They begin to develop a perspective of the role of the advanced practice nurse and develop the initial skills required for this role. This course is a systematic exploration of the theory and practice of individual psychotherapy as a primary function of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse. The course builds upon the student's knowledge of psychosocial development, mental health assessment, and psychopathology. Prevailing models of psychotherapy are analyzed, including underlying theoretical assumptions, relevant concepts, and strengths, and limitations of each. Nursing interventions are derived from various theoretical frameworks and applied to case examples.
Psychotherapy research is examined, and implications for nursing practice and research are explored.
Ethical and public policy issues related to the nursing practice of individual psychotherapy are addressed in terms of diverse client populations. Acquired knowledge is applied to the clinical practice of psychotherapy in a supervised psychotherapy experience with individual clients from diverse populations. This course provides the theoretical basis for the understanding and implementation of group psychotherapy. Consumers include the group as client as well as the group as the context of care for the individual client. Students develop an advanced knowledge of current theories related to the practice of group psychotherapy and develop the beginning skills required of a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.