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PSCO40550

Academic Year 2024/2025

States of Mind - Theory 2 (PSCO40550)

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
• Understand Group Analytic concepts and their application in setting up and facilitating a short term
• Know of the formation of the individual from a psychoanalytic perspective
• Recognise key issues pertaining to cultural and personal difference as experienced through a large group setting
• Understand and critique the dynamics of diversity current within the individual and society.
• Apply key group analytic concepts as a theoretical base for working groups and organisations.
• Understand the nature and experience of foundational and dynamic matrices in groups and organisations.
• Recognise patterns of defensive mechanisms and their influence on relational processes present in the individual groups and organisations.
• Identify common psychiatric conditions and their impact on individuals and groups
• Read, present and critique group analytic theory in a group setting.
• Integrate group analytic theory and practice through reflection, research, and inquiry.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

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
Individual Project: This module will be assessed in Semester 3 through a research project which applies a group analytic theoretical framework to the practice of a short term group OR undertaking an 8-week placement. Week 14 Summer 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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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