Learning objectives
Identifying main psychological disorders
Describing a disorder in operational terms
Identifying contestual variables of disfunctional behaviors
Hypothesizing the origine of one disorder from learning processes
Identifying relational verbal frames involved in maintaining disorders
Evoking new perspectives through clinical conversations
Understanding the rational of different models of psychoterapy
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The corse will present three main questions of clinical psychology: how we do distinguish normal behavior from abnormal (defining abnormality), how are abnormal behaviors categorized and diagnosed (classifying abnormality); how can abnormal behaviors be understood and changed (explaining and treating abnormality). Experiential sessions will be arranged to hold a clinical interview according to RFT-Relation Frame Theory.
Full programme
Clinical psychology and psychopathology: the importance of context in defining and understanding abnormality; the continuum between normal and abnormal behavior; the cultural and historical relativism in defining and classifying abnormality; the advantages and limitations of diagnoses; the principle of multiple causality; and, the connection between mind and body in abnormal behavior. DSM-5 classification of main disorders. Research and treatment methods and theories.
Principles of language as intervention and the third wave of behavioral psychotherapy.
Bibliography
R. Anchisi, P. Moderato, F. Pergolizzi (2017). Roots and Leaves: radici e sviluppi contestualisti in terapia comportamentale e cognitiva. Milano: Franco Angeli.
R. Anchisi, M. Gambotto Dessy (2017). Il colloquio clinico in terapia cognitivo-comportamentale. Firenze: Hogrefe.
For english readers:
M. Villatte, J.L. Villatte, S.C. Hayes (2016). Mastering The Clinical Conversation: Language As Intervention. New York: The Guilford Press.
Teaching methods
Case studies in small groups and role-playing.
Short lessons befor and after experiential exercises
Assessment methods and criteria
Multiple choice test
Other information
Frequency strongly recommended
