Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT
Web site for further details: http://www.flinders.edu.au/courses/postgrad/mentalhs.htm
Overview
In any one year, 10 percent of the Australian population will
develop an anxiety disorder. Behavioural and cognitive therapies
have been shown to be the most effective treatments for people
with anxiety disorders (even more effective than medication). These
therapies are brief (4-12 sessions) and have long lasting effects.
The Mental Health Sciences Postgraduate Program offered at Flinders University, was established in 2000. It was the first course in Australia for non-psychologists devoted to the development of skills in behavioural and cognitive therapies for a wide range of conditions including anxiety disorders, psychosis, depression and problem gambling. Mental health professionals such as nurses, GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists social workers, counselors and teachers can learn these skills full-time or part-time while continuing to work.
The postgraduate programs in mental health sciences provide opportunities for people from mental health backgrounds to enhance their knowledge, skills and attitudes in the area of mental health sciences.
The course aims to equip graduates from a variety of health professions with profound knowledge and understanding of the theory, principles and practice of mental health sciences with an emphasis on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Recognised as one of the strongest aspects of the programs, is the large clinical component. Students will develop proficiency in CBT and contingent upon the actual award undertaken will, upon completion of the course, be able to practise as specialists in that field.
The program of study has three articulating awards progressing
through the Graduate Certificate in Health (Mental Health Sciences),
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Sciences, and, Master of Mental
Health Sciences. Students must complete, to be eligible for the
award of:
- Graduate Certificate, 18 units. (6 months full time)
- Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Sciences, 36 units. (1-year full time)
- Master of Mental Health Sciences, 72 units. (2-year full time)
The programs have been developed to allow stepwise progression from the Graduate Certificate to the Graduate Diploma through to the Masters degree. The programs use a problem based learning approach to develop skills and knowledge that extend into clinical practice.
Detailed information on how to enrol and subjects offered is available
at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/courses/postgrad/mentalhs.htm
Objectives
Masters level graduates undertake to learn the skills to:
- Assess, treat and evaluate clients presenting with a wide variety of problems to a high standard of clinical competency consistent with Current Best Practice as recognised within the field of CBT and more widely in mental health sciences.
- Act as the main therapist, liasing with other professionals.
- Educate others (health professionals, clients and families) regarding mental health sciences and with particular reference to CBT.
- Act as clinical supervisors to other health professionals on issues relating to mental health sciences and CBT.
- Undertake research in the field of mental health sciences.