NS5363 - Forensic Psychopathology and Psychotherapy 1

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	Discipline of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition

Biological, psychological, psychodynamic and social theories of psychopathology in mentally ill offenders. Assessing mentally ill offenders. Assessing risk and dangerousness and predicting violence. Treatments used in forensic psychiatry. Clinical, ethical and professional aspects of the relationship between mentally ill offenders and professionals.

Learning Outcomes

• to describe boundaries imposed by ethical and professional codes on the relationship between professionals and mentally ill offenders in their care;
• to describe particular psychotherapeutic strategies employed in the care of mentally ill offenders, including art therapy, drama therapy, writing therapies, psychotherapies, counselling, social skills training and other innovative approaches;
• to describe, critically evaluate and apply a range of general assessments to mentally ill offenders, as well as assessments specifically for use with mentally ill offenders, including methods for assessing risk and dangerousness and predicting violence;
• to give a broad overview of the types of treatments employed in forensic psychiatric services;
• to outline a range of theories accounting for the psychopathology of mentally ill offenders.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Availabilities
External, Study Period 2
Census Date 28-Aug-2009
Coordinator:	Professor Colin Holmes
Lecturer:	Dr Lea Budden.
Method of Delivery:	and WWW - LearnJCUPrinted materials
Assessment:	assignments.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.