Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Psychological Examination and Counselling Placement

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_263
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

To provide students with the opportunity to develop and deepen their competence in psychological counselling and assistance, to develop and improve, under the supervision of a psychologist, the ability to establish contact with a client / patient / group, understand client / patient / group demand and needs, develop a psychological assistance plan, implement it, write a cooperation review of the psychological counselling process, inform the client / patient / group about the results of the psychological assistance and make recommendations.

Preliminary Knowledge

General Psychology, Biological Basics of Psyche, Developmental Psychology, Personality Psychology, Differential Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psychological Research and Counselling, Group Counselling, Neuropsychology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Based on the latest research in the professional field, various aspects of the interaction between biological, psychological and social processes in the context of psychological research (evaluation) are analysed and critically evaluated by different client groups. The student describes the cognitive process and the specifics of personality research, peculiarities/ needs of psychological research of clients/ patients; describes the structure of the opinion on the research results, explains the obtained research results. Demonstrates in-depth understanding and critical evaluation of the psychological counselling process, as well as explains the conditions of the psychological counselling process, taking into consideration psychological characteristics of different age groups. Explains the principles and structure of the cooperation report.

Skills

1.Explains professional aspects to both professionals and non-specialists (clients/ patients) in a reasoned way. Defines the purpose of psychological research (assessment) according to the specific situation and needs of clients/ patients by choosing, developing and applying scientifically based psychological research (assessment) methods. Formulates the purpose of psychological counselling according to the needs of clients/ patients/ group. Draws up a psychological counselling plan by selecting and using scientifically based psychological techniques and provides psychological counselling. Prepares a psychologist's opinion and review of the psychological counselling process and critically evaluates the effectiveness of own work, taking into consideration the legal and ethical aspects of professional practice. Critically evaluates the information obtained under supervision.

Competences

1.Carries out the targeted research, interprets the results obtained, assesses the client/ patient's difficulties and resources, and develops a potential psychological assistance plan for the client/ patient. Understands cognitive process and personality-based research (assessment) methods, is able to reasonably select and apply these methods, interprets research findings and describes them in a structured opinion. Provides psychological help using scientifically based methods. Prepares a cooperation report. Recognises own professional limitations and opportunities. Practices ethical responsibility by understanding the potential impact of own actions on the individual, group and the environment. Evaluates the effectiveness of own work. Under the supervision of a psychologist, plans and implements the development of own competences.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
Get acquainted with the placement venue and establish cooperation with the placement supervisors. Conduct psychological cognitive process and personality assessment in clients/ patients (adults and children) according to demand and client/ patient needs, with prior approval of the research study aim, plan, choice of methods, and assessment procedure. Write opinions (in agreement with the placement supervisor). Provide psychological counselling to clients/ patients on demand and/or client/ patient/ group needs. Write cooperation reports (in agreement with the placement supervisor). Attend placement monitoring sessions regularly (at least 85%). Write a daily description of each day's activity (according to the set criteria). Independently prepare one opinion on the results of psychological research (evaluation) and one cooperation report on the process of psychological counselling, submit it and present it during the defence of the placement.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
-
Attendance of at least 85% of the placement monitoring sessions (10%). Placement supervisor’s assessment of the postgraduate’s work during the placement (20%). Placement documentation has been prepared in accordance with the requirements and submitted on time (20%). During the presentation of the placement (according to the set criteria): 2 opinions (child/adult) are presented, case analysis and cooperation report (client/ patient in counselling practice) are presented (50%).

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introductory seminar on placement tasks.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introductory seminar on placement tasks.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Report (Placement)
Part 2
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introductory seminar on placement tasks.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introductory seminar on placement tasks.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Other
2

Topics

Supervised placement.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
16 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Defence (Placement)

Bibliography

Additional Reading

1.

Butcher, J. N., Hooley, J. M., Mineka, S. M., & Nock, M. K. (2017). Abnormal Psychology. Pearson.

Other Information Sources

1.

Psihologu likums.

2.

Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology

3.

Journal of Psychological Assessment