Psychopathology Assessment: Anxiety-Based and Personality Disorders

30 hours with additional hours of clinical supervision.

In this course, participants delve into the foundational principles of individual psychology related to the conceptualization of mental disorders. Various theories related to anxiety are explored to help learners better understand symptoms such as panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, general anxiety, and phobias. The origins of these conditions, especially in the context of early developmental conflicts, are investigated. The course examines the influence of developmental challenges on anxiety formation from multiple theoretical perspectives. The impact of trauma is highlighted, and the symptoms of PTSD are discussed in relation to structural concerns. Furthermore, an in-depth exploration of different personality disorders, categorized into clusters A, B, and C, is provided, focusing on aspects of self-organization, attachment, emotions, and defense mechanisms. Treatment considerations tailored to each personality type are reviewed, and the way anxiety manifests in the context of various personality disorders is discussed.

Psychodiagnostics

30 hours with additional hours of clinical supervision.

This course reviews assessment steps in delineation and presentation of client patterns and issues and decision-making procedures for recommending appropriate treatment options for clients. Students become familiar with DSM-5 and multiaxial diagnosis, as well as alternative conceptualizations and approaches. This course has an emphasis on cognitive assessment.

By successfully completing the requirements for this course, students will be able to understand and demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

1. Understand and apply processes for self-evaluation and development, including how attitudes, biases, power, and privilege influence how we perceive others.
2. Apply and evaluate semi-structured intake and assessment skills and processes.
3. Understand and assess DSM and ICD processes for differential diagnosis and diagnostic assessment.
4. Become familiar with the role of case conceptualization in the diagnostic and treatment planning
5. process.
6. Understand, apply, and evaluate evidence-based interventions and intervention plans.

Assessed with research review discussions, supervised case reviews, and an academic paper.

Psychological Assessment

30 hours with additional hours of clinical supervision.

This course aims to review the principles and practices of psychological assessment. The course will focus on widely used norm-referenced tests of intellectual ability, work aptitudes, personality, vocational interests, attitudes and values, and how these tests are used individually and in combination as part of psychological assessment.

Considerations will also be given to interviewing as an assessment tool. Focus will be given to the strengths, limitations, interpretation and presentation of findings from various assessment instruments. The course will develop skills in both assessment planning and report writing skills.

The course will also review the ethical and social implications of assessment in various contexts, including socially and linguistically diverse populations.

Assessed with research review discussions, supervised case reviews, and an academic paper.

Clinical Supervisor

Karen Redhill-Feinstein M.A. C.Psych. Assoc.
Registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario
Practice in Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychology
Reg. # 5265