Course of Study for the Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Program

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

PSY 5001: Biological Bases of Clinical Practice (3 units)

This course offers a foundational introduction to biological psychology with special reference to clinical implications. Course content includes the following: functional neuroanatomy and gross brain organization; neural functioning; arousal mechanisms and sleep; sensory-motor systems; memory and learning processes; emotional experience; and consciousness, orientation, and awareness.

PSY 5002: Culture and Ethnicity in Clinical Practice (3 units)

One of three required courses in the Diversity sequence, this course covers theory, historical and contemporary research, and best clinical practice related to multiculturalism and the impact of culture and difference on psychotherapy. It provides the necessary level of knowledge and understanding of cultural, sociopolitical frameworks and multicultural issues related to race and ethnicity for beginning clinical practice.

PSY 5014: Gender and Sexuality in Clinical Practice (3 units)

One of three required courses in the Diversity sequence, this course examines theory, historical and contemporary research, and best clinical practice related to gender identity and sexuality. Students will gain knowledge and attitudes necessary for working with sexuality in a clinical context and for understanding treatment issues unique to gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender-identified persons.

PSY 5019: Religion and Spirituality in Clinical Practice (3 units)

One of three required courses in the Diversity sequence, this course examines theory, historical and contemporary research, and best clinical practice related to religion and spirituality. Spirituality is understood as a common aspect of human experience that presents in the therapeutic context. Students acquire knowledge and attitudes necessary for recognizing and addressing spiritual issues in the therapeutic context and for responding sensitively to religious beliefs of clients.

PSY 5105: Psychopharmacology (1 unit)

This course examines the range of contemporary psychopharmacological interventions for various DSM-IV diagnostic categories, including antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. Neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychopathology and pharmacological interventions are discussed.

PSY 5401 and PSYL 5401: Research Design and Statistics I (3 units)

This course focuses on statistical methods of analysis used in the conduct of quantitative research. Students develop analytical skills and critical thinking to guide interpretation and critical appraisal of the psychological research literature, including understanding of probability and hypothesis testing, power and effect size, correlational and regression analysis (including multiple regression), ANOVA and factor analysis, and chi-square methods. The laboratory section is devoted to use of SPSS software for statistical analysis of class-generated data.

PSY 5402: Research Design and Statistics II (3 units)

This course is the second in the PsyD research sequence. It offers a review of research designs and strategies for quantitative approaches involving groups and single participants. Research and issues related to evidence-based practice of psychology are addressed. The course includes an introduction to qualitative research and data reduction methods, program evaluation, research ethics, guided practice in interviewing, and consensual coding.

PSY 5504: Theories and Practice of Psychotherapy: Humanistic and Existential (3 units)

One of the Theories and Practice sequence in PsyD, this course offers an overview and critical appraisal of contemporary theory and practice of humanistic and existential psychology, in terms of direct work with individuals as well as relevant philosophical interface with social issues.

PSY 5502: Theories and Practice of Psychotherapy: Psychodynamic (3 units)

One of the Theories and Practice sequence in PsyD, this course offers an overview of classical and contemporary psychodynamic theories and practice, using social, clinical, cultural, and historical examples to illustrate concepts. Theoretical perspectives include the following: Classical (Freudian) theory, Ego-Psychology (Neo-Freudian), Object Relations Theory, Self Psychology, Analytical Psychology (Jungian), Interpersonal Psychoanalysis, Attachment Theory, and Feminist Psychoanalysis.

PSY 5503: Theories and Practice of Psychotherapy: Cognitive-Behavioral (3 units)

One of the Theories and Practice sequence in PsyD, this course examines cognitive-behavioral methods, with an emphasis on understanding and managing behavior through appropriate selection of techniques. Core concepts are derived from classical behaviorism and recast in terms of contemporary empirically supported cognitive-behavioral practice.

PSY 5505: Theories and Practice of Psychotherapy: Emerging Methods (3 units)

This elective course examines the best available scholarship on emerging therapeutic methods, such as mindfulness-based methods and dialectic behavior therapy. Course content varies depending on current best practices in psychotherapy and on the expertise of the instructor.

PSY 5601: Psychopathology (3 units)

In this course, students learn the DSM-IV-TR system of diagnosis as well as various critiques of this approach. Students come to understand varying approaches to psychopathology, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic/existential/transpersonal, family and systems, and sociocultural perspectives.

PSY 5602: Treatment of Alcoholism and Chemical Dependence (1 unit)

This course begins by developing a foundation for assessment and treatment of substance abuse. In this process, an attempt is made to deepen student perspectives on how concerns about substance use fit into broader clinical practice. Course topics include the following: models of substance abuse and dependence, substance abuse and family systems, modes of assessment, typical presentation of users in psychotherapy, and modes of treatment.

PSY 5703: Professional Ethics for Psychologists (2 units)

In this course, students will learn how to apply the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct to the practice of psychologists and psychologists-in-training over a broad spectrum of professional roles and responsibilities, as well as learn how to make decisions about ethical practice as psychologists in complex or difficult situations. Learning is guided by the APA Ethics Code Preamble, which identifies core ethical principles: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence, Fidelity and Responsibility, Integrity, Justice, and Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity.

PSY 5704: Foundational Clinical Skills: Adult: Individual and Couples (3 units)

This course is one of three foundation clinical skills courses in PsyD, offered in the first semester of graduate work. Students master basic clinical skills needed to begin working with adult clients, individually and in couples, through classroom role-plays and other experiential methods. Core topics include clinical interview and interview formats, empathy and establishing rapport, basic diagnosis and development of treatment targets, history taking, and stages of change.

PSY 5705: Foundation Clinical Skills: Child and Family (3 units)

One of three foundation clinical skills courses in PsyD, this course offers an introduction to child and adolescent psychotherapy in the context of the family: theoretical orientations, conceptualizing common presenting problems, developmentally appropriate practices, diagnostic and treatment strategies, and ethical issues. Emphasis is put on developmental, familial, and cultural factors relevant to treatment.

PSY 5706: Foundational Clinical Skills: Group Intervention (2 units)

This course, one of three foundation clinical skills courses in PsyD, exposes students to the dynamics and processes of intensive small-group interaction, grounded in a socio-psychological perspective. Experience-based learning of principles of group process using a T-group format involves here-and-now communication and learning through interpersonal interaction. The course offers an introduction to group facilitation and leadership skills with application to group psychotherapy and other varieties of groups.

PSY 6192: Social Psychology (3 units)

In this foundation course, students master current theory and research in social psychology, including interpersonal processes, identity development, attitudes and influence, prejudice, stereotypes, diversity, peace and conflict, and social cognition.

PSY 6201: Lifespan Development (3 units)

In this course, students acquire knowledge about individual psychological development throughout the lifespan, including theory, and research concerning physical, cognitive, affective, and social growth, with special attention to diversity, gender, and sexual orientation aspects.

PSY 6301: Cognitive and Affective Foundations of Behavior (3 units)

In this course, students master knowledge of current theory and research on perception, learning, memory, conscious and unconscious processing, theory of mind, simple and complex emotion, and language, as well contemporary theories of normative and nonnormative affective development. Attention is given to cultural differences in fundamental cognitive and affective processes and to how these processes influence clinical practice.

PSY 6503: History and Systems of Psychology (1 unit)

This course reviews the origin and evolution of psychology as a discipline, emphasizing philosophic influences, schools of thought and “three streams” in psychology, and interdisciplinary crosscurrents. Consideration is given to the evolution of clinical psychology theory, practice, and training through the twentieth century.

PSY 6601: Psychological Assessment I: Cognitive and Intelligence Testing (3 units)

The course offers an overview of theories of intelligence, followed by an introduction to standard scores and intelligence test development and practice in administering, scoring, and interpretation of widely used tests for assessing child and adult intelligence and learning disabilities. Tests receiving special attention are current versions of WISC and WAIS.
Corequisite: PSYL 6601

PSYL 6601: Psychological Assessment I: Cognitive and Intelligence Testing Lab (0 units)

The experiential portion of Psychological Assessment I.
Corequisite: PSY 6601

PSY 6602: Psychological Assessment II: Objective (3 units)

This course is designed to provide knowledge on theoretical perspectives on personality and psychopathology as well as provide necessary levels of understanding of psychometric properties of psychological tests, major issues, and debates concerning ethical, multicultural, and cross-cultural applications of psychological tests. Theory and practice of administration, scoring, interpretation, and application of objective measures of personality, including MMPI-2, MCMI-III, 16 PF, NEO PI-R, PAI, and Myers-Briggs.
Prerequisite: PSY 6601

PSY 6726: Professional Seminar I: Case Formulation and Treatment Planning A (3 units)

This seminar provides case presentation and consultation for students currently completing supervised clinical practicum in community agencies. Didactic content includes treatment planning, first sessions and termination, consent, continuing assessment, case formulation, sustaining a therapeutic relationship, developing a professional persona, and boundaries and self-disclosure.
Prerequisite: Second-year standing; approval of instructor
Corequisite: PSY 6776

PSY 6727: Professional Seminar I: Case Formulation and Treatment Planning B (3 units)

This seminar provides case presentation and consultation for students currently completing supervised clinical practicum in community agencies. Didactic content includes treatment planning, first sessions and termination, consent, continuing assessment, case formulation, sustaining a therapeutic relationship, developing a professional persona, and boundaries and self-disclosure.
Prerequisite: PSY 6726; second-year standing; approval of instructor
Corequisite: PSY 6776

PSY 6728: Professional Seminar II: Advanced Clinical Skills A (3 units)

The objective of this course is to promote the continuing development of advanced clinical skills in five broad areas: treatment planning, case formulation, understanding of therapeutic relationships, development of a therapeutic sensibility, and case discussion/consultation skills.
Prerequisite: PSY 6727; third-year standing; approval of instructor
Corequisite: PSY 6777

PSY 6729: Professional Seminar II: Advanced Clinical Skills B (3 units)

The objective of this course is to promote the continuing development of advanced clinical skills in five broad areas: treatment planning, case formulation, understanding of therapeutic relationships, development of a therapeutic sensibility, and case discussion/consultation skills.
Prerequisite: Third-year standing and concurrent second-level practicum; approval of the instructor.
Prerequisite: PSY 6728
Corequisite: PSY 6777

PSY 6730: Professional Seminar III: Professional Development A (1 unit)

The objective of this course is to support advanced professional development for trainees who are completing their coursework and third practicum and preparing to move into the professional climate of the predoctoral internship.
Prerequisite:PSY 6729
Corequisite:  PSY 6778

PSY 6731: Professional Seminar III: Professional Development B (1 unit)

The objective of this course is to support advanced professional development for trainees who are completing their coursework and third practicum and preparing to move into the professional climate of the predoctoral internship.
Corequisite: PSY 6778

PSY 6776: Practicum I (0 units)

PsyD students completing their first-level practicum in a community agency or in the Psychological Services Center register for Practicum I during all academic semesters of their placement.
Corequisite: PSY 6726 or PSY 6727

PSY 6777: Practicum II (0 units)

PsyD students completing their second-level practicum in a community agency or in the Psychological Services Center register for Practicum II during all academic semesters of their placement.
Corequisite: PSY 6728 or PSY 6729

PSY 6778: Practicum III (0 units)

PsyD students completing their third-level practicum in a community agency or in the Psychological Services Center register for Practicum III during all academic semesters of their placement.
Corequisite: PSY 6730 or PSY 6731

PSY 6900: Introduction to Dissertation Research (2 units)

In this course, students begin work on the doctoral dissertation process by developing their dissertation proposal. The course provides support for problem selection, review and critical appraisal of relevant literature, design of appropriate research methodology, plans for data analysis, and locating and beginning work with their Dissertation Chair.

PSY 7000: Dissertation Proposal Writing (2 units)

Only students who have not advanced to candidacy by the fall of their second year should register for this course. PSY 7000 allows students to continue writing the dissertation proposal. Cannot be taken more than twice, after which the student must advance to candidacy.
Prerequisite: PSY 6900

PSY 7033: Supervision and Consultation (2 units)

Students learn contemporary approaches to supervision and consultation, reflecting on their own experience of being supervised and role-playing supervision of other clinicians in training. The distinction between supervision and consultation is highlighted, as are the appropriate occasions and uses of each. Course content is designed to prepare clinicians for work as clinical supervisors.

PSY 7603: Psychological Assessment III: Projective Personality Measures (3 units)

This course aims to provide an integrative theoretical framework for the comprehension of projective responses based upon clinical and clinical development theory. Students acquire experience with administration, scoring, and interpretation of projective measures, including the Rorschach and Exner’s comprehensive coding system, the Thematic Apperception Test, and sentence completion methods along with report writing.
Prerequisite: PSY 6602

PSY 7810: Child Health and Psychopathology (3 units - elective)

The seminar covers emotional, psychological, and behavioral health, problems, and psychopathology in children, integrating theories of primary prevention and psychopathology, as well as linkage to healthy development and effective treatment.

PSY 7900: Dissertation Research (2 units)

Students register for this course with their Dissertation Chair as they conduct dissertation research and write the final dissertation.
Prerequisites: PSY 6900; advancement to candidacy; permission of the instructor

PSY 7906: Neuropsychological Assessment (3 units - elective)

This course will introduce the field of neuropsychology and neuropsychological assessment. After reviewing functional neuroanatomy, the operating assumptions and models of neuropsychology as they relate to human behavior, cognition, and emotion will be discussed. Students receive exposure to contemporary methods of neuropsychological assessment.
Prerequisite: PSY 6601

PSY 8410: Fantasy and Dreams in Psychotherapy (2 units - elective)

The course examines how to employ the client’s fantasy and dreams for constructive change in psychotherapy. This course examines theories of symbolism, dream interpretation, and use of dreams in clinical practice. Students are expected to provide dreams or fantasy material from clients or others.

PSY 8511: Object Relations (3 units - elective)

This seminar covers the history, the development, and critical appraisal of object relations models of psychotherapy, with emphasis on early character formation and borderline psychopathology. The works of Klein, Mahler, Kernberg, the ego psychology school, and the British school (Fairbairn, Winnicott) are examined.
Prerequisite: PSY 5502

PSY 8513: Psychotherapy of Trauma and Abuse (3 units - elective)

This seminar covers psychotherapy of individuals who have been emotionally, sexually, or physically traumatized. Diagnosis, dynamics, and assessment of trauma from a developmental/psychodynamic perspective are examined, using social, clinical, cultural, and historical examples in conjunction with myth and fairy tale to illustrate concepts.
Prerequisite: PSY 5502

PSY 8514: Taoist and Existential Approaches to Psychotherapy (2 units - elective)

This course is an intensive seminar on the Taoist and existentialist perspectives on the human predicament and the means to its resolution, particularly in terms of theory and practice in psychotherapy.
Prerequisite: PSY 5704

PSY 8515: Psychology of Jung: Theory and Practice (3 units - elective)

This seminar covers theories, techniques, and critical appraisal of psychotherapy from the perspective of Jung’s analytic psychology.
Prerequisite: PSY 5502

PSY 8520: Psychology of Women (3 units - elective)

This seminar covers theory and research in the psychology of women and gender issues, including psychological aspects of women’s spirituality.

PSY 8780: Child and Adolescent Assessment (3 units - elective)

This seminar covers theory and methods of psychological assessment of children and adolescents, including test administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting of common measures used to assess child and adolescent functioning across developmental levels.
Prerequisite: PSY 6601

PSY 8799: Independent Study (1–3 units)

Coursework that extends a student’s field of inquiry beyond current CIIS courses. Requires a syllabus and contract signed by the student and faculty member, and approved by the department chair.

PSY 9110: Advanced Theory Seminar (2–3 units)

The seminar allows intensive and advanced consideration of established bodies of clinical theory and therapeutic approaches, as well as emerging theories. Topics will vary from year to year.

PSY 9599: Internship (Half-Time) (0 units)

Students who are completing their predoctoral internship should register for PSY 9599 during each semester that they are in their placement. Six-semester repeat limit.

PSY 9699: Internship (Full-Time) (0 units)

Students who are completing their predoctoral internship should register for PSY 9699 during each semester that they are in their placement. Three-semester repeat limit.

PSY 9999: Dissertation Continuation (0 units)

Students who have completed 6 units of PSY 7900 may register for Dissertation Continuation until they complete work on their dissertation.