PhD in Clinical Psychology | Psychotherapy process and clinical courses

The program of study in research provides a solid grounding in both scientific and qualitative research traditions, while specializing in innovative human science methodologies addressing the multiple dimensions of psychological life. Research courses emphasize the complementary interdependence of clinical intervention and empirical inquiry and provide the skills necessary to complete the doctoral dissertation as well as contribute to the academic field of clinical and depth psychology as a lifelong researcher.

Selected Topics in Clinical Psychology I, II, III
CP 799, 899, 999...............................1-4 Units each
Course content varies.

Introduction to Statistical Analysis
CP 926................................2 Units
This introduction to statistics is designed to prepare students to be competent and critical consumers of research for clinical practice. An applied overview of hypothesis testing, and both descriptive statistics (i.e., central tendency, dispersion) and inferential statistics (i.e., correlation, regression, chi-square tests, t-tests, and analysis of variance) is provided. Ethical considerations of quantitative methodologies are also addressed.

Advanced Statistical Analysis
CP 927................................2 Units
This class examines the principles and application of statistical models for the design of quantitative studies and the treatment of data. Topics include: multivariate analysis of variance and covariance, multiple regression analysis, discriminate function analysis, single-factor experiments, factorial designs, repeated measures, canonical correlation, factor analysis, meta-analysis, power calculation, corrections for multiple comparisons, and the use of statistical software.

Depth Psychological Research Methods I
CL 928..................... 2 Units
The foundation for a complex psychological epistemology that honors the autonomous character of soul, and an approach to research that keeps soul in mind are developed. Students dialogue with traditions of empirical psychology, depth psychology with particular emphasis on Jung's psychology, and phenomenology. The course articulates an ethical and therapeutic approach to research which takes into account dynamic unconscious factors in research. In addition to this focus on approach, this course also briefly introduces the processes of research that arise from it and discusses the role of method. A key aim of the course is the development of a critcal attitude toward the multiple levels of the psyche as it presents itself through personal history, diverse cultures, and the collective and ecological dimensions of experience.

Depth Psychological Research Methods II
CL 929................................2 Units
This course expands upon the research processes introduced in the first Depth Psychological Research Methods course. The vocational and transference dimensions of the research process are explored, and students practice psychological dialogues as a means to make more conscious their own unconscious transference to their material. In addition this course re-visons the role of method as a metaphoric perspective and looks at the ways in which various research methods, such as imaginal and archetypal methods, both reveal and conceal their topics. Attention is paid to methods developed at Pacifica, including an alchemical hermeneutic method whose differences from a traditional hermeneutic method are described.

Research Designs and Methodology I: Introduction
CP 932.....................2 Units
The intent of this course is to foster an introductory knowledge of design and methodology in psychological research, including an understanding of the history and characteristics of quantitative and experimental versus qualitative approaches. The theoretical frameworks, techniques, and critiques of a variety of research perspectives are surveyed, with a focus on the human science traditions. Additional issues discussed include: bias, ethics, diversity, postmodernism and critical theory, and the relationship between research and clinical practice. The course also emphasizes the development of critical thinking and proficiency with a represetative qualitative method (e.g., ethnography).

Research Designs and Methodology II: Qualitative Methods
CP 933.....................2 Units
The course examines the strengths and weaknesses of the major human science traditions, such as: phenomenology, heuristic approaches, ethnography, grounded theory, biography, and case study. Theory and praxis of the these approaches are covered, and students gain hands-on experience with a particular qualitative approach (i.e., phenomenology). Emphasis is given to ethics and diversity, as well as the parallels between research and clinical practice.

Theory of Measurement
CL 937................................2 Units
This course covers classical and current theory and procedures involved in constructing and evaluating measurement instruments in clinical psychology. In an overview of various approaches of scale development, key concepts are included, such as: Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, types of reliability and validity, multi-trait multi-method validation, item response theory, psychometric scaling, and structural equation modeling.

Dissertation Development I
CP 961................................1 Unit
This course emphasizes on the development of critical thinking skills, related to evaluating research studies and the writing of a doctoral dissertation in clinical psychology. Other basic skills covered include: APA format, library research skills, grant-writing, as well as ethics and professional issues regarding writing and publishing. In addition, the course focuses on the identification of appropriate topics for one’s dissertation within the academic field of clinical psychology, and the beginnings of a literature review. Faculty members review students' potential topics and their initial literature review efforts.

Dissertation Development II
CP 962.............................2 Units
This course continues with the knowledge, skills, and personal process involved with the development of a dissertation. Focus in this second course is on refining one’s dissertation topic into a specific research question. By reviewing the literature of prospective topics as well as deep introspection and self-exploration, a unique query and potential contribution to the field of clinical psychology is discerned. The student begins to construct the literature review relevant to the chosen research question and considers appropriate research methods. Students present research questions and literature reviews for faculty review. Advanced students may present Concept Papers for formal approval. Professional and diversity issues relevant to dissertation writing are discussed.

Dissertation Development III
CP 963.............................2 Units
The last course in dissertation sequence focuses on the completion of the Concept Paper, which contains a literature review of the seminal sources, a well-defined research question, a sketch of the method(s) to be used in addressing the question, and an explication of the relevance of the question for clinical psychological practice. Students present Concept Papers for formal approval. For advanced students with approved Concept Papers, work will be directed toward Proposal completion (i.e., expanding literature review, explicating method). Committee formation, professional, and diversity issues relevant to dissertation writing are discussed.

Dissertation Writing
CP 990.................. 15 Units
During this course, students assemble their dissertation committees, write their dissertation Proposals, and complete the dissertation process. Students are required to complete all 15 units. This course may be taken concurrently with other courses. Additional fees are assessed for this course. Pass/No Pass.