CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Module PSICOLOGIA CLINICA

The course aims to provide a general understanding of the origins, development, and recent approaches in Clinical Psychology, as well as its theoretical perspectives and main areas of interest.
In addition, applied aspects of clinical psychology in healthcare and rehabilitative settings related to the helping relationship will be addressed, both with reference to assessment and to the intervention phase.

At the end of the course, in line with European standards, students will be able to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. Knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to understand the main perspectives of clinical psychology, with particular reference to the bio-psycho-social approach and the person-centered perspective, which promotes a shift from treating illness to caring for the person who presents a disorder or condition that interferes with current functioning and adaptation.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to the analysis of situations related to the helping relationship, as well as to the discussion of illustrative case examples.

3. Autonomy of judgment

Students will develop the ability to compare different theoretical models, highlighting their strengths and limitations. They will also be able to express well-reasoned judgments regarding the application of different theoretical models in clinical settings.

4. Communication skills

At the end of the course, students will be able to use terminology consistent with the contents learned in order to communicate clearly, accurately, and appropriately, both when presenting concepts and when participating in discussion and comparison on the topics covered.

5. Learning skills

Students will have acquired the ability to independently deepen their knowledge of topics related to clinical psychology and to update their competencies through the use of specialized literature and appropriate bibliographic resources.

Lectures and group activities.

Knowledge of basic concepts of general psychology.

Attendance at teaching activities is mandatory.

The course program focuses on the main theoretical perspectives of clinical psychology, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Starting from the definition of risk and adaptation factors, the concept of disorder will also be defined with reference to the main classification systems currently in use.
Furthermore, certain aspects that may represent risk and vulnerability factors or protective factors for individual functioning and adaptation will be examined. Finally, the characteristics of the relationship with patients will be analyzed, with particular reference to communication aspects.

At the end of the course, the materials used during the lectures will be made available.

Learning assessment will take place through an oral examination, based on the following evaluation criteria:
a) relevance of answers to the questions asked;
b) appropriate use of technical terminology;
c) overall quality of content;
d) ability to provide examples;
e) ability to transfer knowledge to operational contexts.

The assessment may also be conducted online, should conditions require it.

Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

In compliance with current legislation, interested students may request an individual meeting in order to plan any compensatory and dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs.

1.     Areas of interest of clinical psychology

2.     Main theoretical perspectives

3.     Differences between the person-centered, patient-oriented, and disease/doctor-oriented perspectives

4.     Main assessment tools in clinical psychology

5.     The intervention process

6.     Family characteristics that may represent vulnerability or protective factors

7.     Stress and burnout

8.     Characteristics of communication in the helping relationship