Course coordinator
Professor Genevieve Dingle
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
Theoretical and practical training for clinical psychologists in the application of evidence based cognitive behaviour therapy techniques and interventions for adults with a broad array of presenting problems.
This course runs weekly through the whole of the first year of postgraduate clinical training, and supports students' therapeutic skills development while they are completing their internal placements. We will start with an overview of the 3 traditions of psychotherapy, and then focus on strategiesﾠwithin the behavioural tradition, including collecting and applying evidence as part of therapy; conducting functional (SORCK) analyses of various behaviours; behavioural activation, arousal reduction and exposure therapy. Then we explore cognitive theory and therapy strategies such as identifying and challenging automatic thoughts; identifying and modifying deeper level cognitions; cognitive processing therapy,ﾠschema focused therapy, mindfulness-based approaches and acceptance and commitment therapy. We will also develop a range of therapeutic process skills to help engage clients into therapy, to negotiate mutually acceptable goals, to increase motivation for change, to resolve issues arising in the therapeutic alliance, and to prepare clients for therapy termination and ongoing recovery. Students will be exposed to the social determinants of health model and the work of Indigenous psychologists and models such as Gee and colleagues' (2014) model of social and emotional wellbeing as well as working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) clients. We will work with case studies involving clients with diverse ethnicities, sexualities, and ages. There will be a strong emphasis on the development of self-reflective skills and therapy practice, particularly in the tutorial sessions.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is part of the postgraduate clinical training programs, and only open to students enrolled in the MCP or DCP programs. This course should be undertaken after completing the Clinical Skills Intensive as part of the Internship, as it is assumed thatﾠstudents have sound risk assessment, clinical interviewing and initial expectations and clinic paperworkﾠ(which are covered in clinical skills and the orientation to the internal placements)ﾠand the course is therefore not about teaching these basic skills again. N.B. PSYC7291 is designed to be taken concurrent with client practice in internships so that students can practice and fine-tune their therapy skills as they complete their first year of training. Any student who is NOT planning to enrol in PSYC7291 concurrent with their internships should discuss this with the Course Co-ordinatorﾠat the start of semester 1 as this variation to the usual enrolment raises some issues.
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
PSYC8301, PSYC8302
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PSYC7072, PSYC7221, PSYC7251, PSYC7241
Restrictions
Restricted to students in the MPsychClin or DPsych
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Genevieve Dingle
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
There are three major aims of this course:
1) To enable students to develop a repertoire of evidence based CBTﾠstrategies that will enable them to assist adult clients presenting with common psychological disorders.
2) To enhance students' therapeutic self-regulation skills, meaning to assist students to self-appraise the effectiveness of their use of therapeutic strategies, and to self-direct enhancement of their therapeutic work.
3) To access and use the research evidence base to develop appropriate, evidence-based assessment, formulation,ﾠand treatment plans to assist individuals presenting with common psychological disorders, including complex multi-problem presentations.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse the meaning of evidence-based psychotherapy within the CBT framework
LO2.
Demonstrate competent use of a range of CBT therapeutic strategies
LO3.
Demonstrate doing an accurate self-evaluation of your implementation of evidence based therapeutic strategies, and develop and implement an effective strategy for self-improvement of therapeutic practice.
LO4.
Demonstrate accessing relevant research evidence to derive evidence based CBT conceptualisation and treatment plans in clinical practice.
LO5.
Take a culturally aware and sensitive approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, colleagues, and services
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection, Role play/ Simulation |
Self-reflective practice log
|
10% |
5/03/2025 - 29/10/2025
Students can only accrue points for self-reflective practice if they attend the tutorial and engage in therapy role plays and self-reflective practice. If more than 2 tutorials are missed due to illness, please discuss alternative assessment options with the course convenors (a medical or other appropriate certificate will be required) |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Case study assignment 1
|
30% |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Reflection |
Indigenous Mental Health modules
|
Pass / Fail |
10/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Therapy skills competency test
|
30% |
22/10/2025 12:00 pm
The competency test will be scheduled during the usual tutorial times - please keep 8am - 12 noon free on 22 OCT for this test (regardless of your usual tutorial time) |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Complex case study assignment
|
30% |
31/10/2025 4:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Self-reflective practice log
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
5/03/2025 - 29/10/2025
Students can only accrue points for self-reflective practice if they attend the tutorial and engage in therapy role plays and self-reflective practice. If more than 2 tutorials are missed due to illness, please discuss alternative assessment options with the course convenors (a medical or other appropriate certificate will be required)
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Students are expected to attend all tutorials, where you will practice your therapy skills within a self-reflective practice framework. Numbers are kept small in each tutorial to ensure close monitoring and feedback can be offered by the tutor. Students will complete a self-reflective practice log in each tutorial which will be signed off by the tutor. 0.5% will be accrued per log entry, to a max of 10% across the course.
Hurdle requirements
Students must complete each piece of assessment in order to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
In person sign-off by the tutor during class time
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Case study assignment 1
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
Students will be given a simpler case study and asked to write a diagnostic CBT case formulation and treatment plan.
Hurdle requirements
Students must complete each piece of assessment in order to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Online submission using the Turnitin link on the Blackboard assessment page
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Indigenous Mental Health modules
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- Pass / Fail
- Due date
10/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L05
Task description
Students will be introduced to 4 Indigenous Mental Health modules developed by the UQ HMBS faculty. Completion of modules 1 to 3 is expected to be done in preparation for the guest lecture in semester 2 on Indigenous Concepts of Wellbeing (date tbc). Module 4 - case study - includes a written self-reflection (Pass / Fail). Further details will be provided in class.
Hurdle requirements
Students must complete each piece of assessment in order to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Online using the Turnitin link on the Blackboard Assessment page
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Therapy skills competency test
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
22/10/2025 12:00 pm
The competency test will be scheduled during the usual tutorial times - please keep 8am - 12 noon free on 22 OCT for this test (regardless of your usual tutorial time)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will be assigned a case study and asked to prepare and demonstration of a specific therapy competency, with a fellow student role playing their client. They will also be asked to give a brief verbal self-reflection on their demonstration. PLEASE KEEP THIS DATE FREE FROM 12pm to 5pm. A specific time schedule will be given closer to the day.
Hurdle requirements
Students must complete each piece of assessment in order to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Complex case study assignment
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
31/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
Students will be given a choice (1 out of 4) complex case studies and asked to write a diagnostic CBT case formulation and evidence-based CBT treatment plan.
Hurdle requirements
Students must complete each piece of assessment in order to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Online using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard Assessment page
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 39.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 40 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Students must complete each piece of assessment in order to pass the course
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Course overview and introduction to CBT (Gen and James) Introduction to the course, psychotherapy traditions, and introduction to CBT Learning outcomes: L02 |
Tutorial |
Introduction to tutorials and SPSR Students will get to know one another and the tutor, and be introduced to the self-practice self-reflection approach being used in the program Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Process of therapy (James) Engaging clients into therapy; goal setting; negotiating homework tasks; increasing motivation for change; preparing for termination Learning outcomes: L02 |
Tutorial |
Process of therapy skills practice Practice process skills and SPSR Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Assessment (Gen) The purposes, types and timing of assessments, integrating information from various assessments to develop a shared understanding of the clients' presenting problem/s, Feedback Informed Therapy Learning outcomes: L01 |
Tutorial |
Assessment skills practice Skills practice of integrating and feeding back assessment information to a client to build rapport and increase their understanding of their concerns and treatment options. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Case Formulation (Gen) A six-step procedure for case formulation using a behavioural or cognitive behavioural framework Learning outcomes: L02 |
Tutorial |
Case Formulation skills practice Small groups - formulating a case using various frameworks Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Behavioural Activation for Depression (James) Applying behavioural principles to increase clients' engagement in reinforced behaviours to improve their mood Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Behavioural Activation skills practice Skills practice - activity scheduling with a depressed client Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Cognitive therapy for depression (James) Information processing across psychological disorders; identifying and reappraising negative automatic thoughts in depression Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Cognitive reappraisal skills practice Skills practice identifying and challenging negative or unhelpful automatic thoughts Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
More on CBT for depression (James) Identifying and challenging intermediate thoughts and core beliefs in depression. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Deeper Level Cognitions Skills practice downward arrow Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Mid-sem break (first semester) (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Lecture - MID SEM BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Exposure Therapy in Anxiety Disorders (Gen) Rationale and procedure of exposure and habituation to feared stimuli for in vivo and interoceptive exposure therapy. (treatment of specific phobias, social phobia, panic disorder) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Exposure Therapy skills practice Skills practice of building a hierarchy for exposure therapy Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Treating Generalised Anxiety Disorder (Gen) CBT including meta cognitive therapy approaches to GAD; worry time, identifying and challenging secondary worry Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Treating Generalised Anxiety Disorder Skills practice for GAD Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Treating Trauma and Related Disorders (Gen) Emotional exposure; Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Treating Trauma and Related Disorders Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Treating OCD. Guest: Dr Cynthia Turner (TBC) Exposure and response prevention; cognitive approaches to treating Obsessive Compulsive disorder Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Treating OCD Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
CBT for Sleep disorders Guest: Dr Sara Winter (TBC) Assessment and treatment of sleep disorders using a CBT approach Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
CBTi skills practice Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 14 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
SEM 2. ACT Part 1. Guest: Dr Hugh Walker Overview of theory, principles and research on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
ACT Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 15 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
ACT- part 2. Guest: Dr Hugh Walker Mindfulness, cognitive defusion, values based action, cultivating acceptance Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
ACT - part 2 Skills practice Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 16 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Schema Focused Therapy - part 1 (Gen) Theory, research and assessment of early maladaptive schemas Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Schema Focused Therapy Complete YSQ and schema diary entry Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 17 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Schema Focused Therapy - part 2 (Gen) Schema therapy: Relational, cognitive, experiential, and behavioural strategies Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Schema Focused Therapy - part 2 Imagery rescripting skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 18 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
CBT-E Eating Disorders (1) Guest: Melanie Dalton (TBC) Introduction to the model and research supporting CBT-E. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
CBT-E for Eating Disorders - part 1 Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 19 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
CBT-E Part 2. Guest: Melanie Dalton (TBC) Treatment modules Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
CBT-E for Eating Disorders - part 2 Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 20 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Compassion Focused Therapy overview (James) Introduction to CFT theory and evidence Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
CFT skills practice Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 21 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
CFT for Psychoses (James) Treating the psychoses using CFT Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
CFT for psychoses skills practice Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 22 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Indigenous SEWB. Guest: TBC Yarning circle to discuss Indigenous concepts of mental health, approaches to working with First Nations clients, the Social Emotional Wellbeing model Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Indigenous SEWB. Guest: TBC Working on self-reflective task, Indigenous health case study Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Mid-sem break (second semester) (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Lecture - MID SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 23 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Labour day public holiday - no lecture or tutorials this week Could use the tutorial time to work on self-reflective essay or case study 2 |
Week 24 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
CBT with clients of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds (Guest lecture) Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
CBT with CALD clients Skills practice Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
|
Week 25 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
CBT for Addictive Behaviours (Gen) Overview of AOD treatment services; cognitive and behavioural models of addiction Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
COMPETENCY TEST - please keep WED 22/10 from 8-12 free Students will be assigned a time to prepare and to demonstrate a given therapy skill between 8am and 12pm on this date. Each student will also role play a client for a classmate's therapy demonstration, so, each student will present at 2 times during this morning. Learning outcomes: L04 |
|
Week 26 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Group CBT and course wrap up (James and Gen) Group therapy theory, stages of group development, managing challenging process issues in groups. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tag team group therapist Live demonstration of a CBT group, with students taking turns to be the group leader Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: