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PSCO40540

Academic Year 2024/2025

States of Mind - Theory 1 (PSCO40540)

Subject:
Psychotherapy
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
8
Module Coordinator:
Ms Karen O'Shea
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 2.5
Spring 2.5
Summer 2.5
Trimester:
Year-long (12 months)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Clinical Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is offered over two years and aims to extend trainee’s understanding of the foundational theory of group analysis and group analytic psychotherapy. It includes a history of the development of group analysis, its evolution over time and the place of the model in a wider therapeutic context. Key group analytic concepts including the social nature of being; the matrix; the network of communications; dynamic administration and group development will be key themes to be explored. The module will also explore the work of Foulkes; M. Pines; Nitsun and Dalal and trainees will also study new developments in neurobiology and its discoveries about the human brain and its relevance to groups.
This module also introduces trainees to the theory of psychoanalysis and its influence on theories of the development of the individual. In particular, it examines early development and the work of Winnicott in elaborating the importance of concepts such as holding, maternal reverie as well as the role of the father. It further examines the contributions of Bion with an emphasis on his theory of thinking and the role of containment, basic assumptions.
Key to developing the link between theory and practice, trainees will also complete a placement experience in a mental health setting to gain sufficient knowledge of psychological difficulties and psychiatric illness in order to assist them in considering what group work and group psychotherapy can offer in such settings.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module trainees will be able to
• Describe the origins of group analysis and its potential application in various settings.
• Describe key concepts including, the Unconscious, Transference, Defense mechanisms and Projective processes.
• Describe from key theoretical perspectives the impact of unconscious processes in groups and organisations.
• Recognise psychoanalytic concepts and their relevance to understanding the complexity of human development.
• Think reflectively on the location of disturbance, role and the social unconscious in a large group.
• Recognise the manifestation of unconscious processes and how they enter into a group.
• Increased capacity to apply critical thinking to theoretical formulations and to communicate same in group context.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

188
Total

188

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered through the experience of a large group setting and the use of facilitated sessions, group learning and presentations.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Reflective Assignment: This module is assessed in through an in-class written reflection on personal learning and the presentation of this in a group setting. Final assessment will include peer led assessment in a group. Week 14 Spring Graded Yes

100

 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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