Clinical Psychology Courses

Fall 2013 Clinical Psychology Courses

* Degree students only.
+Please note GPS 505 and GPS 515 are being offered the same day/time.

GPS 505 Physiological Dimensions of Psychology (3cr.)
Instructor: Melissa VanderKaay Tomasulo
Tuesday, 5:00pm-7:25pm*

This course will critically examine theory and research on the physiological correlates of behavior, emphasizing the structure and function of the nervous system and the relationship between psychological well-being and physical health. The interrelationships between behavior, emotion, stress, lifestyle, and illness, including psychological factors and interventions for prevention in disorders such as cardiovascular disease and cancer will be discussed.  The impact of psychoactive substances on the brain and behavior will also be examined.  Prerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree, Introduction to Psychology and Physiological Psychology or its equivalent. The instructor recommends reviewing Neil R. Carlson’s Behavioral Neuroscience text prior to enrolling in this course.

*Please note this course is offered at the same day/time as GPS 515 Advanced Abnormal Psychology.

GPS 507 Psychological Assessment I (4cr.)
Instructor: Cindy Cole
Thursday, 7:30pm-9:55pm
Lab: Monday, 8:00pm-9:00pm

This course is an introduction to the construction, administration, and interpretation of psychological tests.  Emphasis during the first semester will be on the assessment of cognitive functions and abilities.  Students will have an opportunity to practice and administer individual cognitive measures both in lab and independently with supervision. Note: There will be a lab on Mondays from 8:00pm-9:30 pm starting 9/2.

Lab Fee: $45.00. Prerequisites: GPS 515 must be taken prior to or concurrently with this course. Course open to degree students only or with permission of the Director.

GPS 510 Research Methods I (3cr.)
Instructor: Anthony Richardson
Monday, 5:00pm-7:25pm 

This course begins with a review of the research process followed by an in-depth treatment of exploratory data analysis and inferential statistics. The course emphasis will be on those univariate and multivariate procedures commonly used in clinical research. During the course of the semester, students will also develop a working knowledge of statistical software, especially SPSS. Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree and an undergraduate statistics course.

GPS 515 Advanced Abnormal Psychology (3cr.)
Instructor: Helene Nilsen
Tuesday, 5:00pm-7:25pm*

An in-depth look at clinical theory as it relates to child and adolescent development. With a basis in theoretical knowledge, the student will then study the DSM IV-TR, the ICD-10 and the PDM child and adolescent disorders with an added focus on the phenomenological experience of the child/adolescent. Prerequisites: Course open to degree students only or by permission of the director.

*Please note this course is offered at the same day/time as GPS 505 Physiological Basis of Behavior.

GPS 525 Introduction to Clinical Intervention I (4cr.)
Instructor: Ronald Miller
Wednesday, 5:00pm-7:25pm
Lab: Wednesday, 7:30-9:00pm

This course will critically examine the therapeutic relationship as a basis for clinical assessment and intervention. Also, crisis intervention will be viewed from the following theoretical perspectives: medical, humanistic and community psychology.  Note:  There will be a lab following class from 7:30-9:00pm.  Prerequisites: The course is open to degree students only or with permission of the director.

GPS 608 First Year Practicum I (3cr.)
Instructor: Naomi Shapiro
Thursday, 5:00pm-7:25pm

This course provides supervision, clinical training, and support for students participating in their first year practicum experience.  The course continues in the spring as GPS 609 (3cr.). Prerequisites: GPS 525-526 should be taken prior to or concurrently with this course.

GPS 610 Internship, Ethics and Professional Affairs I (3 cr.)
Instructor: Irene Sharp
Thursday, 5:00 - 8:25 pm
Lab A: Thursday, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Entire Class: Thursday, 6:00 - 7:25 pm
Lab B: Thursday, 7:25-8:25 pm

The seminar is only for students completing their internship.  Its objective is twofold: 1) an in-depth review of the ethical principles of psychologists and of relevant legal and policy issues in the profession; and 2) a forum for the discussion of specific clinical issues arising from the varied internship settings.  The course continues in the spring as GPS 611. Note: The entire class meets for the first and last two classes of the semester between 5:00 and 7:25.  On other dates there will be two lab sections:  Lab A meets between 5:00 – 6:00 on the night of class, Lab B meets between 7:25 - 8:25 on the night of class.   Please specify on the registration form for which lab you are registering.  Prerequisites: GPA 515-516, 525-526 and 608-609.  GPS 507-508 must be taken prior to or concurrently, those taking the course concurrently with internship may find their site options more limited. 

GPS 612 Marital and Family Therapy (3cr.)
Instructor: Molly Millwood
Wednesday, 5:00pm-7:25pm

This is a foundation course that reviews the main theories of marital and family therapy and systems theory.  A concurrent focus will provide an opportunity to explore the significant dynamics in your family of origin to help you to work effectively with couples and families. Prerequisites: GPS 525-526 or with permission of the instructor.

GPS 686 Independent Study (3cr.)

Under special circumstances, when a course is not offered during a given semester, or when there is an irresolvable scheduling conflict, a student may complete some course work on an independent basis. The student must have the approval of a faculty sponsor and the department chair. Requests must be completed by the last day of the course change period. The student, with the supervisor, would outline in proposal form the objectives, topics, evaluation mechanisms and outside source material.  The form must be signed by both student and advisor and submitted to the director. The director will then submit the form to the Dean of the College for final approval.

GPS 687 Directed Readings (3cr.)

This option provides the student with an opportunity to undertake a study in a specific area not covered in the regular course offerings. The student must have the approval of a faculty sponsor and the department chair. Requests must be completed by the last day of the course change period. The student, with the supervisor, would outline in proposal form the objectives, topics, evaluation mechanisms and outside source material.  The form must be signed by both student and advisor and submitted to the director. The director will then submit the form to the Dean of the College for final approval.

GPS 689 Research Seminar (3cr.)
Instructors: Jason Fechter, Leila McVeigh
Monday, 5:00-7:25pm
(Meets bi-monthly in the fall semester and monthly in the spring semester)

This is a yearlong seminar for all students beginning work on their major paper, case study, or thesis.  It allows students to share their research and receive feedback and supervision on a continuous basis.  The major paper is an in-depth analysis of the theoretical, clinical, and experimental literature in a specific area of clinical psychology.  It demonstrates the student's ability to synthesize, integrate, and critique the knowledge base of professional psychology, and contribute to the growth of that knowledge.  The thesis involves conducting a research study in the field or laboratory, while the case study is an intensive examination of an individual clinical assessment, treatment, or program.  Prerequisites: GPS 510, 511. Students writing a Thesis must register for GPS 690 in the subsequent spring semester.

Spring 2013 Clinical Psychology Courses

* Degree students only.
+Please note GPS 520 and GPS 516 are being offered on the same day/time.

Note: Students may choose the option of writing a major paper, thesis (GPS 690) or case study (GPS 691), after registering for Research Seminar (GPS 689) in the fall semester.

Students will have 12 months (two semesters and the following summer) to complete the major paper, and 16 months (two semesters and the following summer and one additional semester) to complete the thesis or case study. After these time periods, a continuation XT fee equivalent to a one-credit charge will be made for each additional semester that the student is working on the final project. The fee will be charged at the end of September in the fall semester, and at the end of January in the spring semester. The purpose of the fee is to cover the costs of continuing to supervise the project, library use, maintain student records in the program, as well as to provide an incentive to complete the project in a timely manner.

GPS 508 Psychological Assessment II (4cr.)

Instructor: Greg Tomasulo
Thursday, 7:30pm-9:55pm
Lab: Monday, 8:00pm-9:30pm (Lab begins on Jan. 21)
This course is a continuation of GPS 507 with an emphasis on personality assessment, objective and projective.
Lab Fee: $45.
Prerequisite: GPS 507. GPS 516 must be taken prior to or concurrently with this course. The course is open to degree students only or with permission of the Director.

GPS 511 Research Methods II (3cr.)

Instructor: Susan Kuntz
Monday, 5:00pm-7:25pm
This course is designed to give students an introduction to the philosophical, conceptual, and practical basis of qualitative methodologies. We will survey the most common types of qualitative inquiry and their theoretical roots, differences between qualitative and quantitative methods, techniques of data collection and analysis, integration of qualitative and quantitative methods, and current debates regarding qualitative inquiry. Students will become familiar with published qualitative work in the discipline of psychology and conduct their own qualitative project. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree and either Research Methods I or undergraduate statistics.

GPS 516 Advanced Abnormal Psychology II (3cr.)

Instructor: Helene Nilsen
Tuesday, 5:00pm-7:25pm*
This course is a continuation of GPS 515 with the focus on adult psychopathology.  Initially, the focus will be on the study of several theories regarding adult self-development and psychopathology.  The DSM IV-TR, ICD-10 and the PDM will be utilized to understand the classification and inner experience of people with a spectrum of clinical disorders.  The goal of this course is to give students a sense of the phenomenological experience of the person living with a disorder, along with a grounding in developmental theoretical constructs that make the disorders more meaningful clinically.  Finally, students will present in-depth case studies along with experience formulating clinical diagnoses.  Prerequisite: GPS 515.  The course is open to degree students only or with permission of the director.

GPS 520 Advanced Social Psychology (3cr.)

Instructor: Jeffrey Adams
Tuesday, 5:00pm-7:25pm*
This course offers an in-depth look at selected topics from the field of social psychology. Theory and research from areas such as the self, social cognition, and social learning theory will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Bachelor’s degree and Social Psychology or its equivalent.
*Please note this course is offered at the same day/time as GPS 516 Advanced Abnormal Psychology.

GPS 526 Introduction to Clinical Intervention II (3cr.)

Instructor: Ronald B. Miller
Wednesday, 5:00pm-7:25pm
Lab: Wednesday, 7:30pm-9:00pm
This course is a continuation of GPS 525. Covering the psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and strategic approaches to the therapeutic relationship. Prerequisite: The course is open to degree students only or with the permission of the director.

GPS 609 First Year Practicum II (3cr.)

Instructor: Naomi Shapiro
Thursday, 5:00pm-7:25pm
This course is a continuation of First Year Practicum I. GPS 526 Clinical Interventions should be taken either prior to or concurrently with this course. Prerequisites: GPS 608. The course is open to degree students only.

GPS 611 Internship Ethics and Professional Affairs Seminar II (3cr.)

Instructor: Irene Sharp
Thursday, 5:00 – 8:25 pm
Lab A: Thursday, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Entire Class: Thursday, 6:00 – 7:25 pm
Lab B: Thursday, 7:25 - 8:25 pm
This course is a continuation of GPS 610. The seminar is for students doing their internship. It provides a forum for the discussion of professional ethics and affairs, legal and policy issues in psychology, and specific clinical issues arising in the internship setting.  Prerequisites: GPS 610. The course is open to degree students only.

GPS 601 Group Psychotherapy (3cr.)

Instructor: Jaime Elliott
Wednesday, 5:00-7:25pm
This course provides an overview of theory, research, practice and a basic appreciation for Group Psychotherapy. Topics include: history, contrasting approaches, group development, role of the therapist, special issues, and organizational and ethical concerns. Didactic and experiential learning activities are part of the student's experience. Prerequisites: GPS 525-526 or permission of the instructor.

GPS 686 Independent Study - Elective (3cr.)

Under special circumstances, when a course is not offered during a given semester, or when there is an irresolvable scheduling conflict, a student may complete some course work on an independent basis. The student must have the approval of a faculty sponsor and the department chair. Requests must be completed by the last day of the course change period. The student, with the supervisor, would outline in proposal form the objectives, topics, evaluation mechanisms, and outside source material. The form must be signed by both student and advisor and submitted to the director. The director will then submit the proposal to the Dean of the College for final approval.

GPS 687 Directed Readings - Elective (3cr.)

This option provides the student with an opportunity to undertake a study in a specific area not covered in the regular course offerings. The student must have the approval of a faculty sponsor and the department chair. Requests must be completed by the last day of the course change period. The student, with the supervisor, would outline in proposal form the objectives, topics, evaluation mechanisms and outside source material. The form must be signed by both student and advisor and submitted to the director. The director will then submit the proposal to the Dean of the College for final approval.

GPS 690 Thesis (3cr.)

The thesis is an empirical study of a particular hypothesis in the field of clinical psychology conducted up to the standards of the profession and contributing to the empirical knowledge base of professional psychology. It may be quantitative or qualitative in method. Three credits in addition to Research Seminar. The student should register for these credits either when registering for Research Seminar in the fall or in the subsequent spring semester. Prerequisite: GPS 689.

GPS 691 Case Study (3cr.)

An in-depth study of a sustained clinical service provided by the student during her/his training. The Case Study may be of an assessment, consultation, psychotherapeutic intervention, therapeutic milieu, or mental health program. The Case Study includes an analysis of the psychological processes and principles operating in the case, a literature review of similar cases and relevant empirical research, as well as a discussion of one theoretical/philosophical dilemma that arose. Three credits in addition to the research Seminar. The student should register for these credits either when registering for Research Seminar in the fall or in the subsequent spring semester. Prerequisite: GPS 689.

Summer 2013 Clinical Psychology Courses

GPS 513 Advanced Developmental Psychology (3 cr.)

Instructor: Renee Carrico 
Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (May 21 - June 20)

This course is a review of contemporary research and theories in child development with an emphasis on cognitive and social development. Included will be reading and discussion of infant research, attachment theory and development as it continues through the lifespan. Every effort is made to demonstrate how developmental theory is integral to clinical work. Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree and Developmental Psychology.

GPS 605 Play Therapy (3 cr.)

Instructor: Naomi Shapiro
Wednesday – Friday; 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (May 8, 10, 13, 15, 17)
Sunday – 8:00 am-6:00 pm (May 19)

This course will involve an experiential approach to the therapeutic understanding of children and adolescents. Humanistic play therapy will be the primary orientation discussed. Class attendance is mandatory. Note: This course is open to degree students with the permission of the instructor only. Prerequisites: GPS 515, GPS 516, GPS 525, GPS 526, GPS 608, and GPS 609.

GPS 649 Special Topics: Play Therapy II (3 cr.)

Instructor: Naomi Shapiro
Wednesday - Friday, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (June 19, 21, 24, 26, 28)
Sunday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (June 30)

This course will be a more advanced look at our clinical work with children presented again in an experiential format. The class size will be limited. Note: This course is open to degree students or graduates of the program who have taken Play Therapy I. Permission of the instructor is required.

GPS 606 The Practice of Intensive Psychotherapy (3 cr.)

Instructor: Dr. Ronald Miller
Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (June 25 - July 30)

Through an examination of comprehensive case studies this course will explore the process of both brief and long-term intensive psychotherapy. A psychodynamic model supplemented by humanistic and interpersonal theory will serve as the framework for the course. Prerequisites: GPS 525 & 526 or permission of the instructor.

Future Clinical Psychology Course Offerings

NOTE: This is a tentative schedule for planning purposes. Some courses may need to be offered at other times. See below for registration information and contacts.

* = for degree students only
All courses require prerequisites
FOR ASSISTANCE OR QUESTIONS: Contact Diana Hoppe, dhoppe@smcvt.edu, 802.654.2206.