03084 - Clinical Psychology

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Master Key Concepts

- Understand and articulate key concepts related to disturbances and relational disorders across developmental, adolescent, and adult stages.

- Apply knowledge of disturbances to various age groups and contexts.

Understand Communicative Meaning

- Comprehend the communicative meaning of psychopathological symptoms.

- Analyze how symptoms communicate underlying issues in individuals.

Knowledge of Group Management

- Understand theories and techniques for managing groups effectively.

- Apply these techniques in both educational and clinical settings to promote group cohesion and address conflicts.

Manage Behavioral Issues

- Anticipate and manage potential aggressive, addictive, and self-injurious behaviors from an educational design perspective.

- Develop and implement strategies to address these behaviors in different settings.

Early Detection of Distress

- Observe and identify dynamics of distress in individuals and groups.

- Detect signs of distress early and report them for integrated work with other professionals.

Communication Skills

- Develop advanced communication skills to manage psychological problems effectively.

- Utilize the potential of interviews in the helping relationship to support individuals in distress.

Lead Relationship Dynamics

- Lead and manage relationship dynamics by conducting effective interviews and facilitating group work.

- Promote healthy interactions and support positive outcomes in group settings.

Skills Developed

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze and interpret psychopathological symptoms and their communicative meanings.
• Practical Skills: Proficiency in managing groups and anticipating problematic behaviors.
• Observation Skills: Keen observation to detect early signs of distress.
• Communication Skills: Strong communication abilities to support individuals through interviews and group facilitation.

Application of Learning Outcomes

Students will be prepared to apply their knowledge and skills in various professional contexts, including educational settings, clinical environments, and collaborative work with other professionals. By mastering these outcomes, students will be equipped to support individuals across different stages of development and contribute to their well-being through effective communication, early intervention, and group management.

Course contents

Essential Knowledge for Future Educators

Scope of Intervention and Content of Clinical Psychology

• Understanding Clinical Psychology:
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the scope of clinical psychology, including its goals, methodologies, and areas of intervention.
  • Learn about the various settings in which clinical psychologists work and the types of issues they address.

Key Concepts of Psychophysical Well-being and Psychopathology

• Psychophysical Well-being:
  • Familiarize with the fundamental principles of psychophysical well-being.
  • Understand how mental, emotional, and physical health are interconnected.
• Psychopathology:
  • Learn key concepts related to psychopathology, including definitions, classifications, and symptoms of various mental health disorders.
  • Study the causes and effects of psychopathology on individuals and their environments.

Common Language and Keys to Understanding Mental Distress

• Shared Professional Language:
  • Acquire knowledge of psychopathological terms and concepts to effectively communicate with other professionals.
  • Develop the ability to interpret and discuss mental health issues using a shared vocabulary.
• Reading and Understanding Mental Distress:
  • Learn to identify and understand the signs and symptoms of mental distress.
  • Develop the skills to assess the severity and impact of psychological issues on individuals.

Reading Events of Subjective History and Psychological Reality

• Subjective History:
  • Improve the ability to analyze and interpret the events and experiences that shape an individual's subjective history.
  • Understand how personal history influences current psychological states and behaviors.
• Psychological Reality:
  • Develop empathy and insight into the psychological realities of others.
  • Recognize the importance of considering personal, psychological, contextual, and experiential factors in understanding an individual’s mental health.

Skills Developed

• Analytical Skills: Enhance the ability to analyze and interpret psychological data and case histories.
• Communication Skills: Strengthen communication with professionals from various disciplines using a common language.
• Empathy and Understanding: Foster a deeper understanding of others' psychological realities and the factors influencing their mental health.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Build skills for effective collaboration with other professionals in the mental health and educational fields.

Application in Professional Contexts

• Educational Settings: Use knowledge of clinical psychology and psychopathology to support students' mental health and well-being.
• Collaborative Work: Engage in interdisciplinary teams to address mental health issues and promote psychophysical well-being.
• Personal Development: Apply insights from subjective histories and psychological realities to develop more effective and empathetic educational practices.

Readings/Bibliography

MANDATORY TEXTS for taking the exam:

1. L'adolescente. Psicopatologia e psicoterapia evolutiva

Matteo Lancini, Loredana Cirillo, Tania Scodeggio, Tommaso Zanella (a cura di)

Anno di pubblicazione: 2020

Editore: Raffaello Cortina, Milano

[https://www.raffaellocortina.it/scheda-libro/matteo-lancini-loredana-cirillo-tania-scodeggio/ladolescente-9788832852707-3384.html]

2. Strumenti e progettualità dello psicologo a scuola

G. Mancini, A. Naldi, R. Agosta

Il Mulino, Bologna, 2023

[https://www.mulino.it/isbn/9788815386861]

3. Per la cultura del Benessere Bambino

Nuovi orientamenti di psicopedagogia psicoanalitica per la prevenzione dei disagi dell'età evolutiva nel tempo della complessità

A cura di Guido Crocetti, Giacomo Mancini, Giovanni Pallaoro

Libreriauniversitaria edizioni, 2023

[https://edizioni.libreriauniversitaria.it/libro/per-la-cultura-del-benessere-bambino/]

Optional book:

Il modello relazionale. Dall’attaccamento all’intersoggettività

Stephen A. Mitchell

Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2002

https://www.raffaellocortina.it/scheda-libro/stephen-a-mitchell/il-modello-relazionale-9788870787658-885.html

Teaching methods

Lectures

• Purpose: Provide foundational knowledge and theoretical understanding of clinical psychology.
• Content: Cover key concepts, theories, methodologies, and areas of intervention within clinical psychology.
• Format: Traditional lecture format with opportunities for questions and discussions.

Interactive Exercises

To complement the lectures and enhance understanding, the course will include a variety of interactive exercises:

Paper-Pencil Exercises

Purpose: Facilitate the practical application of theoretical concepts.

Activities:

- Case studies: Analyze hypothetical scenarios to identify symptoms and suggest interventions.

- Self-assessment questionnaires: Evaluate personal understanding and attitudes towards mental health issues.

Role-Playing

Purpose: Develop empathy and improve communication skills.

Activities:

- Simulated clinical interactions: Practice interviewing techniques and therapeutic communication.

- Role reversals: Experience the perspective of both the client and the clinician to gain deeper insights into the therapeutic process.

Video Commentary

Purpose: Provide visual and contextual understanding of clinical psychology concepts.

Activities:

- Watch and analyze video clips depicting various psychological disorders and therapeutic interventions.

- Group discussions: Reflect on the videos and discuss observations, interpretations, and potential interventions.

Objectives of Interactive Exercises

• Illustrate Theoretical Concepts: Demonstrate how theoretical knowledge is applied in real-world settings.
• Enhance Practical Skills: Develop practical skills needed for clinical psychology, such as assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic communication.
• Foster Empathy and Understanding: Increase empathy for individuals experiencing mental health issues and improve the ability to understand their psychological reality.
• Encourage Critical Thinking: Promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills through analysis and discussion of complex scenarios.

Integration with Course Content

• Complementary Learning: These exercises are designed to complement the theoretical knowledge gained from lectures, providing a holistic learning experience.
• Contextual Learning: By engaging in these activities, students will be able to contextualize their learning, making it more relevant and applicable to their future roles as educators or mental health professionals.
• Active Participation: Encourage active participation and engagement, enhancing retention and understanding of the material.

Assessment methods

Let’s break down the requirements for your written exam:

- Format: The exam will consist of three open questions.

- Content: The questions will be based on the textbooks listed in the references.

- Scoring: To pass, each answer must receive a minimum score of 6 out of 10.

Total Time: You’ll have 1 hour to complete the entire exam.

Remember to review the relevant textbooks thoroughly and practice writing concise, well-structured answers.

If you have any specific questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask.

Teaching tools

The teaching resources are available on the Virtual environment to support students.

The content uploaded to Virtual won’t be part of the exam questions.

Additionally, having materials and suggestions available for thesis writing is a valuable resource.

If you have any specific questions related to the exam or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

See the schedule of receptions on lecturer webpage.

Office hours

See the website of Giacomo Mancini