Course Syllabus

Applied Psychotherapy

Semester & Location:	Summer Session 3 2023 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Summer Course - 4 credits
Study Tour:	Zurich, Switzerland
Major Disciplines:	Psychology
Prerequisite(s):	One psychology course at university level
Faculty Members:	Bruce Bradfield (current students please use the Canvas Inbox)
Time & Place:	Tuesday, July 4th- Friday July 28th  See course schedules for details Classroom: TBA

 

Course Description

How does one apply theoretical knowledge to real-life therapeutic contexts? This course introduces diverse theoretical approaches to counseling methods and incorporates the use of integrated therapeutic approaches with focus on pragmatic therapeutic elements . This course requires active participation in and observation of group-based and individual exercises focusing on counseling skills.

Students will be introduced to exercises in practical counseling skills and various theories of counseling and psychotherapy. We will review how theoretical knowledge can be applied to real life therapy . Major theoretical traditions regarding therapy and counseling will be discussed. Assorted counseling methods and integrated approaches are presented and compared.

The class will consist of a group based presentations by students on the topic of the day which focuses on theoretical principles, applications and research. A significant part of the class is based on class discussion, role plays and other exercises and DVD observations of experts conducting therapy.

Learning Objectives

• Explore the theoretical framework behind different counseling and therapeutic approaches, in general and in a Danish context. 

• Apply and compare methods in which professionals work with adult clients and evaluate difficulties and strengths of intervention techniques.

• Experiment with several counseling and creative techniques individually and in small group settings.

Faculty

Bruce Bradfield

MA in Psychology (Rhodes University, South Africa)

MA in Clinical Psychology (Rhodes University, South Africa)

PhD in Psychology (The University of Cape Town, South Africa)

I have worked as a clinical psychologist in private practice since 2008. My style of practice is informed by psychoanalytic principles derived from relational psychoanalysis, attachment theory, and humanistic approaches to psychotherapy. In my work I engage primarily with adults, working with individuals, couples and families. 

Readings

TBA

Potential Field Studies

• Exposure therapy

We will learn about behavioral experiments and exposure therapy. We will explore how virtual reality can be used in the treatment of anxiety. We will then break into groups and use the city as a therapy setting to do real life exposure therapy.

Potential Guest Lecturers

• Terry Saftis, DIS Faculty

Before joining DIS Terry Saftis worked as the Clinical Director of Community Housing and Therapy, a leading UK charity running therapeutic community households for adults with mental health diagnoses. He has also managed two therapeutic community projects, one, being a project working with homeless veterans suffering from mental health difficulties and the other a project for individuals with a diagnosis of psychosis and personality disorder. 

Topic: Community Therapy

• Kamilla Kisbye

Clinical psychologist working in a psychiatric hospital. 

Topic: Psychiatric care. Kamilla will share her experiences from working in various psychiatric hospital departments.

• Line Kamstrup Frederiksen, DIS Faculty

Psy. D in Counselling Psychology (University of Regent’s College, London 2011). Ph.D. Counselling Psychology (University of Regent’s College London 2011). Chartered Counselling Psychologist (2012). Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Clinic within the National Health Services (Denmark, 2011). Specialized in Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Existential Psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. 

Topic: Using mindfulness in therapy.

Approach to Teaching

The class will be a mixture of lecturing, student group presentations, group discussions and role-playing. A large component in this course is based on experiential learning, so students are expected to participate actively in class exercises, reflection and discussions. Students are expected to take active responsibility towards their learning. Students are expected to follow the following rules in order to promote the best possible learning environment for all.

Any personal information revealed in this class is confidential. You may share ideas and experiences with people outside the class, but no information referring to personal identities should be revealed. Any violation of this confidentiality will be taken seriously.

Students should be able to feel confident in presenting their differing viewpoints even if those are different to other class members. Differences should always be approached with respect and students to be able to think about these differences in a reflective manner in relation to their own life experiences and how each one digests and processes the different theoretical perspectives presented.

Expectations of the Students

No laptops allowed in the classroom

Attend all classes having read the materials prior to class

Participate actively in discussions in class and in group exercises

Discuss readings and prepare presentations with an assigned study group outside of class time

Develop and exercise critical thinking throughout the course

Classroom etiquette includes being respectful of one another’s opinions; listening to others and entering into dialogue in a constructive manner

Students are required to treat the contributions from each other with confidentiality and respect for privacy.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated throughout the term by completing various group and individual assignments.  All students will be assigned their groups in the beginning of the term and will be required to complete all coursework in order to receive a pass grade.  Students that are able to produce work beyond the obvious and predictable will be awarded full marks for their efforts.  Students are also expected to contribute to class discussions and show active participation throughout the term in order to receive full marks for the course. 

Grading

Assignment	Percent
Class Participation & Attendance	10%
Group Presentations	20%
Critical Analysis Paper	20%
Study Tour Assignment	15%
Final Assignment	35%

Assignment Descriptions 

TBA

Academic Regulations

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code

 

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