module specification

This module is aimed at developing students’ professional skills in motivational interviewing and positive psychology which may support their current working practices and/or assist develop their employability skills. The module presents, discusses, and evaluates critically evidence-oriented interventions for substance misuse and psychological distress.  Motivational interviewing and positive psychology, which are evidence-based interventions, will be described, evaluated, and, illustrated with targeted clients. Clients in this context will include students’ only. For students with no core psychology/healthcare training additional training would be necessary to pursue a clinical/counselling career.

Introduction to evidence based research and practice. A critical examination of the evidence-based applications of Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and the rationale and evidence base of these approaches, developing key skills in motivational interviewing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4

Delivery and discussion of the module syllabi will be via interactive lectures and tutorials (11 x 2hrs). In addition to the weekly seminar workshops which will provide a forum for the application of theory to practical problems (11 hrs), students are expected to work in groups to learn from each other and learn how to independently use other resources available, e.g. library, the internet, Web Learn and own organisation.  Hence a total of 11x3 hrs interactive sessions including seminar activities are designed to discuss various topics in the lectures and the pre-circulated seminar workshop activities. The module will also have its own dedicated Weblearn site to enables staff and students to readily contact each other and offers an on-line support/learning.

Workshops and seminars:
Information and materials relating to the workshop will be circulated once the course has commenced.   The seminars and workshops will familiarize students with various aspect of the course.  All workshops will relate to lecture topics and will be tested in the examination.   Hence, each student is expected to do the prior reading and consult few recommended texts and be actively involved in the seminar activities and group discussion.

The usual programme each week will comprise of a lecture followed by seminar workshop activities and group discussion. The workshops will use the content of the lecture and pre-circulated material for class discussion and group work.

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:   

1. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of motivational interviewing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills and manifest the capacity to evaluate treatment programmes objectively; taking into account the needs of the client and their relevant systems in addition to a range of possibly relevant outcomes.
2. Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the validity claims pertaining to various measures of change.
3. Be able to evaluate and discuss critically the decisions that inform choice of treatment or other approaches.
4. To develop the professional skills of students via learning and assessment practices aimed at increasing employability skills

Motivational Interviewing

One practical examination based on one student interviewing another student being observed and assessed by two invigilators. Each interview will take approximately 40 minutes per person. Two students’ will be assessed where one student is the interviewer and the other is the ‘client’. The interview will be audio- recorded. The group will commence interviewing each other whilst the invigilators come around and observe the process. This will then be submitted as a 1, 500 word assignment. This will include a critical self -reflective overview of the interview. A transcript of the interview will also be included in the appendix.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills

One practical examination based on students (one-on-one) putting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills into practice and being observed and assessed by two invigilators. Each session will take approximately 40 minutes per person. Two students’ will be assessed where one student is the ‘therapist’ and the other is the ‘client’. The session will be audio-recorded. Owing to resources the group will commence the sessions in twos as whilst the invigilators come around and observe the process. This will then be submitted as a 1, 500 word assignment. This will include a critical self –reflective practices and the submission of the transcript, which will be included in the appendix.

CORE
Amercican Psychiatric Association., (APA, 2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th Ed.  Arlington. American Psychiatric Publishing. Washington. [Core reading]
Kirk, H.W., Weisbrod, J.O.A., Ericson, K.A., (2003). Psychosocial and Behavioural Aspects of Medicine. Baltimore and Philadelphia. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. [Core reading]
Rollnick, S., William, M.R., & Butler, C., (2008). Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change Behavior (Applications of Motivational Interviewing). New York/London. The Guilford Press. [Core reading]
Tomlin, K.A., (2005). Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change: Integrating Best Practices for Substance Abuse Professionals. London. Hazelden Information & Educational Services. [Core reading]
William, MR., & Rollnick, S., (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change (Applications of Motivational Interviewing). London/New York. The Guilford Press. [Core reading]

ADDITIONAL

Kendall, P. (Ed.) (2012). Child and adolescent therapy: cognitive-behavioural procedures. New York: Guilford.  (4th. ed.)  (e-version)

McKay, J. (2009). Treating substance use disorders with adaptive continuing care. Washington DC: American Psychological Association. 

Westbrook D. Kennerley H. Kirk J (2011) Skills in Cognitive Behaviour Counselling & Psychotherapy. Sage