Course info

This course introduces students to the theoretical foundations of psychotherapy,including an analysis of the historical and cultural forces that have contributed to the ways that psychotherapy is practiced presently. A heavy emphasis is placed on the common factors that have been identified as contributors to helpful psychotherapeutic intervention, especially the contributions which have emerged out of the humanistic and person-centered theoretical tradition that emphasize what is means to be in a "helping" relationship. Students consider basic psychotherapy concepts including the differences between process and content, the various psychotherapy modalities, the role of assessment and diagnosis in psychotherapeutic intervention, approaches to discerning effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions and the role of the clinical psychologist as a change agent in the lives of clients. The implications of working with diverse clients are emphasized throughout. For instance, students review literature on the social and cultural factors that influence help-seeking behaviour. Students also are encouraged to take an active interest in clients' background and worldview, and to consider how potential differences in culture-specific beliefs and attitudes, lifestyles, or backgrounds may influence the development of the therapeutic alliance and communication during therapy. 05-01-2022-30-03-2022 Lecture Wednesday 01:30PM - 04:20PM, Room to be Announced