Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS 353-1"
COURSE NAME: "Clinical Psychology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2025

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Nicola Petrocchi
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PS 101
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course aims to provide an overview of the area of Clinical Psychology and will cover both a brief history of clinical psychology and current standards and evidence-based practices. Students will learn about the main theoretical approaches and common assessment and treatment methods of clinical psychologists and explore the current issues in this area.

Satisfies "Applied Psychology" core course requirement for Psychological Science majors.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course will begin with providing a definition of clinical psychology, and a survey of the professional activities and settings of clinical psychologists. We will explore the rich history of the field and highlight the current controversies that characterize it. After a discussion of the cultural issues relevant to this discipline, we will analyze the most important ethical issues for clinical psychologists, including confidentiality.

The course will then focus on how and why clinical psychologists conduct research. The issues of diagnosis and classification of disorders will be analyzed and discussed, with a focus on the clinical interview. We will then examine general psychotherapy issues such as efficacy, effectiveness, and the commonalities and differences among various psychotherapy approaches.

The course will end with a critical survey of the several approaches to individual psychotherapy (psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, and cognitive approaches), group psychotherapy, family therapy, clinical child and adolescent psychology, clinical health psychology, and forensic psychology.

Finally, there will be updates and reflections on how emerging AI technologies are likely to transform the field of clinical psychology and the profession itself, enhancing and reshaping the ways psychologists work.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

To learn what distinguishes clinical psychology from other fields
To understand and describe the key concepts, principles, theories, empirical findings and application in clinical psychology using the appropriate terminology
To become aware of the cultural and ethical issues relevant to this discipline
To understand the models of education and training in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on the options available to students applying for graduate study in Clinical Psychology.
To comprehend the differences among the several approaches to individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy and family therapy.
To learn the main elements of the clinical interview

To express ideas in writing that reflect basic psychological concepts and principles
To use standard English, and write using APA style

TEXTBOOK:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number	Library Call Number	Comments	Format	Local Bookstore	Online Purchase
Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice, and Diversity. 6 edition	Andrew M. Pomerantz	SAGE Publications, Inc, 2023	ISBN 10: 1071851950 ISBN 13: 9781071851951

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
2 MIDTERM TESTS	Each midterm exam will consist of a mix of multiple-choice questions (to assess your understanding of core concepts and theoretical models) and short essay questions (to evaluate your ability to apply clinical reasoning and critically reflect on psychopathological processes and treatments). The content will be drawn from lectures, readings, and case-based discussions. You will be expected to demonstrate not only knowledge of clinical terms but also the ability to think like a clinician in evaluating clinical conditions and treatment considerations.	25% each
FINAL TEST (date TBD)	The final exam will follow the same structure as the midterms (multiple-choice and short essays), but it will focus only on the material covered after the second midterm—it is not cumulative. You will be assessed on your understanding of evidence-based interventions, and key ethical issues. Your ability to integrate and apply concepts to hypothetical clinical scenarios will also be emphasized.	25%
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT	As part of the course requirements, each student will complete a 1,000-word paper, written in APA style, that presents an informed reflection on Clinical Psychology. The paper should connect a book of their choice (selected from a list available on Moodle) with themes discussed in the course, demonstrating both critical engagement and personal reflection. In addition, students will deliver a 10-minute in-class presentation on a specific topic they have explored through the reading of two scientific research articles. This component emphasizes the ability to synthesize research, present complex ideas clearly, and engage peers in discussion. Detailed guidelines for both the paper and the presentation will be available on Moodle.	15%
PARTICIPATION	Active participation is essential in a clinical psychology course. You are expected to engage meaningfully in weekly discussion forums on Moodle, where you will reflect on case vignettes, ethical dilemmas, treatment models, or recent developments in the field. Your contributions should demonstrate critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to integrate theory and practice. Participation helps you prepare for clinical dialogue and enhances your learning through collaborative reflection.	10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance, although not mandatory, is essential to earn a good grade in this course. Each week will include a variety of readings, lectures, discussions, measures, and activities aimed at exploring the week’s topic. Students will get the most if they come to class prepared and ready to participate and engage with class activities and discussions.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY

You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Session

Session Focus

Assignment

WEEK 1

Clinical Psychology: definition, and training

Chapter 1 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Norcross, J. C., Sayette, M. A., & Pomerantz, A. M. (2018). Doctoral training in clinical psychology across 23 years: Continuity and change. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74, 385–397.

-Norcross, J. C., Pfund, R. A., & Prochaska, J. O. (2013). Psychotherapy in 2022: A Delphi poll on its future.Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 44(5), 363–370.

WEEK 2

Evolution of clinical psychology

Chapter 2 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Truijens, F., Zühlke-van Hulzen, L., & Vanheule, S. (2019). To manualized, or not to manualize: Is that still the question? A systematic review of empirical evidence for manual superiority in psychological treatment.Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75, 329–343.

-Owen, J. J., Tao, K., Leach, M. M., & Rodolfa, E. (2011). Clients’ perceptions of their psychotherapists’ multicultural orientation. Psychotherapy, 48, 274–282.

WEEK 3

Current controversies and Directions in clinical psychology

Diversity and cultural issues in clinical psychology

Chapter 3 and 4 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Gelso, C. J., Pérez Rojas, A. E., & Marmarosh, C. (2014). Love and sexuality in the therapeutic relationship. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(2), 123–134.

-Fried, A. (2018). Ethical dilemmas in diagnosis. The Clinical Psychologist, 71(4), 10–12.

WEEK 4

Ethical and professionl issues in clinical psychology

Conducting research in clinical psychology

Chapter 5 and 6 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Wakeﬁeld, J. C. (2016). Diagnostic issues and controversies in DSM-5: Return of the false positives problem. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 12, 105–132.

-Rettew, D. C., Lynch, A. D., Achenbach, T. M., Dumenci, L., & Ivanova, M. Y. (2009). Meta-analyses of agreement between diagnoses made from clinical evaluations and standardized diagnostic interviews.International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research,18(3), 169–184.https://doi.org/10.1002/mpr.289

-Huprich, S. K., Jowers, C., & Nelson, S. (2019). Comparing DSM–5-Hybrid, SWAP, and PDM prototype models of personality disorders: Convergent and divergent findings. Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 10(4), 376–382.https://doi.org/10.1037/per0000340

WEEK 5

Diagnosis and Classification issues

Principles of clinical interview – I

Chapter 7 and 8 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Bornstein, R. F. (2011). From symptom to process: How the PDM alters goals and strategies in psychological assessment. Journal of Personality Assessment, 93(2), 142–150. https://doi.org/10.1080/00223891.2011.542714

WEEK 6

Intellectual and Neuropsychological assessment

Personality and behavioral assessment

Chapter 8, 9, 10 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Salmon, K. (2006). Toys in clinical interviews with children: Review and implications for practice.Clinical Psychologist, 10(2), 54–59.https://doi.org/10.1080/13284200600681601

-Sommers-Flanagan, J. (2016). Clinical interview. In J. C. Norcross, G. R. VandenBos, & D. K. Freedheim (Eds.), APA handbook of clinical psychology (Vol. 3, pp. 3–16). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

-Fiquer, J. T., Moreno, R. A., Brunoni, A. R., Barros, V. B., Fernandes, F., & Gorenstein, C. (2018). What is the nonverbal communication of depression? Assessing expressive differences between depressive patients and healthy volunteers during clinical interviews.Journal of Affective Disorders, 238, 636–644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.05.071

WEEK 7

General Issues in Psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Chapter 11 and 12 andof the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Mulder, R., Murray, G., & Rucklidge, J. (2017). Common versus specific factors in psychotherapy: Opening the black box.The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(12),953–962.https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30100-1

-McClintock, A. S., Perlman, M. R., McCarrick, S. M., Anderson, T., & Himawan, L. (2017). Enhancing psychotherapy process with common factors feedback: A randomized, clinical trial.Journal of Counseling Psychology, 64(3),247–260. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000188

WEEK 8

Modern Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Humanistic psychotherapy

Chapter 12 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Lingiardi, V., Muzi, L., Tanzilli, A., & Carone, N. (2018).Do therapists’ subjective variables impact on psychodynamic psychotherapy outcomes? A systematic literature review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 25(1), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2131

-Abbass, A. A., Nowoweiski, S. J., Bernier, D., TarzwelI, R., & Beutel, M. E. (2014). Review of psychodynamic psychotherapy neuroimaging studies. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 83(3), 142–147.https://doi.org/10.1159/000358841

WEEK 9

Modern Humanistic psychotherapy

Behavioral therapy

Chapter 13 and 14 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Whelton, W. J. (2004). Emotional Processes in Psychotherapy: Evidence Across Therapeutic Modalities.Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 11(1), 58–71. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.392

WEEK 10

Modern behavioural therapy

Cognitive Therapy and CBT

Chapter 14 and 15 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle.

Papers (not mandatory):

-Hedman-Lagerlöf, M., Andersson, E., Hedman-Lagerlöf, E., Wicksell, R. K., Flink, I., & Ljótsson, B. (2019). Approach as a key for success: Reduced avoidance behaviour mediates the effect of exposure therapy for fibromyalgia.Behaviour Research and Therapy, 122.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2019.103478

-Turrini, G., Purgato, M., Acarturk, C., Anttila, M., Au, T., Ballette, F., … Barbui, C. (2019). Efficacy and acceptability of psychosocial interventions in asylum seekers and refugees: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 28(4), 376–388.https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796019000027

-McDonnell, C. J., & Garbers, S. V. (2018). Adverse childhood experiences and obesity: Systematic review of behavioral interventions for women. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 10(4), 387–395. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000313.supp (Supplemental)

WEEK 11

3° Wave CBT – mindfulness-based therapies and Compassion Focused Therapy

Chapter 15 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle. Papers (not mandatory):

-Kazantzis, N., Luong, H. K., Usatoff, A. S., Impala, T., Yew, R. Y., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). The processes of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses.Cognitive Therapy and Research,42(4), 349–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-018-9920-y

-Khalsa, M. K., Greiner-Ferris, J. M., Hofmann, S. G., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2015). Yoga-enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (Y-CBT) for anxiety management: A pilot study.Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy,22(4), 364–371. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.1902

-Gilbert, P. (2014). The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy.BritishJournal of Clinical Psychology,53(1), 6–41.https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12043

WEEK 12

Group therapy

Family therapy

Chapter 16. Slides posted on Moodle;

Papers (not mandatory):

-Crowell, S. E., Beauchaine, T. P., & Linehan, M. M. (2009). A biosocial developmental model of borderline personality: Elaborating and extending linehan’s theory.Psychological Bulletin,135(3), 495–510. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015616

-Petrocchi, N., & Cheli, S. (2019). The social brain and heart rate variability: Implications for psychotherapy.Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice,92(2), 208–223.https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12224

-Diamond, G., Russon, J., & Levy, S. (2016). Attachment‐based family therapy: A review of the empirical support.Family Process,55(3), 595–610. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12241

WEEK 13

Clinical child and adolescent psychology

Chapters 17 of the textbook; slides posted on Moodle;

Papers (not mandatory):

-Valiente-Gómez, A., Moreno-Alcázar, A., Treen, D., Cedrón, C., Colom, F., Pérez, V., & Amann, B. L. (2017). EMDR beyond PTSD: A systematic literature review.Frontiers in Psychology,8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01668

-Burlingame, G. M., MacKenzie, K. R., & Strauss, B. (2004). Small-group treatment: Evidence for effectiveness and mechanisms of change. In M. J. Lambert (Ed.),Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change(5th ed., pp. 647–696). New York: Wiley.

WEEK 14

Health psychology

Forensic Psychology

Chapter 18 and 19 of the textbook. Slides posted on Moodle; Papers (not mandatory):

- Hagger, M. S., & Weed, M. (2019). Implementing intentions and health behavior: A meta-analysis and conceptual review. Health Psychology Review, 13(1), 1–75. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2017.1385985

- Marsden, J., Glazebrook, C., Tully, R. J., & Völlm, B. (2019). Do adult males with antisocial personality disorder (with and without co-morbid psychopathy) have deficits in emotion processing and empathy? A systematic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 48, 197–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2019.08.012

- Gilling McIntosh, L., Janes, S., O’Rourke, S., & Thomson, L. (2021). Effectiveness of psychological and psychosocial interventions for forensic mental health inpatients: A meta-analysis. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 58, 101551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2021.101551