Course coordinator
Ms Lauren Johnson
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- UQ Medical School
This course will focus on the knowledge and skills required to work with families and to provide group therapy. The course will critically engage with theoretical frameworks, core principles and shared approaches of family and group therapies with an emphasis on how they are applied to diverse populations. Family and group engagement, clinical skills including assessment and treatment planning will be emphasised.
Welcome to PXMH7106.
This course will focus on the knowledge and skills required to work with individuals in family and group settings. Whether you have experience in these areas or are exploring them for the first time, there will be opportunities for you to expand your knowledge and skills.
Course Structure:
Learning activities and assessments will be delivered in separate groups for MMH Art Therapy students and MMH Psychotherapy students.
Art Therapy
Course Outline:
- First Half: We will examine the theory and practice of Family Therapy, including various contemporary approaches and their evidence-based applications for specific populations.
- Second Half: We will focus on therapeutic work with Groups, exploring different group therapy approaches and their use with particular populations. We will also compare and contrast group and family therapy approaches.
Class Format:
- Weekly classes for 11 weeks (with a one-week pause for residential workshops).
- Student-led discussions on set readings.
Assessments:
- A mid-semester essay exploring a family therapy intervention.
- A final in-person assessment over two full days before the end-of-year exhibition, where students will co-facilitate a group intervention with classmates acting in role.
I look forward to starting this semester with you all. Lauren
Psychotherapy
Course Outline:
- Family Therapy: Examination of the theory and practice of Family Therapy, including various contemporary approaches and their evidence-based applications for specific populations.
- Group Therapy: Exploration of therapeutic work with Groups, different group therapy approaches, and their use with particular populations. We will also compare and contrast group and family therapy approaches.
Class Format:
- Workshops with expert practitioners.
- Tutorials led by the course coordinator.
- Student presentations examining key concepts in group and family therapy.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students will have completed first year theory courses PXMH7101, 7102, 7103 and 7104.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PXMH7101, PXMH7102, PXMH7103, PXMH7107, PXMH7104 and PXMH7108
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
PXMH7110
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PXMH7036 and PXMH7047
Course contact
Course coordinator
Ms Lisa Hardy
School enquiries
Medical School Student and Academic Administration Team
Course staff
Lecturer
Ms Lauren Johnson
Ms Lisa Hardy
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Workshops
- In person workshops to be held at Herston Campus
- Details to follow
Tutorials
- All held on Zoom. Zoom link will be sent prior to the tutorial.
- Students in Second Semester tutorials will be held Thursday evenings 5:30pm-7:00pm.
- Students enrolled in Semester 1 will be given a different tutorial time and date - to follow.
ART THERAPY
- Tutorial times are on Tuesdays 1:00pm – 2:30pm (Local & Remote) via Zoom.
Activity (including UQ week and date)
- Week 1: Online Class- Introduction to PXMH7106
- Week 2: Residential week (all required in person)
- Joint Art Therapy/Psychotherapy workshop
- Week 3: Online Family Art Therapy Class
- Week 4: Online Family Art Therapy Class
- Week 5: Online Family Art Therapy Class
- Week 6: Online Family Art Therapy Class
- Week 7: Online Family Art Therapy Class
- Week 8: Online Introduction to Group Therapy Class
- Week 9: Online Group Therapy Class
- Mid Semester Break - NO CLASSES
- Week 10: Online Group Therapy Class
- Week 11: Online Group Therapy Class
- Week 12: Online Group Therapy Class
- Week 13: Online Group Therapy Class
- Assessment block: 2 full days of Group Assessments
Aims and outcomes
To establish student knowledge and skills of the history, frameworks and applications of group and family work.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Compare and contrast the different approaches offered in family and group work , understand their application and critically evaluate clinical psychotherapy or art therapy family and group work literature.
LO2.
identify the development of the frameworks, theoretical principles and application of therapy involving families and groups, recognising how it impacts on treatment planning and outcomes.
LO3.
Develop and demonstrate your understanding of either group or family therapy approaches by applying this during your final assessment.
LO4.
identify people and populations likely to benefit from group and or family interventions and be able to demonstrate a specific approach for a specific population.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook/ Logbook |
Visual Journal ART THERAPY
|
20% | |
| Essay/ Critique |
Family Art Therapy Intervention ART THERAPY
|
30% | |
| Essay/ Critique |
Comparing group and family therapies PSYCHOTHERAPY
|
50% | |
| Presentation |
Presentation on Group or Family Therapy PSYCHOTHERAPY
|
50% | |
| Role play/ Simulation |
Group Intervention and discussion ART THERAPY
|
50% |
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
Visual Journal ART THERAPY
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 20%
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
You are required to complete 6 visual journal entries throughout the semester. Each entry should include 1-2 images and be accompanied by approximately 300 words (±10%). You can choose any 6 classes to reflect upon for these entries.
Each journal entry is to be completed by the Sunday after the tutorial, as response and analysis of the tutorial readings and discussion, and should consider the following:
1. Key aspects of the literature that stood out to you
2. How the frameworks/interventions discussed resonate with you and your practice.
3. What the art work created conveys (and how), and how does it support your learning?
Criteria & Marking:
- Journal entries are original and show evidence that the reading and class discussion has been analysed and responded to in a thoughtful and reflective manner.
- The prompting journal questions have been considered and responded to appropriately.
- Art work is clearly presented and the quality of media, process of art making, and visual reflection is described.
- There are 6 journal entries that are on time, are within the word limit, are free of spelling and grammatical errors, and which demonstrate appropriate care with the task.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
Family Art Therapy Intervention ART THERAPY
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Word count: 2500 +/- 10%
Task Description:
Discuss an art therapy intervention designed for a family, detailing the theoretical frameworks and the rationale for choosing this application for the specific client group.
You are required to:
- Identify and describe a population that could benefit from a family therapy intervention.
- Articulate the needs of this population.
- Explain how family art therapy could address these needs.
- Identify and describe family therapy strategies that may benefit this population.
Your assertions about the population and their needs must be supported by references to recent literature, personal investigation, and, if relevant, clinical or placement experience.
Criteria & Marking:
- You have identified an appropriate population who could benefit from a family therapy intervention. The population is described and their needs and challenges are articulated.
- The reason family art therapy could be beneficial, including the choice of family strategies and intervention is articulated, and supported by literature.
- The essay is clearly written and grammatically sound using well chosen and correctly spelt words.
Referencing and citation is standard and the number of words is plus or minus ten per cent of the specified limit.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
Comparing group and family therapies PSYCHOTHERAPY
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
Write a 2,500-word essay examining the similarities and differences between Group Therapy and Family Therapy in mental health and psychotherapy practice. Address the following points:
- Compare and contrast the development of Group Therapy and Family Therapy.
- Discuss the different theoretical approaches underpinning each therapy.
- Evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of each therapy.
Consider whether these therapies are fundamentally similar but applied to different populations, specifically unrelated versus related individuals.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
Presentation on Group or Family Therapy PSYCHOTHERAPY
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 50%
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Prepare and deliver a 20-minute presentation to your peers on a key topic in group therapy or family therapy. After your presentation, engage in a 10-minute discussion with the Course Coordinator and fellow students.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
Group Intervention and discussion ART THERAPY
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 50%
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
Proposal Submission:
- Email a 250-word proposal for your workshop to the Course Coordinator.
- Identify your co-facilitator and the chosen population.
Workshop Preparation and Facilitation:
- Prepare and co-facilitate a therapy group with fellow students participating in a role-play.
- Identify a population that could benefit from group therapy and develop a suitable intervention.
- Ensure the intervention is informed by literature on the suitability and effectiveness for the chosen population.
- Demonstrate a high level of knowledge about the art media and skill in managing the group process.
- The activity should last 60-90 minutes and be suitable for the available facilities. Manage your time effectively.
Feedback Session:
- Following the group, participate in a 20-minute feedback session.
- Explain the rationale for your chosen activities.
- Reflect on the co-facilitation experience.
- Receive feedback from your peers.
Criteria & Marking:
- Group therapy intervention is suitable and likely to be effective for the selected population
- You demonstrate a high level of knowledge of the art media and organisation skills in planning the intervention
- You demonstrate a high level of skill in managing group process, including processing of the art work and clear communication
- The activity is completed within the time frame and is suitable for the facilities and resources offered
- You demonstrate the ability to effectively co-facilitate a therapy group with a peer
- You are able to discuss the rationale for your work and critically reflect upon the process in a 20 minute feedback session.
Hurdle requirements
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Submission instructions will be provided via Learn.UQ.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please find information about applying for an assessment extension here.
Late submission
Please refer to the UQ policy on late submission.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to submit assessment and failure to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some assessment items submitted but material submitted shows major deficiencies when evaluated against assessment criteria and major part of assessment is incomplete or not submitted. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates deficiencies in understanding when submitted assessment material is evaluated against marking criteria. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 65 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Adequately demonstrates understanding, addresses required criteria and has met the minimum requirement for all assessment. |
| 5 (Credit) | 66 - 75 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Adequately demonstrates competent understanding, addresses required criteria and has met minimum or above requirements for all assessment. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 76 - 85 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effectively demonstrates substantial understanding, addresses required criteria and meets or exceeds minimum requirements for all assessment. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 86 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Effectively demonstrates extensive understanding with outstanding achievement on assessment items when evaluated against marking criteria and meets or exceeds minimum requirements for all assessment. |
Additional course grading information
You must complete and submit all assessment items to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please note that all submission dates for assessments are in Brisbane time - Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Artificial Intelligence
These assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). You are advised that the use of AI technologies to create responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. If you wish to use AI technology for legitimate academic purposes please consult the course staff and get approval before submitting your essay. Please refer to UQs AI guidelines here.
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
Library resources are available 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 |
|---|---|---|
Seminar |
Introduction to PXMH7106 PSYCHOTHERAPY Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Workshop |
Group therapy 1 PSYCHOTHERAPY Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Workshop |
Family Therapy PSYCHOTHERAPY Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Introduction to Systemic Theory & Family Therapy Course outline, learning objectives and assessment. Basic concepts of systems theory and Family Art Therapy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Family Art Therapy Recruitment, assessment, planning. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Family Art Therapy Treatment Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Seminar |
Using FT in your workplace PSYCHOTHERAPY Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Family Art Therapy Treatment- Cultural Perspectives Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Seminar |
Using GT in your workplace PSYCHOTHERAPY Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Family Art Therapy Working with complexity and barriers to change Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Group Therapy Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Tutorial |
Group Therapy Therapeutic and Curative Factors Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Tutorial |
Group Therapy Group Types and Stages Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Tutorial |
Group Art Therapy Recruitment, intake, preparation, assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Group Art Therapy EBP Different Client Populations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Seminar |
Student presentations 1 PSYCHOTHERAPY Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Group Art Therapy Cultural Perspectives Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Seminar |
Student presentations 2 PSYCHOTHERAPY Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Group Art Therapy Co-facilitation, managing group dynamics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
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.