Mental Health I: Individual Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan

This advanced practice course is designed to systematically explore the theory and apply the practice of individual psychotherapy across the lifespan. It introduces students to concepts of clinical interviewing, developing a therapeutic relationship and common factors in psychotherapy. Major schools of psychotherapy (e.g., psychoanalytic, humanistic-existential, cognitive behavioral) and various psychotherapies within the schools are analyzed with a focus on understanding their underlying theoretical assumptions and relevant concepts of health, psychopathology and change. Students will examine and critique the evidence-base of various psychotherapies appropriate for different age groups as well as for various clinical issues, paying specific attention to diversity in culture, lifestyle and values. The psychotherapy role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner relative to intra and interprofessional practice, ethical, legal and policy considerations are examined. The experiential training and simulation component focus on the application and demonstration of psychotherapy skills.