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Basic Psychodynamic & Organizational theory, skills & principles of practice (Children and Adolescents)

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenor: to be confirmed
  • Assessment: a 5000-word essay (100%)

Module description

In this module we build on the main principles of psychodynamic theory, and explore psychodynamic concepts and underlying philosophy, with a specific emphasis on psychoanalysis of children and adolescents. We continue to look at the main principles of organisational theory and thinking, so as to enhance understanding of practice in an organisational context and prepare for the Group Relations Conference which you will attend at the beginning of Year 3.

The provision of group relations conferences on this course is currently under review as part of a wider syllabus review and may be subject to change.

Indicative syllabus

  • Building on concepts of psychodynamic theory (unconscious, repression, resistance, transference, defences, inner world etc)
  • Introduction to the work of Freud, Klein and Winnicott
  • Human growth and personality development
  • Developmental perspective on understanding of specific emotional disorders in childhood and adolescence
  • Furthering understanding of organisational ideas (organisation as a system, concepts of role, boundary, leadership etc)

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will:

  • have a critical understanding of the foundations of theoretical and practical principles of psychodynamic counselling/therapy
  • have a basic understanding of different theoretical frameworks
  • understand healthy emotional development and emotional disturbances
  • understand and be able to use psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles to increase knowledge of both theory and practice, personality development, the inner and outer worlds of the client, and institutional and group influences on personal development.