Monika Walczak, department of Psychology
Abstract
Enhancing the students’ general therapeutic skills: evaluating students’ experience at a practical training course in clinical psychology at MA level to optimize the course and inform further development of a new professional training course at BA level
Master’s students at the department of psychology attend mandatory courses in clinical psychology - practical training. The courses typically involve an advanced introduction to specific therapeutic perspectives and methods, selected students conducting therapy with real-life clients, as well as (peer) supervision, and/or analyses and discussion of client cases. The courses vary in their formats, and in consequence the students’ exposure to practicing their basic therapeutic skills differs. Students often enter the courses not being adequately prepared. This study used a mixed method design employing surveys with a sample of 42 MA students currently attending practical training courses in clinical psychology. The aim of this study was to assess how well the students’ previous education at BA level prepared them for the MA level practical course in clinical psychology, and to use the students’ responses to inform further development of course format and content of the newly developed professional skills training course on the BA level. Further, the study aimed to investigate the students’ experiences and needs related to the practical training course at MA level, in terms of having sufficient opportunities to develop and practice their general therapeutic/clinical skills. The quantitative and qualitative results of the survey indicate that the students value education in clinical psychology, which can provide a good balance between theory and practice. Practice orientated education in psychology can enhance students’ confidence, and perceived clinical competence. The way forward involves creating more opportunities for psychology students to practice their general therapeutic/clinical skills at both BA and MA level.