Psychological Approaches to Therapy
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PSGY1009 | Psychology | 1 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PSGY1009
- School
- Psychology
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module will provide a broad overview of some key theoretical approaches in psychology, in the context of their application to therapy. Three fundamental schools of thought will be examined: the psychodynamic school, the humanistic-existential school, and the cognitive behaviour school, which have strongly influenced the development of contemporary psychological therapy. Lectures will examine the historical context and philosophical origins of a range of different therapies (e.g. psychoanalysis, person-centred therapy, rational-emotive therapy) which may be used in the treatment of common mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, phobias). The theoretical basis of each approach will be addressed, with a consideration of how important concepts are applied in therapeutic interventions.
Target Students
Only available for UG students. This module is not available for Year 3 Psychology students.
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (1-hour): Unseen MCQ examination
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to introduce important theoretical approaches in psychology, with a focus on their application in therapy. The module will cover a range of fundamental psychological perspectives, including the psychodynamic approach, the humanistic-existential approach and the cognitive behaviour approach, and will examine in depth the basic theoretical concepts underlying each. In addition, the way in which these concepts are applied in therapeutic interventions will be introduced, with examples of a range of different types of therapy. The purpose of the module in the context of psychology as a whole is to present the historical and philosophical background of important theoretical approaches, and to integrate themes from across other core areas of the subject (e.g. biological, cognitive, developmental, social psychology). Students taking this module will gain an appreciation of the diversity of perspectives in psychological theory, and an understanding of how these ideas can be applied outside an academic context.Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
Demonstrate an understanding of key theoretical approaches in psychology
Summarize a range of psychological therapies (including the processes involved in interventions), and identify which school of thought they derive from
Outline the historical and philosophical context of psychological therapies, and recognise the main proponents of each
Intellectual Skills:
Relate basic concepts from psychological theory to their application in different forms of therapy
Compare and contrast different theoretical frameworks to appraise the relative merits of each
Transferable (key) Skills:
Critically evaluate ideas in relation to diverging theories
Make scientifically-reasoned judgements about psychological theory and its application in therapy