Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology: Course Descriptions
PSY 500 – History and Systems of Psychology (3 credit hrs) This history of ideas course will provide a survey of the lives, times, and theories of individuals from antiquity to the mid-20th century who have made significant psychological contributions, and of the historico-socio-cultural context of these contributions. We will learn the research methods employed by historians of psychology (i.e., historiography) and the resources they utilize. Couched within a philosophical framework, we will ask epistemological questions about what psychological knowledge is and how we define it, ontological mind/body questions such as whether we have minds or whether minds are equivalent to brains, and metaphysical questions regarding whether we have free will or whether our behavior is predetermined by a variety of factors. We will conclude the semester addressing the lack of female, religious, and ethnic minority presentation in the early history of psychology, and changes in historiography over the last few decades.
PSY 503 – Personality Theories (3 credit hrs) Introduces the major theories of personality used in clinical/counseling psychology, including those schools of thought associated with Freud, Object-Relations theory, Erikson, Jung, Adler, Horney, Rogers, Maslow and Cognitive-Behavioral theory. Emphasis is also put on relevant research findings and critical assessment of the validity and usefulness of the different theories.
PSY 504 – Psychological Measurement (3 credit hrs) This course establishes a solid foundation of knowledge about psychological testing, a practice that impacts virtually every corner of modern life – from education to vocation to remediation. Covering all variations of testing and exploring social issues that are raised by testing, students will gain extensive knowledge about the characteristics, objectives, and wide-ranging effects of psychological testing.
Additionally, this course covers the application of statistical thinking to the measurement of psychological phenomena. It presents statistical concepts basic to psychometrics. Classical reliability theory, generalizability theory, item response theory, and others are all examined. Scaling, central tendency, individual differences and correlation, principles of test development and standardization, and the various forms of reliability and validity and the threats posed to them by design and respondent characteristics are addressed. Practical issues in psychometrics are presented.
PSY 507 – Psychopathology (3 credit hrs) This course provides an overview of the major theories, classification systems, and research in the area of psychopathology. It introduces students to diagnostic nomenclature, emphasizing the development of facility with the DSM-V classification system. It also examines how spiritual and moral pathology affect the quality of life.
PSY 512 – Law, Ethics, and Psychology (3 credit hrs) This course examines the ethical codes and guidelines developed within the mental health field. Special emphasis is placed on how these ethical guidelines, along with Christian principles, can be applied to the practice of psychology in a manner which holds the well-being of the client as primary. The course also examines professional issues relevant to the practice of psychology.
PSY 516 – Basic Interviewing and Clinical Skills (3 credit hrs) This course provides an introduction to the art and science of basic clinical skills aimed at forming a comprehensive understanding of the person, with special emphasis on assessing dimensions consistent with a Catholic perspective. Specifically, this course will orient students to general philosophical issues related to clinical interviewing and present critical fundamentals of therapeutic relationship development. Instruction will also address particular challenges presented by high risk clients, the need for mandatory reporting, and interviews with children, adolescents, couples, and culturally diverse populations. The course includes a blend of lecture, skill demonstration, and student practice.
PSY 597 – Psychology Overview Seminar I (1 credit hr) This course is specifically directed toward entering students who have little or no prior educational background in psychology, or who wish to refresh their psychology background or training. It seeks to provide a foundational basis for understanding in basic content areas such as psychology’s history and methods and psychology’s approaches to physiology, sensation and perception, learning, language, consciousness, and memory.
PSY 598 – Psychology Overview Seminar II (1 credit hr) This course represents a continuation of the self-directed study primarily for those entering students who have little or no prior educational background in psychology, or who wish to refresh their psychology backgrounds and/or training. The course continues to provide a foundational basis for understanding in psychology’s basic content areas, such as intelligence and associated controversies, nature and nurture, lifespan development, emotion and motivation, social psychology, personality, and psychological disorders and their treatment.
PSY 601 – Introductory Clinical Practicum II (2 credit hrs) This course is the first course of a 2-semester course sequence which also includes PSY 602. During these two courses, students gain their introductory clinical experience at a practicum site. In this first course of the 2-course sequence, students build on their foundational skills in basic interviewing and diagnostics by acquiring new knowledge and skills in behavioral therapy, including functional behavioral assessment, treatment planning and treatment implementation, and an understanding of the provision of services from an integrated Catholic perspective. The students will also gain introductory skills in clinical case presentation.
PSY 602 – Introductory Clinical Practicum II (2 credit hrs) This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and provision of services from an integrated perspective.
PSY 605 – Developmental Psychology (3 credit hrs) This course covers the major theoretical systems that seek to explain the development of the human person, and examines them from a variety of perspectives: physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and moral. It also considers central aspects of Christian life such as the development of the conscience, the life of virtue, commitment to human relationships and the discernment of one’s vocation.
PSY 608 – Cognitive/Behavioral Assessment (3 credit hrs) Offers an overview of the major theories of intelligence and develops basic skills in the administration of commonly used standardized test instruments for assessing cognitive ability and achievement in children, adolescents, and adults. Also covers the basics of report writing and ethical issues pertaining to psychological assessment. (Prerequisites: PSY 504, PSY 516)
PSY 609 – Adult Psychotherapy (3 credit hrs) The purpose of this course is to identify, develop and practice core clinical skills and tasks in the treatment of adult psychopathology. This includes developing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with clients as well as the application of particular systems of psychotherapy in identifying and effectively working toward therapeutic goals. In addition, students will gain a greater ability to critique secular approaches to psychotherapy in light of a Catholic view of the human person and explore psychotherapeutic approaches informed by this anthropology. (Prerequisite: PSY 507)
PSY 610 – Child Psychotherapy (3 credit hrs) Develops an integrated Catholic framework for understanding family life and the role of parents in raising children. Provides training in basic skills for working with children in therapy including play therapy, behavioral techniques, parenting skills training, and family therapy. Also examines ethical and diversity issues related to the practice of child and family therapy.
PSY 611 – Marital Psychotherapy (3 credit hrs) Develops an integrated Catholic framework for understanding the nature of marriage and marital relationships. Provides training in basic skills used in the assessment and treatment of marital distress. Also examines ethical and diversity issues related to the practice of marital therapy.
PSY 613 – Personality Assessment (4 credit hrs) This course offers instruction in basic skills in the administration of commonly used personality tests, including both psychometric and projective approaches to personality assessment. It also offers instruction in report writing skills by examining the ways in which the results of cognitive/behavioral assessment and a variety of personality assessment instruments can be integrated. (Prerequisites: PSY 507, PSY 608)
PSY 648 – Diagnosis & Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders (3 credit hrs) This course will provide an overview of the fundamental concepts in substance abuse and substance-induced disorders. A review of the historical, geographic, economic, socio-cultural, physiological and genetic factors that impact substance misuse and abuse will be covered. Treatment options, different intervention approaches and strategies applicable to substance abuse intervention, as well as barriers to treatment, will also be included.
PSY 696 – Independent Study (1-3 credit hrs) Individualized plan of study during the first two years of the program designed through agreement between the instructor and student, and approved by the Program Director. Such plans may include designated readings, viewing of videotaped learning resources, individual meetings for discussion with the instructor, research, and writing, as well as other types of assignments. The instructor determines in advance the requirements and criteria by which a grade is assigned and the number of credit hours to be awarded. Students are limited to a maximum combination of two independent study and psychology seminar courses per degree program. (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Program Director
PSY 697 – Psychology Seminar (1-3 credit hrs) This seminar course offered to a group of students during the first two years of the program on a topic or topics specified by the instructor and approved by the Program Director. The seminar format typically includes regularly scheduled class meetings in which the instructor gives lectures and/or facilitates discussion. Students are limited to a maximum combination of two independent study and psychology seminar courses per degree program (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Program Direction.)
PSY 701 – Foundational Clinical Practicum/Externship I (2 credit hrs) This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and provision of services from an integrated perspective. (Co-requisite: Placement in the IPS Center)
PSY 702 – Foundational Clinical Practicum/Externship II (2 credit hrs) This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and provision of services from an integrated perspective. (Prerequisite: PSY 701)
PSY 703 – Foundational Clinical Practicum/Externship III (2 credit hrs) This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and provision of services from an integrated perspective. (Prerequisite: PSY 701 & PSY 702)
PSY 718 – Research Design for the Psychological Sciences (3 credit hrs) Building on the foundations of PSY 504 (Psychological Measurement) and PSY 832 (Integrative Dissertation Seminar), this course continues the scaffolded process toward the dissertation by examining the fundamentals of research methodology and design. A variety of research methodologies are examined: quantitative (experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental), qualitative, and mixed. Specific emphasis is placed upon searching for, understanding, and writing a literature review of empirical research for application to clinical practice. Students propose an empirical quantitative methods study on a clinical, integrative topic that will scaffold their subsequent dissertation research proposal. (Prerequisites: PSY 504 and PSY 832)
PSY 721 – Cognition & Emotion (3 credit hrs) This is a survey course in modern cognitive psychology, including perception, attention, memory, knowledge, imagery, language, problem solving, reasoning, decision-making, and emotion and memory. Issues of emotion and memory, and the controversy over recovered/false memories is examined.
PSY 724 – Advanced Adult Psychotherapy (4 credit hrs) This is an advanced seminar on methods of individual psychotherapy, with a concentration on interpersonal psychotherapy. The instructor will draw from among the principles of interpersonal psychotherapy, object relations theory, attachment theory, cognitive therapy, family systems and others. A Catholic Anthropology will be integrated into the subject matter. Issues concerning culture, ethnicity, gender, religious values and other client characteristics will be addressed. The course will include didactic and experiential learning. Sessions from students’ clinical caseloads will be reviewed and critiqued. (Prerequisite: PSY 609)
PSY 729 – Advanced Statistical Methods (3 credit hrs) This course builds on the basic concepts presented in PSY 504 to examine more advanced statistical analyses. These include factorial and multivariate analysis of variance, multiple regression, meta-analysis, and structural equation modeling. Primary emphasis in the class will be in understanding and critiquing the statistical analyses presented in clinical psychology journals as an adjunct to lifelong learning.
PSY 734 – Advanced Child, Marital, and Family Therapy (3 credit hrs) PSY 734 promotes mastery of basic knowledge and skills obtained in the earlier courses PSY 610 and PSY 611, as well as introducing advanced knowledge and training in the areas of child, marital, and family therapy. Methodologies and techniques covered in PSY 734 include play therapy, parenting skills training, family therapy with children, and marital therapy. The course also enhances students’ understanding and application of the ethical issues and diversity issues involved in the utilization of these therapeutic interventions. Throughout the course, connections are made to practicing these methodologies from an integrated Catholic perspective. (Prerequisites: PSY 610, PSY 611)
PSY735 – Advanced Adolescent and Family Therapy (3 credit hrs) PSY 735 promotes mastery of basic knowledge and skills obtained in the earlier courses PSY 610 and PSY 611, as well as introducing advanced knowledge and training in the areas of child, marital/couples, and family therapy. Methodologies and techniques covered in PSY 735 include family therapy, adolescent therapy, and marital therapy. The course also enhances students’ understanding and application of the ethical issues and diversity issues involved in the utilization of these therapeutic interventions. Throughout the course, connections are made to practicing these methodologies from an integrated Catholic perspective. (Prerequisites: PSY 610, PSY 611)
PSY 736 – Child Psychopathology (2 credit hrs) This course provides a broad overview of child psychopathology initially focusing on understanding basic concepts, historical context, developmental influences, theoretical perspectives, research methodology, and issues related to assessment and classification. This will be followed by a comprehensive survey of the major categories of child psychopathological disturbances with an emphasis on empirically supported interventions for treating the various disorders.
PSY 760 – Professional Roles and Issues (2 credit hrs) This seminar examines the multiple career opportunities and professional roles of professional psychologists. Topics include academic careers, clinical practice in a variety of settings, scholarly publishing and presentations, and involvement in professional associations. In addition, students construct a curriculum vitae and develop a strategic career plan.
PSY 801 – Advanced Clinical Practicum/Externship I (3 credit hrs) This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present at regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on sharing the diversity of clinical experiences obtained through the variety of external site placements, with input from the University faculty on how these experiences interface with the perspective of the University training model. (Corequisite: Placement in an University approved externship. Typically completed by students in their fourth year of the Psy.D. Program. (Prerequisite: PSY 703)
PSY 802 – Advanced Clinical Practicum/Externship II (3 credit hrs) Second of two required semesters of advanced clinical experience at the externship site. This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and provision of services from an integrated perspective. (see Prerequisite: PSY 801 for additional details)
PSY 815 – Psychology of Religion (3 credit hrs) This course will provide an overview of the empirical psychology of religion as well as more general social scientific perspectives on religion. Topics will include issues of measurement, faith development, religion in adolescence, its effects on health and at-risk behavior, religious coping styles, conversion, religious experience and mysticism, as well as the treatment of religion in attachment theory, evolutionary perspectives, the cognitive science of religion, and the spirituality and/or/versus religion debate. “New” religions, totalistic movements, and the “new atheism” will also be examined.
PSY 820 – Group Psychotherapy (3 credit hrs) This course will cover evidence-based therapeutic factors that operate in most group interventions and the role of these in long term, short term and specialty groups. It will include didactic and experiential learning, case presentations, seminar discussion and analysis of group research. The course will also illustrate how Catholic Anthropological principles might apply to group life.
PSY 822 – Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credit hrs) This course introduces students to the structure and functions of the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the endocrine system. It is designed to introduce students to the “bio” in “biopsychosocial.” Areas covered include sensory and perceptual processes, physiological regulation of the sleep and waking cycles, eating behaviors, motivation, and affect. The etiology of psychopathology will be considered from a biological perspective, and students understanding of the influences of biological systems on clinical disorders.
PSY – 825 Social Bases of Behavior (3 credit hrs) Serves as an overview of the major theories, areas of study, and research methodologies in the field of social psychology. Includes such topics as impression formation, attribution theory, social influence, attitude development and change, prejudice and discrimination, antisocial and prosocial behaviors, affiliation and attraction, and sex role behaviors. Behaviors strongly intertwined with affect such as aggression, prejudice, and interpersonal attraction and intimate relations, as well as contemporary theories of affective influences are examined.
PSY 827 – Cultural, Religious, and Individual Diversity in Clinical Practice (3 credit hrs) This course systematically covers the cultural, religious, and individual diversity considerations central to effective functioning of a clinical psychologist. In addition to reviewing the adjustments in clinical practice expected when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, attention is given to the need which often arises to coordinate treatment efforts with other professionals who are involved in caring for the client.
PSY 830 – The Psychologist as Consultant, Supervisor and Educator (3 credit hrs) As leaders, psychologists find themselves called to participate in many roles beyond those of clinical practice and research. This course introduces students to the leadership roles of consultation, supervision, and teaching. Students will be introduced to the literature concerning these areas, as well as being provided with opportunities for experiential learning about these roles.
PSY 832 – Integrative Dissertation Seminar (3 credit hrs) As the first phase of the dissertation process, this course focuses on selecting a topic, developing research questions, and reviewing relevant literature. As the course progresses, students assess the social and clinical relevance of their work and identify appropriate investigative methods or theoretical approaches using an integration framework. Successful completion of this course prepares students for continued development of the Doctoral Research Proposal.
PSY 836 – Advanced Personality Assessment (4 credit hrs) This course develops skills in the administration and interpretation of more advanced projective personality techniques such as the Rorschach. Report writing skills are developed further by examining the ways in which the results of a variety of psychological assessment instruments can be integrated and used to make diagnoses and treatment recommendations. (Prerequisite: PSY 613)
PSY 890 – Pre-Doctoral Internship (0 credit hrs) This is a non-credit course for doctoral students completing their pre-doctoral internship. Students participating in off-site internship will be considered fully enrolled.
PSY 896 – Independent Study (1-3 credit hrs) Individualized plan of study designed through agreement between the instructor and student, and approved by the Department Chair. Such plans may include designated readings, viewing of videotaped learning resources, individual meetings for discussion with the instructor, research, and writing, as well as other types of assignments. The instructor determines in advance the requirements and criteria by which a grade is assigned and the number of credit hours to be awarded. Students are limited to a maximum combination of two Independent Study and Psychology Seminar courses per degree program. (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Program Director)
PSY 897 – Psychology Seminar (1-3 credit hrs) This seminar course is offered to a group of students on a topic or topics specified by the instructor and approved by the Program Director. The seminar format typically includes regularly held class meetings in which the instructor gives lectures and/or facilitates discussion. Students are limited to a maximum combination of two Independent Study and Psychology Seminar courses per degree program. (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Program Director)
PSY 897 – Psychology Seminar: Contemporary Cognitive and Behavior Therapies
This is an interactive course that is designed to teach students practical psychotherapy skills in Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RE & CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
PSY 897 – Psychology Seminar: Existential Issues in Psychology and Psychotherapy (3 credit hrs) This course surveys existential issues from its roots in philosophy and literature to its specification in the field of psychology and psychotherapy. Among the issues covered are the existence of the ‘I’ and its meaning, love and suffering, freedom, isolation, and death. While this course is principally theoretical in nature, case studies and clinical methodology will be discussed in order to facilitate integration into clinical work. (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Program Director)
PSY 897 – Psychology Seminar: Emotion-Focused Therapy for Individuals and Couples (2 credit hrs) This clinical seminar will cover an introduction to the theory, research, and practice of the Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) model for individuals and couples. A focus will be on understanding how emotional awareness, comfort to distress with emotion, levels of emotional expressiveness, and regulation of emotions are shaped by early and ongoing systemic, developmental, and transactional processes. Specific techniques for treatment will be examined, viewed, and role-played. Techniques will include exploring emotions through visceral sensations and deep empathy, developing emotional tolerance, accessing primary underlying emotions, understanding emotions in the context of attachment and identity needs, identifying key interactional cycles, and having corrective emotional experiences. The underlying scientific and philosophical presuppositions and the clinical techniques of this treatment model will be examined in light of a Catholic-Christian understanding of human flourishing and languishing. (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Program Director)
PSY 897 – Psychology Seminar: Psychopharmacology (2 credit hrs) This course develops an understanding of psychopharmacology with respect to the pathological basis for treatment, drug nomenclature, mechanisms of action and side-effects, drug-drug interactions, preliminary treatment considerations, and ethical-legal issues related to pharmacologic treatment. (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Department Chair)
PSY 899 – Dissertation (1-3 credit hrs) Registration for dissertation hours is required for all Psy.D. students from the time the Dissertation Chair is appointed until their dissertation is defended.
PSY 901 – Advanced Clinical Practicum/Externship IV (3 credit hrs) This is an ad hoc course designed for students who have not begun the pre-doctoral internship and who are in an advanced clinical experience at the externship site. This course may be repeated as needed. This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present regularly scheduled case consultation groups that focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and provision of services from an integrated perspective. (Prerequisite: PSY 801)
PSY 902 – Advanced Clinical Practicum/Externship V (3 credit hrs) This is an ad hoc course designed for students who have not begun the pre-doctoral internship and who are in an advanced clinical experience at the externship site. This course may be repeated as needed This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present regularly scheduled case consultation groups that focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and provision of services from an integrated perspective. (Prerequisite: PSY 901)
PSY 903 – Advanced Clinical Practicum/Externship VI (3 credit hrs) This is an ad hoc course designed for students who have not begun the pre-doctoral internship and who are in an advanced clinical experience at the externship site during the Summer semester. This course may be repeated as needed. This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present regularly scheduled case consultation groups that focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and provision of services from an integrated perspective. (Prerequisite: PSY 902)
INT 510 – The Person: Integrating Philosophical, Theological, and Psychological Perspectives I (2 credit hrs) This course examines a Catholic-Christian integrative vision of the person and flourishing, and its application for clinical psychology through the appraisal of several models for integrating psychology, philosophy, and theology. The course addresses the implications of different anthropological models on concepts of person, body, and relationality; flourishing through relationships, vocations, and commitments; and flourishing through developing natural capacities and growing one’s freedom. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on initial interviewing and case conceptualization. This course is taught by a philosophy/theology professor and co-taught by a clinical psychology professor. (Prerequisites: None)
INT 511 The Person – Integrating Philosophical, Theological, and Psychological Perspectives II (2 credit hrs) This course examines a Catholic-Christian integrative vision of the person and flourishing. The course addresses the implications of different anthropological models on concepts of person and body; creation and goodness; the person as an image of God; sexual equality, difference, and complementarity; fallenness and the effects of sin; and redemption, divine grace, and hope. The course further examines classic philosophical psychology; the foundational human capacities of sensation-perception, emotion, reason, and free judgment and responsibility. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on initial interviewing and case conceptualization. This course is taught by a philosophy/theology professor and co-taught by a clinical psychology professor. (Prerequisites: PHT 505 or INT 510)
INT 615 – Flourishing through Freedom and Moral Development (3 credit hrs) This course examines the foundations of freedom, moral development, and moral character using an integrative approach. It addresses themes of practical reasoning; freedom and responsibility; moral development and moral character; the principal virtues—both philosophical and theological—and their sub-virtues, as well as opposing vices. It also integrates psychological perspectives on moral development, meaning making, virtue, and flourishing. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on case conceptualization. This course is taught by a philosophy/theology professor and co-taught by a clinical psychology professor. (Prerequisites: PHT 505 and 506, or INT 510 and 511)
INT 625 – Flourishing through Relationships, Vocations, and Life Commitments (3 credit hrs) This course examines friendship, marriage, and family life using a Catholic-Christian integrative approach. It addresses themes of person and use; friendship and community; sexual drive, love, and attraction; the law of the gift; marriage as an institution—based in nature and science—that supports the flourishing and protection of individuals, families, and society; and Christian marriage and sacramentality. Students also explore themes of disorders and privations related to romance, marriage, and family life, including the realities of impediments to marriage, separation and divorce, and children of divorce; as well as supporting strengths and transformational practices. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, with emphasis on case considerations. As integrative, this course is typically led by a philosophy and theology professor and co-taught by a clinical psychology professor. (Prerequisites: PHT 505, 506, 614 or INT 510, 511, 615)
LIB 500 – Library and Information Use & Research (0 credit hrs) This course is required for all entering students and provides an in-depth review of library organization, collections, services, and online resources; presents the methodologies of information searching, strategy development, and evaluation; and reviews the evaluation of information and information sources.