Clinical Psychology (2009/2010)

Learning outcomes

The course will cover some key concepts of systemic clinical psychology. This field has revealed itself to be very useful in the reading of questions as well as in the management/solution of complex situations.
The objective is to study the systemic-relational perspective and to gain basic knowledge of some of the tools used in the corresponding clinical approach. The goal here is to understand how to structure reflection/action interventions in a given context that are typical of systemic clinical psychology.

The course topics are related to what is referred to as clinical psychology. It also defines what the peculiar systemic perspective is and how it works. Specifically, the course covers the following:
- what is meant by “systemic-constructive epistemology” and the line of thought-action it opens;
- concepts/actions of the practice, such as: hypothesizing; remaining curious, the plurality of hypotheses, and the practice of not remaining tied to one’s own idea; the utility of work groups in remaining reflective and within the systemic view; the reflective attention in distinguishing and establishing relationships; connecting instead of explaining; dealing with the relationship between linear descriptions and systemic complexity.

Didactic Methods

In order to achieve these objectives, the course will be based on an active teaching style: along with the main lectures, it will include small group projects, simulations, exercises, and games. This will all lead to a better understanding of the large difference suggested by the model, as well as of the heuristic efficiency of certain tools used in the studied perspective.

References

S. McNamee, K. Gergen, Terapy as social construction, London, Sage Publication, 1992
B. P. Keeney, Aesthetics of change, New York, The Guilford Press, 1983
G: Cecchin, Verità e pregiudizio Un approccio sistemico alla psicoterapia, MI, Ed. Cortina, 1997
L. Fruggeri, Famiglie Dinamiche interpersonali e processi psico-sociali, Roma, Carocci ed.1999

Oral examination.