Week 1: Diagnostic Skills & Clinical Assessment

The first week builds strong diagnostic skills.

Topics Covered

• Introduction to Clinical Psychology
  Understanding what clinical psychologists do, their roles, and their expertise.
• Client History Taking & Mental Status Examination (MSE)
  Learning to assess mood, thinking, appearance, attention, insight, and behavior.
• Diagnostic Interview Techniques
  How to use structured and semi-structured interviews to gather accurate information.
• Understanding Psychological Symptoms
  Recognizing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral signs in clients.
• Basics of Psychopathology
  Overview of anxiety, mood, trauma, and personality disorders.
• DSM-5-TR Diagnostic Criteria
  Learning to use global diagnostic standards effectively.
  Differential Diagnosis Skills
  Distinguishing between conditions such as:
  – Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder
  – ADHD vs. Anxiety
  – PTSD vs. Acute Stress Disorder
• Personality Assessments Overview
  Introduction to MBTI, Big Five, MMPI-2 basics, and projective techniques.
• Behavioral Assessment Skills
  Spotting triggers, patterns, reinforcements, and behavior chains.
• Risk Assessment & Suicide Evaluation
  Learning to identify warning signs like self-harm, suicidal intent, aggression, or psychosis.
• Case Note Writing & Documentation
  Training in SOAP notes and structured documentation.

Students practice through simulated interviews, role-plays, and supervised demonstrations to build diagnostic confidence.

Week 2: Basic Therapy & Counseling Skills

Week 2 focuses on therapy fundamentals essential for beginners.

Topics Covered

• Basic Counseling Skills
  Reflection, empathy, active listening, and purposeful questioning.
• Building Rapport and Trust
  Developing trust and creating a safe therapeutic relationship.
• Cognitive Restructuring Principles
  Identifying automatic thoughts and challenging distorted thinking.
• Supportive Therapy Approaches
  Using validation, psychoeducation, and coping strategies.
• Crisis Intervention Basics
  Handling panic attacks, emotional dysregulation, and emergency situations.
• Ethical & Legal Standards in Diagnosis
  Understanding boundaries, confidentiality, consent, and professional responsibilities.
• Case Formulation Techniques
  Connecting assessment findings to a diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Supervision Methods
  How beginners can use clinical supervision effectively.

Students participate in practice therapy sessions, discussions, and real-time feedback sessions.