Interpersonal Psychotherapy - introduction to theory and clinical practice
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Motivational Interviewing: a brief introduction
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Case reports: a guide to report writing and evaluation of interventions
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Therapy Skills and Reflection Due: Week 10 Monday (22 Sept 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Psychopharmacology in therapy: context and application
Chapter
Relevant readings and resources on Moodle
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Preparing for practice: further therapy skills and approaches
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lecture: Thursday, 1pm-4pm
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Practical Assessment
This assessment requires you to record (audio-visual) a 10-15 min demonstration of a therapeutic skill relevant to the content of this unit and provide a brief (150-300 word) reflection. Your video recording is to demonstrate a therapeutic intervention strategy of your choice relevant to the content of the unit. This task provides opportunity to learn, grow and practice your skill as well as receive feedback and support on a therapeutic skill of your choice. Your client will be a fellow student, and in pairs one student will be the client and one will be the therapist.
Scenario based support will be provided in class or you may wish to adapt and create your own relative to your own practice. Your task is to decide which approach/intervention strategy you would like to use and then demonstrate that therapeutic approach to assist the client.
To successfully pass this assessment, you must receive a grade 70% or higher on both aspects of this assessment. If a grade lower than 70% is given you will be given one (1) opportunity to re-submit to receive a passing grade. The re-submitted assessment piece will be due one (1) week after marks for the original submission are released. It is suggested that if you are required to re-submit the assessment you should arrange a time to meet with the Unit Coordinator to ensure you understand the feedback that has been given. To pass this unit, all assessment pieces must be passed.
Level of AI use allowed:
Level 1: You may not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your cores skills and knowledge.
Week 6 Monday (25 Aug 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Monday (8 Sept 2025)
Feedback will be provided and uploaded through Moodle
The student is provided an assessment framework to assist competency development. The recording, aimed at capturing and providing feedback and support for your skill, is the predominant focus of the task, with a brief written reflection. The overall skill-based competency rubric and further supporting details will be provided on moodle and discussed in class time.
- Synthesise and apply knowledge of contemporary intervention approaches, skills, and techniques on the basis of case formulation.
- Engage in critical self-reflective practice in regard to skills, techniques, and clinical judgements.
2 Reflective Practice Assignment
This assessment requires you to utilise a further therapeutic intervention approach/technique that you would like to develop (that is, it is different from the one you demonstrated in assessment task 1) and record (audio-visual) a 10-15 min demonstration of that therapeutic skill together with a 500-700 word reflection.
You will be given time to consider and develop your reflection in class throughout the term. In selecting and recording further approaches for intervention, the reflection will be of your experience from a professional and personal growth viewpoint.
The reflection is to be between 500-700 words and needs to address 3 main components.
1. Include a brief discussion of the strengths and weaknesses you perceive of the intervention approach
2. Provide a personal reflection on the experience that considers what you learned and how your practice might be modified in light of the experience for future growth and development. This could include articulating the thoughts and feelings of your experience as part of your evaluation and conclusion from the experience.
3. Provide a professional reflection on the likely impact for your client and identify areas of further action for the growth and development of your professional practice.
To successfully pass this assessment, you must receive a grade 70% or higher on both aspects of this assessment. If a grade lower than 70% is given you will be given one (1) opportunity to re-submit to receive a passing grade. The re-submitted assessment piece will be due one (1) week after marks for the original submission are released. It is suggested that if you are required to re-submit the assessment you should arrange a time to meet with the Unit Coordinator to ensure you understand the feedback that has been given. To pass this unit, all assessment pieces must be passed.
Level of AI use allowed:
Level 1: You may not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your cores skills and knowledge.
Week 10 Monday (22 Sept 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Monday (6 Oct 2025)
Feedback will be provided and uploaded through Moodle
This assessment is considered against a competency framework and the direction for the 3 components of the personal and professional reflection will be provided on Moodle, as well as discussed in class time.
- Communicate high level, independent clinical judgements regarding client presentations and interventions using processes that are responsive to cultural context and practice across the lifespan.
- Engage in critical self-reflective practice in regard to skills, techniques, and clinical judgements.
3 Report
Intervention case reports are an important competency in psychological practice as a demonstration of clinical judgment, formulation, intervention planning, delivery and evaluation.
This assessment requires you to write an intervention case report (maximum word count of 2500 words excluding references). You can use simulated/actual clients from your current supervised practice, or the scenarios worked with in class, or develop a client scenario as if you have continued seeing this client over a series of sessions. Intervention case reports are written in past tense as a case outline of what was done, describing the presenting issues, formulation, intervention delivery and evaluation.
This learning task provides an opportunity to demonstrate your critical thinking and decision making around interventions based on a clear formulation and evidence based approach, and receive feedback and guidance for your continued skill development in this area towards registration. The case report structure, purpose and details of this task are aligned with the AHPRA requirements for registration.
To successfully pass this assessment, you must receive a grade 70% or higher on both aspects of this assessment. If a grade lower than 70% is given you will be given one (1) opportunity to re-submit to receive a passing grade. The re-submitted assessment piece will be due one (1) week after marks for the original submission are released. It is suggested that if you are required to re-submit the assessment you should arrange a time to meet with the Unit Coordinator to ensure you understand the feedback that has been given. To pass this unit, all assessment pieces must be passed.
Level of AI use allowed:
Level 1: You may not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your cores skills and knowledge.
Review/Exam Week Monday (13 Oct 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Feedback will be provided and uploaded through Moodle
Your submission will follow the Psychology Board of Australia guidelines for intervention case reports.
Further details of the task for learning and development along with supporting information such as the intervention case report checklist will be provided on Moodle.
- Synthesise and apply knowledge of contemporary intervention approaches, skills, and techniques on the basis of case formulation.
- Communicate high level, independent clinical judgements regarding client presentations and interventions using processes that are responsive to cultural context and practice across the lifespan.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
