EDF5561 Case formulation and counselling skills

Case formulation is a core capability for psychologists; it is a process for applying theory and research findings to practice, understanding clients' issues, establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship, and developing intervention plans. In this unit, you will develop foundational skills in both counselling and case formulation. You will be introduced to an evidence-based framework for case formulation, which provides guidelines for synthesising information from multiple sources, identifying risk, managing relevant ethical issues, selecting applicable theory, and determining the most appropriate empirically supported interventions for clients with various presenting issues, in various contexts, across diverse groups and the lifespan. Through case-based discussion in large and small groups, you will develop higher-order thinking and verbal skills suitable for professional entry into psychology. You will also reflect on your own values and beliefs, and how these may impact the therapeutic relationship and the delivery of interventions. Guided rehearsal of interviewing skills necessary for gathering clinical information and administering interventions will also be provided. The unit emphasises professional reflexivity as central to practice. You will reflect on your values, assumptions, cultural positioning, and professional responsibilities, and consider how these factors shape the therapeutic relationship, formulation processes, and intervention planning.