Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology
Clinical Practice Courses
The Clinical Practice courses provide a broad foundation for the development of a generalist practitioner, with diverse training in multiple psychotherapeutic orientations, assessment, consulting, and empirically-validated approaches.
History and Systems of Psychology
CP 700................2 Units
Students explore the organizing perspectives and therapeutic approaches which have shaped contemporary Western psychology. The philosophical principles of psychological models from antiquity to the present era are examined, including those associated with religious traditions, medicine, and the schools of psychoanalysis, behaviorism, gestalt, and humanistic psychology, and "fourth force" or multicultural and cross-cultural psychology. The course includes a discussion of the history and development of psychology as a scientific discipline and clinical psychology as a profession.
Psychological Assessment I
CP 930................2 Units
The psychological assessment course series begins with the study of general principles of assessment and test construction, including standardization, validity, reliability, and the appropriate and ethical use of assessment for individuals from diverse backgrounds. The administration, scoring, and interpretation of the Wechsler intelligence scales, Wechsler Memory Scales-IV, Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status are highlighted with special emphasis on integrating the results with clinical judgment, report writing, and communication of assessment results. The course will focus on cognitive assessment and be taught with an emphasis on providing practical, skills-based knowledge.
Psychological Assessment II
CP 931................2 Units
Students will learn the principles of personality assessment. They will become familiar with and learn how to administer, score, and interpret the MMPI-2, MCMI-III, CPI, PAI, MBTI, and BDI-II. There will be a focus on integrating results into user friendly, case focused, problem oriented reports. Emphasis will also be given on how to do assessments in psychological, medical, vocational, forensic, and academic contexts. Prerequisite: CP 930
Psychological Assessment III
CL 938................2 Units
This course will focus on developing theoretical and practical skills in projective assessment including the Rorschach, TAT, sentence completion techniques, projective drawings, and dreams. Students will become familiar with both sides of the controversies surrounding projective tests. Information derived from projective techniques will be integrated with other forms of assessment data to develop clear, user friendly, case focused reports that answer the referral question. There will also be an emphasis on using assessment results to enhance the therapeutic process. Prerequisites: CP 930, CP 931
Comparative Approaches to Psychotherapy
CP 770................2 Units
This course provides a theoretical and applied introduction to current approaches in psychotherapeutic treatment. Students will examine the therapeutic applications of the theoretical tenets of the schools of Psychoanalysis, Jungian Analysis, Cognitive-Behavioral, Person-Centered, Humanistic-Existential, and Postmodern psychology. Students will develop the ability to compare, contrast, and integrate psychotherapeutic approaches in the context of clinical research and evidence-based best practices.
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
CP 832................2 Units
The ethical and legal considerations involved in the practice of clinical and scientific psychology are reviewed, with an emphasis on the American Psychological Association's ethical guidelines. The course features discussion of key issues involved in academic work, research, and professional practice with a view towards the development of ethical and professional judgment. Topics include: forensic psychology, cultural competence, malpractice, and legal responsibilities.
Advanced Psychopathology I
CP 730................2 Units
In the context of the historical and cross-cultural perspectives of psychopathology, students focus on the diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and prognosis of disturbed behavior. The multi-axial system of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the central organizing structure of the course. Emphasis is on major Axis I disorders.
Biological Foundations of Human Behavior
CP 735................2 Units
Students examine the theoretical concepts and constructs that explain the phylogenic origins underlying human experience, behavior and the processes of change. This course reviews anatomical and neurological functioning, examining the importance on behavior of micro biological systems (neuron, synapse, neurotransmitter systems) and macro-level biological systems (central and autonomic nervous systems). Current trends in psychological research regarding the neurobiological foundation of consciousness, dreaming, sensory-motor systems, cognitions, motivation, memory mindfulness, and attention will be evaluated. The sense of a biological self in relation to attachment, trauma, empathy, neuroplasticity, and the expression of archetypes throughout the life cycle will be examined.
Alcohol, Chemical Dependency, and Addictive Behaviors
CL 900................2 Units
CP 747, 748, 749 Prerequisite
This course covers the theory and treatment of addictive behaviors. Areas covered in this course include: current theories of etiology, physiological and medical aspects, dual-diagnosis, cultural and ethnic considerations, iatrogenic dependency, treatment approaches, family issues, prevention and education, and ethical and legal issues. The course meets the criteria set forth by the California Board of Psychology for training in Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency Detection and Treatment required for licensure.
Principles of Psychopharmacology
CP 873................2 Units
This course covers the general principles of psychopharmacology, as well as an overview of the pertinent neurochemistry. The indications and side effects of common psychoactive medications will be discussed. The impact of medications on psychotherapy process and working with a prescribing psychiatrist will be examined. Prerequisite: CP 735
Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy
CL 835................2 Units
This course presents the foundational theories of cognitive behavioral psychology. Topics include the integration of attention, perception, attribution, schema development, memory, context, language, problem solving, and decision making. Theories common to cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment are evaluated. The role of evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral interventions is examined within the conceptual framework of integrative models of cognitive-behavioral psychology.
Cognitive-Affective Foundations of Human Behavior
CL 836................3 Units
This class examines the interdependence of cognition and emotion in psychological experience. Discussion of the cognitive processes include: creative thinking, conscious and unconscious processing, and problem solving. Related areas are also covered: sensation, perception, memory, learning, cognition, emotion, motivation, and psychophysiological processes. Discussion of emotion involves the biological and social bases of emotion, its cognitive correlates, and the impact of emotional states.
Advanced Psychopathology II
CP 731................2 Units
Building on Advanced Psychopathology I, this course examines major syndromes included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, with an emphasis on Axis II disorders. Other classification systems, multiaxial diagnosis, the role of society, culture, and biology, as well as meta-issues surrounding the diagnostic enterprise are explored. Prerequisite: CP730.
Evidence-Based Best Practices
CL 912................2 Units
This course is an overview of clinical treatments that are supported by scientific study and data. The latest findings in outcome research regarding therapeutic interventions are presented. Optimal interventions or combinations of interventions for the major disorders are discussed, as well as the integration of individual, group, and psychopharmacological therapy.
Principles of Group Dynamics
CL 751................2 Unit
This class provides a critical overview of principles, theories, and practical applications of various techniques in group psychotherapy, as well as issues in group process, including: stages in group formation and development, cohesiveness, transference and countertransference, cross-cultural dynamics, strategies and specific interventions. The curative forces operating in a group setting are illuminated through roleplaying, case discussions, readings, experiential exercises, and intensive group participation.
Psychotherapy with Diverse Populations
CP 845................2 Units
Cultural competency or the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to work effectively as a diversity-sensitive clinician is an ethical responsibility in a multicultural society. This course examines the role of culture in counseling, psychotherapy, and assessment, as well as key issues in the provision of psychological services to under-represented populations. Biases in traditional clinical theory and practice are discussed, while appropriate intervention strategies with individuals of different cultural backgrounds are introduced. Depth psychological concepts in relation to culture, such as the notion of an ethnic or minority unconscious, are also explored.
Developmental Psychology Through the Lifespan
CP 830................3 Unit
Students study developmental theories, constructs, research, and methods as they contribute to understanding normative human development and its variants. Emphasis is on the psychological and neurological development from conception through old age and attachment issues that shape development through the lifespan. Clinical implications, cultural considerations, and contemporary trends are examined.
Social Foundations of Human Behavior
CL 800................2 Units
This course reviews the development and functions of social motives and examines research and theory in areas such as: interpersonal behavior, cross-cultural psychology, group dynamics, attitude/value formation and change, aggression, altruism, sex and gender roles. Discussion also includes clinical relevance of social psychological research.
Principles of Clinical Supervision and Consultation
CL 752................2 Units
This course provides an exposure to the professional role of psychologists as supervisors and consultants. Approaches to clinical supervision and consultation are examined with special attention paid to the interpersonal and psychodynamic aspects of the supervisor-supervisee interaction. The goal is for students to develop an "internal supervisor." Ethics, diversity, and other professional issues are examined.
Personal Psychotherapy
CP 950................No Units Assigned (Degree Requirement)
During the program, students must take part in a total of 80 hours of personal psychotherapy (preferably with a depth orientation) with a licensed psychotherapist or a certified analyst of their choice.
