Contemporary Topics in Clinical Practice

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

Objectives

• Identify and discuss a transdiagnostic method for case conceptualization necessary for the practice of psychotherapy.
• Apply case conceptualization approaches to cases, including examples discussed in class and in their own emerging clinical practice.
• Discuss principles guiding the development of personalized case conceptualizations and treatment plans considering client identity and background characteristics.
• Practice skills associated with assessing identity and background characteristics with clients and practice incorporating assessment information into tailored conceptualizations.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the varied approaches to interpreting and integrating assessment information in the development of a client’s case conceptualization.
• Demonstrate case conceptualization skills by synthesizing information provided from an assessment into a comprehensive case conceptualization.
• Demonstrate skills of self-awareness, humility, and information seeking to promote understanding of clients’ unique lived experiences.
• Demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the role of client identities and backgrounds within case conceptualization and treatment planning.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Self-Assessment Reflection Paper	15%
Conceptualization Framework “Cheat Sheet”	10%
Case Conceptualization and Treatment Plan	20%
Case Presentation	20%
Self-education Training	5%
Final Conceptualization Paper	20%
Participation	10%

Grading Scale:

Percentage	Letter Grade
≥ 93	A
90-92	A-
87-89	B+
83-86	B
80-82	B-
77-79	C+
73-76	C
≤ 72	F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance is required and only excused for specific extenuating circumstances (in such cases, make up work may be assigned).

Students are expected to actively engage in class discussions and participate in clinical role play exercises.

Students are expected to have completed course readings prior to attending class to facilitate class discussions.

Repeated instances of missing class or limited engagement in class sessions (as evidenced by infrequent or shallow contributions to class discussions or role play exercises) will result in reductions to the participation grade.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Asnaani, A. (2023). A cultural humility and social justice approach to psychotherapy: Seven applied guidelines for evidence-based practice. Oxford University Press.