The structure and rationale of brief therapies are examined as applied to a broad range of problems. The acquisition of skills essential for the practice of short-term psychotherapy and crisis intervention are covered. This course also includes specialized emergency assessment procedures such as the mental status examination, evaluation of the potential for suicide and violence, and other topics in crisis intervention. Empirical findings, professional issues, and ethical concerns are discussed. Perspectives on the therapeutic process are explored from contrasting viewpoints with respect to issues such as the nature of transference, the operation of defense mechanisms, the role of the unconscious, the meaning of resistance, and the importance of early childhood experiences.
Students gain familiarity with representative intervention procedures from the different approaches.
Empirical findings, professional issues, and ethical concerns are discussed. PSY-546 Interventions with Family and Marital Systems Involves coverage of theories, empirical research, and skill training in the assessment and treatment of couples and families. This course involves a detailed presentation of the various methods used by psychologists in experimental research and design, as well as the statistical techniques which are used to analyze data. Both parametric and nonparametric techniques are reviewed along with various experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Topics include hypothesis testing and the experimental method, choosing appropriate statistical techniques, threats to internal and external validity, and varieties of experimental control and randomization.