Clinical Skills in Psychology

The course consists of multiple modules covering core areas of clinical psychology:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Psychological Assessment

• Clinical Interview Techniques
• Mental Status Examination (MSE)
• Psychological Testing
• Case History and Data Collection
• Understanding DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
• Identifying Comorbid Conditions
• Differential Diagnosis Strategies

Module 2: Major Psychological Disorders in Adults: Diagnosis and Management

• Depression: Symptoms, screening tools (e.g., PHQ-9, BDI-II), CBT, antidepressant medications, lifestyle modifications
• Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder; assessment tools , exposure therapy, relaxation techniques
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Diagnosis using Y-BOCS, ERP therapy, medication management
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma assessment, EMDR, trauma-focused CBT

Module 3: Major Psychological Disorders in Adults: Diagnosis and Management

• Personality Disorders: Borderline Personality Disorder (DBT skills training), antisocial and narcissistic traits management
• Other Psychological problems: Such as relationship issues, disturbed family dynamics, school related issues, bullying, etc

Module 4: Therapeutic Approaches

·         Counselling

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Techniques
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Applications
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions
• Person-Cantered and Psychodynamic Approaches
•  Ethical and Professional Guidelines
• Informed Consent and Confidentiality
• Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice
• Professional Boundaries and Self-Care for Clinicians

  To ensure effective learning, the course integrates:

  • Lectures and Seminars: Delivered by experienced clinicians and psychologists.
  • Hands-on Practice: Supervised sessions to implement assessment and therapy techniques.
  • Case Study Analysis: Discussion of real-life scenarios to develop clinical reasoning.
  • Role-Playing Exercises: To refine client communication and intervention skills.
  • Assessments and Feedback: Regular evaluations to track progress and competency development.