CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY OUTLINE

A COURSE OUTLINE FOR A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY:

Year 1: - Clinical Interventions II: Group Therapy
and Family Therapy
- Introduction to Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Statistics for Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Cultural Diversity in Clinical Practice
- Biological Bases of Behavior
- Ethics and Professional Issues in Clinical
- Developmental Psychology Practice
- Social Psychology Year 4:
Year 2: - Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology I:
- Abnormal Psychology Trauma, Grief, and Loss

- Cognitive Psychology - Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology

II: Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Personality Theory and Assessment
- Advanced Research Methods in Clinical
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis Psychology

- Behavioral Neuroscience - Practicum in Clinical Settings I:

Observation and Participation
- Psychological Testing and Assessment
- Practicum in Clinical Settings II: Direct
Year 3:
Service Provision
- Clinical Interventions I: Psychotherapy
- Capstone Project or Thesis
Techniques and Approaches

Note that the specific courses offered may vary depending on the university or college
offering the program.

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 TEXTBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EACH YEAR:

Year 1:

- Introduction to Psychology: "Psychology" by Daniel L. Schacter, Daniel T. Gilbert, and

Matthew K. Nock

- Statistics for Psychology: "Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics" by Andy Field

- Research Methods in Psychology: "Research Methods in Psychology" by Beth Morling

- Biological Bases of Behavior: "Biological Psychology" by James W. Kalat

- Developmental Psychology: "Development Across the Life Span" by Robert S. Feldman

- Social Psychology: "Social Psychology" by David Myers

Year 2:

- Abnormal Psychology: "Abnormal Psychology" by Ronald J. Comer

- Cognitive Psychology: "Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research, and Everyday

Experience" by E. Bruce Goldstein

- Personality Theory and Assessment: "Theories of Personality" by Susan C. Cloninger

- Psychopathology and Diagnosis: "Psychopathology: History, Diagnosis, and Empirical

Foundations" by W. Edward Craighead and David J. Miklowitz

- Behavioral Neuroscience: "Biological Psychology" by James W. Kalat

- Psychological Testing and Assessment: "Psychological Testing: Principles, Applications, and

Issues" by Robert M. Kaplan and Dennis P. Saccuzzo

Year 3:

- Clinical Interventions I: Psychotherapy Techniques and Approaches: "Clinical Handbook of

Psychological Disorders: A Step-by-Step Treatment Manual" by David H. Barlow

- Clinical Interventions II: Group Therapy and Family Therapy: "Theories of Psychotherapy and
Counseling" by Richard Sharf

- Health Psychology: "Health Psychology: Biopsychosocial Interactions" by Edward P. Sarafino

- Neuropsychology: "Clinical Neuropsychology: A Practical Guide to Assessment and

Management for Clinicians" by Laura H. Goldstein and Jane E. McNeil

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- Cultural Diversity in Clinical Practice: "Culturally Responsive Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy:
Assessment, Practice, and Supervision" by Pamela A. Hays

- Ethics and Professional Issues in Clinical Practice: "Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A
Practical Guide" by Kenneth S. Pope and Melba J. T. Vasquez

Year 4:

- Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology I: Trauma, Grief, and Loss: "Assessment and
Treatment of Trauma" by John P. Wilson and Matthew J. Friedman

- Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology II: Substance Abuse and Addiction: "Substance
Abuse Treatment and the Stages of Change: Selecting and Planning Interventions" by Gerard J.
Connors, Carlo C. DiClemente, and Mary Marden Velasquez

- Advanced Research Methods in Clinical Psychology: "Research Methods in Clinical

Psychology: An Introduction for Students and Practitioners" by Chris Barker and Nancy Pistrang

- Practicum in Clinical Settings I: Observation and Participation: "The Beginning

Psychotherapist's Companion: Second Edition" by Jan Willer

- Practicum in Clinical Settings II: Direct Service Provision: "The Complete Adult
Psychotherapy Treatment Planner" by Arthur E. Jongsma Jr. and L. Mark Peterson

- Capstone Project or Thesis: "Writing Empirical Research Reports: A Basic Guide for Students
of the Social and Behavioral Sciences" by Fred Pyrczak and Randall R. Bruce

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A FOUR YEAR TWO-SEMESTER PER ANUM SCHEME (BACHELOR'S DEGREE):

**Year 1:**

*Semester 1*

1. Introduction to Psychology: This course provides an overview of the field of psychology,

including its history, major theories, and research methods. The course covers topics such as
perception, cognition, learning, motivation, emotion, and personality. It provides an overview of
psychology as a scientific discipline, including its history, research methods, and major fields of
study. Students learn about the biopsychosocial model of human behavior and development, and
are introduced to key concepts such as cognition, emotion, motivation, personality, social
influence, and abnormal behavior.

2. Statistics for Psychology: This course covers basic statistical concepts and methods used in
psychological research. Students acquire basic statistical skills necessary for understanding and
conducting psychological research. The focus is on descriptive statistics, inferential statistics,
hypothesis testing, and data analysis using SPSS software.

3. Research Methods in Psychology: This course covers the scientific method as it applies to
psychological research. It covers research design/experimental design, data collection, sampling
techniques, data analysis, measurement issues, data interpretation and ethical issues in research.
Students gain practical experience by designing and conducting their own research project.

*Semester 2*

4. Biological Bases of Behavior: This course covers the biological foundations of behavior,
including the structure and function of the nervous system, genetics, and the endocrine system.
The course also covers topics such as sensation and perception, learning and memory, and
motivation and emotion. It explores the relationship between brain function and behavior,
including topics such as neuroanatomy, physiological psychology, sensory processes, sleep and
dreaming, learning and memory, and drugs and behavior.

5. Developmental Psychology: This course covers the development of individuals across the
lifespan (from infancy to old age) including physical, cognitive, and social development. The
course also covers topics such as attachment, parenting, and identity formation. Students learn
about theories of development, stages of growth, and factors that contribute to healthy
development.

6. Social Psychology: This course covers the study of social behavior, including attitudes, social
influence, group dynamics, and intergroup relations. It investigates how people think about
themselves and others, form impressions, communicate, and interact within groups. Topics

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include attribution theory, persuasion, conformity, prejudice, discrimination, and interpersonal
relationships.

1. Myers, D. G., & Dewall, C. N. (2017). Psychology (12th ed.). Worth Publishers.

2. Howell, D. C. (2013). Statistical methods for psychology (8th ed.). Wadsworth.

3. Gravetter, F. J., & Forzano, L. B. (2018). Research methods for the behavioral sciences (5th
ed.). Cengage Learning.

4. Kalat, J. W. (2016). Biological psychology (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.

5. Papalia, D. E., Feldman, R. D., & Martorell, G. (2018). Experience human development (13th
ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

6. Baron, R. A., & Branscombe, N. R. (2018). Social psychology (14th ed.). Pearson.

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 **Year 2:**

*Semester 3*

1. Abnormal Psychology: This course covers abnormal behavior, including the classification,
assessment, and treatment of psychological disorders. The course also covers topics such as
anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. It surveys various
forms of mental disorders, including symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies.
Students learn about classification systems, diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and protective factors
associated with different types of mental illness.

2. Cognitive Psychology: This course covers the study of mental processes, including
perception, attention, memory, thinking, and problem-solving. The course also covers topics
such as language, decision-making, and consciousness. Students learn about information
processing models, cognitive structures, and executive functions involved in thinking and
reasoning.

3. Personality Theory and Assessment: This course covers the major theories of personality,
including trait theory, psychodynamic theory, humanistic theory, and social-cognitive theory. It
reviews theoretical approaches to personality, including trait, factor, and evolutionary
perspectives. The course also covers methods of personality assessment, including self-report
measures, behavioral observation, and projective tests.

*Semester 4*

4. Psychopathology and Diagnosis: This course covers the assessment and diagnosis of
psychological disorders, including the use of the DSM-5. It delves deeper into specific categories
of mental disorders, including mood, anxiety, schizophrenia spectrum, traumatic stress, and
personality disorders. Students learn about differential diagnoses, cultural factors in diagnosis,
comorbidities, and treatment planning based on individual needs and goals.

5. Behavioral Neuroscience: This course covers the biological basis of behavior, including the
structure and function of the brain, the endocrine system, and the autonomic nervous system. The
course also covers topics such as neuroplasticity, neuroimaging, and the relationship between
brain and behavior. It studies the neural basis of behavior, including neurotransmitters, neuronal
networks, brain regions, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Students learn
about mechanisms underlying reward, punishment, reinforcement, conditioning, and habituation.

6. Psychological Testing and Assessment: This course covers the principles of psychological
testing and assessment, including the development and use of standardized tests, test scoring and
interpretation, and the ethical issues involved in testing.

References:
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1. Barlow, D. H., & Durand, V. M. (2015). Abnormal psychology: An integrative approach (7th
ed.). Cengage Learning.

2. Goldstein, E. B. (2018). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday

experience (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.

3. Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2019). Personality: Theory and research (14th ed.). John Wiley
& Sons.

4. Comer, R. J. (2019). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology (9th ed.). Worth Publishers.

5. Carlson, N. R. (2017). Physiology of behavior (12th ed.). Pearson.

6. Cohen, R. J., & Swerdlik, M. E. (2018). Psychological testing and assessment: An

introduction to tests and measurement (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

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 **Year 3:**

*Semester 5*

1. Clinical Interventions I: Psychotherapy Techniques and Approaches: This course covers

the major psychotherapy techniques and approaches used in clinical practice, including
psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and integrative
therapy. Students will learn about the indications, contraindications, goals, and outcomes of each
approach. The course also covers issues related to the therapeutic relationship, including
empathy, transference, and countertransference. It introduces evidence-based therapies for
treating individuals, couples, families, and groups. They will also practice basic therapeutic skills
such as active listening, reflection, and problem solving.

2. Clinical Interventions II: Group Therapy and Family Therapy: This course covers the
principles and techniques of group therapy and family therapy. The course also covers issues
related to group dynamics, leadership, and the role of the therapist in group and family contexts.
It emphasizes group dynamics, communication patterns, conflict resolution, and therapeutic
alliance in small and large groups Students will explore the unique features of group and family
therapy modalities. They will learn about the stages of group development, roles within groups,
and common intervention strategies. They will also study family systems theory and practice,
including structural, strategic, and narrative approaches.

3. Health Psychology: This course covers the relationship between psychological factors and
physical health, including the biopsychosocial model of health and illness. This unit will
introduce students to the relationship between mind and body, focusing on topics such as stress
management, pain management, sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition, and chronic illness. Students
will learn about the role of psychologists in promoting health behaviors and managing medical
conditions.

*Semester 6*

4. Neuropsychology: This course covers the study of the relationship between brain function
and behavior. The course also covers topics such as brain damage and recovery, cognitive aging,
and the neuropsychology of emotion. It examines the anatomy and physiology of the central
nervous system, neurological disorders, and the assessment and treatment of cognitive
impairments. Students will learn about the use of neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and other
diagnostic tools in identifying and treating neurological dysfunction.

5. Cultural Diversity in Clinical Practice: This course covers the ways in which culture and
diversity impact clinical practice, including issues related to diagnosis, treatment, and
communication. The course also covers topics such as cultural competence, cultural humility,
ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status in clinical practice and

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the impact of societal factors on mental health. Students will learn about multicultural
competence, cross-cultural communication, and evidence-based practices for working with
diverse populations.

6. Ethics and Professional Issues in Clinical Practice: This course covers the ethical and
professional issues that arise in clinical practice, including informed consent, confidentiality,
boundaries, duty to warn, mandatory reporting and the use of technology in therapy. Students
will learn about professional organizations and licensure requirements, as well as best practices
for maintaining personal and professional boundaries. The course also covers issues related to
professional development, including licensure, certification, and continuing education.

References:
1. Corsini, R. J., Wedding, D., & Frankel, J. (2017). Current psychotherapies (10th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
2. Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2015). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.).
Basic Books.
3. Sarafino, E. P., & Smith, T. W. (2017). Health psychology: Biopsychosocial interactions (9th
ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
4. Lezak, M. D., Howieson, D. B., Bigler, E. D., & Tranel, D. (2012). Neuropsychological
assessment (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
5. Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.).
John Wiley & Sons.
6. Koocher, G. P., & Keith-Spiegel, P. C. (2016). Ethics in psychology and the mental health
professions: Standards and cases (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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 **Year 4**
*Semester 7*

1. Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology I: Trauma, Grief, and Loss: This course will
cover advanced topics in trauma, grief, and loss in clinical psychology. Students will learn about
the theoretical foundations, current research, and evidence-based treatments for these issues.
Topics may include PTSD, grief counseling, bereavement, and coping strategies for individuals
who have experienced trauma. It also includes understanding complex trauma, attachment styles,
and their impact on mental health. The course will focus on evidence-based treatments like
EMDR, DBT, and ACT. Additionally, it covers the role of spirituality and creativity in healing
from trauma and grief.

2. Advanced Topics in Clinical Psychology II: Substance Abuse and Addiction

This course will cover advanced topics in substance abuse and addiction in clinical psychology.
Students will learn about the theoretical foundations, current research, and practical applications
of addiction treatment. Topics may include the neurobiology of addiction, the impact of
addiction on the brain and behavior, and evidence-based treatments for addiction. It includes
studying the pharmacological effects of drugs and alcohol, co-occurring disorders, and evidence-
based treatments like Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and 12-step facilitation. Moreover, it
discusses the legal and ethical considerations when dealing with clients who have substance
abuse problems.

3. Advanced Research Methods in Clinical Psychology

This course will cover advanced research methods in clinical psychology. Topics may include
experimental design, statistical analysis, and research ethics. Students will learn how to design
and conduct research studies, analyze data, and interpret findings. The course will also cover the
ethical considerations involved in conducting research with human subjects.

4. Practicum in Clinical Settings I: Observation and Participation

This practicum course provides students with the opportunity to observe and participate in
clinical settings. Students will observe and assist licensed professionals in the field, gaining
practical experience and exposure to different types of clinical settings.

5. Practicum in Clinical Settings II: Direct Service Provision

This practicum course builds upon the experience gained in Practicum in Clinical Settings I.
Students will have the opportunity to provide direct services to clients under the supervision of
licensed professionals. Students will gain hands-on experience in conducting assessments,
developing treatment plans, and providing evidence-based treatments.

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 *Semester 7*

6. Capstone Project or Thesis

The capstone project or thesis is the culminating experience of the Bachelor's degree program in
Clinical Psychology. Students will work with a faculty advisor to design and conduct an
independent research project or complete a comprehensive literature review. The project will
demonstrate the student's ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the
program to a real-world problem or question in the field of clinical psychology.

1. Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence--from domestic abuse
to political terror. Basic Books.

2. Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change.
Guilford Press.

3. Kazdin, A. E. (2016). Research design in clinical psychology. Pearson.

4. McLeod, J. (2011). Qualitative research in counselling and psychotherapy. Sage.

5. American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of

conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index

Compiled and edited by Leonard Mbiydzenyuy,

3rd June, 2023.

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