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Course profile

Advanced Therapy Skills: Working with Families and Groups (PXMH7106)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
Herston
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
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.

I look forward to working with you. Tom O'Brien

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 staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Workshops

  • There are 4 days of workshops.
  • Group Therapy: Monday 29 July and Tuesday 30 July on Group Therapy - all day, in-person at Herston
  • Family Therapy: Thursday 1 August and Friday 2 August on Family Therapy - all day, in-person at Herston.
  • Details about arrangement will be confirmed.

Tutorials

  • All held on Zoom. Zoom link will be sent prior to the tutorial.
  • 25 July: 5:30pm to 6:15pm - Introduction to PXMH7106
  • 15 August: 5:30pm to 7:00pm - Using Family Therapy in your practice
  • 22 August: 5.30pm to 7:00pm - Using Group Therapy in your practice
  • 10 and 17 October: Student Presentations

ART THERAPY

  • Tutorial times are on Tuesdays 1:00pm – 2:30pm (Local & Remote) via Zoom with Amanda Hall

Activity (including UQ week and date)

  • Week 1: Tuesday 23rd July - Online Class- Introduction to PXMH7106
  • Week 2: Residential week (all required in person)
  • Joint Art Therapy/Psychotherapy workshop - Thursday 1 August from 8:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm
  • Week 3: Tuesday 6th August - Online Family Art Therapy Class
  • Week 4: Tuesday 13th August - Online Family Art Therapy Class
  • Week 5: Tuesday 20th August - Online Family Art Therapy Class
  • Week 6: Tuesday 27th August - Online Family Art Therapy Class
  • Week 7: Tuesday 3rd September - Online Family Art Therapy Class
  • Week 8: Tuesday 10th September - Online Introduction to Group Therapy Class
  • Week 9: Tuesday 17th September - Online Group Therapy Class
  • Mid Semester Break 23rd September - 29th September - NO CLASSES
  • Week 10: Tuesday 1st October - Online Group Therapy Class
  • Week 11: Tuesday 8th October - Online Group Therapy Class
  • Week 12: Tuesday 15th October - Online Group Therapy Class
  • Week 13: Tuesday 22nd October - Online Group Therapy Class
  • Assessment block: 7th & 8th November - 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
  • Hurdle
20%

28/10/2024 5:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Family Art Therapy Intervention ART THERAPY
  • Hurdle
30%

2/09/2024 5:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Comparing group and family therapies PSYCHOTHERAPY
  • Hurdle
50%

9/09/2024 5:00 pm

Presentation Presentation on Group or Family Therapy PSYCHOTHERAPY
  • Hurdle
  • Online
50%

10/10/2024 5:00 pm

Role play/ Simulation Group Intervention and discussion ART THERAPY
  • Hurdle
50%

7/11/2024 - 8/11/2024

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%
Due date

28/10/2024 5:00 pm

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:

  1. 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.
  2. The prompting journal questions have been considered and responded to appropriately.
  3. Art work is clearly presented and the quality of media, process of art making, and visual reflection is described.
  4. 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.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

Family Art Therapy Intervention ART THERAPY

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
30%
Due date

2/09/2024 5:00 pm

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:

  1. Identify and describe a population that could benefit from a family therapy intervention.
  2. Articulate the needs of this population.
  3. Explain how family art therapy could address these needs.
  4. 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:

  1. 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. 
  2. The reason family art therapy could be beneficial, including the choice of family strategies and intervention is articulated, and supported by literature.
  3. 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.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

Comparing group and family therapies PSYCHOTHERAPY

  • Hurdle
Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
50%
Due date

9/09/2024 5:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

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:

  1. Compare and contrast the development of Group Therapy and Family Therapy.
  2. Discuss the different theoretical approaches underpinning each therapy.
  3. 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.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

Presentation on Group or Family Therapy PSYCHOTHERAPY

  • Hurdle
  • Online
Mode
Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
50%
Due date

10/10/2024 5:00 pm

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.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

Group Intervention and discussion ART THERAPY

  • Hurdle
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Role play/ Simulation
Weight
50%
Due date

7/11/2024 - 8/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L03, L04

Task description

Proposal Submission:

  1. Email a 250-word proposal for your workshop to the Course Coordinator by Friday, October 4th, 2024.
  2. Identify your co-facilitator and the chosen population.

Workshop Preparation and Facilitation:

  1. Prepare and co-facilitate a therapy group with fellow students participating in a role-play.
  2. Identify a population that could benefit from group therapy and develop a suitable intervention.
  3. Ensure the intervention is informed by literature on the suitability and effectiveness for the chosen population.
  4. Demonstrate a high level of knowledge about the art media and skill in managing the group process.
  5. The activity should last 60-90 minutes and be suitable for the available facilities. Manage your time effectively.

Feedback Session:

  1. Following the group, participate in a 20-minute feedback session.
  2. Explain the rationale for your chosen activities.
  3. Reflect on the co-facilitation experience.
  4. Receive feedback from your peers.

Criteria & Marking:

  1. Group therapy intervention is suitable and likely to be effective for the selected population
  2. You demonstrate a high level of knowledge of the art media and organisation skills in planning the intervention
  3. You demonstrate a high level of skill in managing group process, including processing of the art work and clear communication
  4. The activity is completed within the time frame and is suitable for the facilities and resources offered
  5. You demonstrate the ability to effectively co-facilitate a therapy group with a peer
  6. 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.

Late submission

Assessments submitted after the due date without an approved extension will receive a late penalty.

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

The assessment tasks in this course evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conductᅠunless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. If indicated by the course coordinator to use AI, students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Refer to the following guide regarding referencing of AI: Overview - ChatGPT and other generative AI tools - Library Guides at University of Queensland Library.

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.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Seminar

Introduction to PXMH7106 PSYCHOTHERAPY

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

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

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Tutorial

Family Art Therapy

Recruitment, assessment, planning.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Tutorial

Family Art Therapy

Treatment

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Seminar

Using FT in your workplace PSYCHOTHERAPY

Learning outcomes: L02, L04

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

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

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Tutorial

Family Art Therapy

Working with complexity and barriers to change

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Tutorial

Group Therapy

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Tutorial

Group Therapy

Therapeutic and Curative Factors

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Tutorial

Group Therapy

Group Types and Stages

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Tutorial

Group Art Therapy

Recruitment, intake, preparation, assessment.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Tutorial

Group Art Therapy

EBP Different Client Populations

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Seminar

Student presentations 1 PSYCHOTHERAPY

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

Tutorial

Group Art Therapy

Cultural Perspectives

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Seminar

Student presentations 2 PSYCHOTHERAPY

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.