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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Module Code PST1003 (ITS: NS572)
Faculty Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health School Science & Health
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module provides the student with opportunities to embrace psychoanalytic theory and associated techniques in counselling and psychotherapy practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critique the theoretical underpinnings of psychoanalytic approaches to therapeutic encounters
2. Assess the process of case formulation and therapeutic change as conceptualised by psychoanalytic traditions
3. Evaluate the impact the discovery of the unconscious had on the development of a psychical topography
4. Analyse psychoanalytic frameworks of development and psychopathology
5. Evaluate the outcomes and process research literature relating to psychoanalytic models of psychotherapy
6. Examine how transference may either facilitate or inhibit therapeutic practice


Total Workload: 0
Section Breakdown
CRN21271Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorStephanie swalesModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Assignmentn/a100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

This module is based on introducing students to the advanced theory and knowledge required to conduct counselling and psychotherapy with an integrative approach. The primary areas of the module are outlined below

Exploration of psychoanalytic theory and practice with particular emphasis on an introduction to Freud, Klein, Bion and Lacan

Consideration and comparison of psychical development from Freudian, Kleinian and Lacanian perspectives

Exploration of the myth and reality of Oedipus

Consideration of how psychoanalytic theory conceptualises pathology and engages in assessment and treatment

Analysis of how psychodynamic models create and maintain therapeutic alliance

Exploration of the unconscious, repression, defense mechanisms, containment, transference, counter transference, language and desire

Exploration and analysis of the concept of group psychoanalytic theory

Consideration of integrative approach, including exploration of how models may be integrated in practice both as a method to treat and as a tool to understanding psychopathology

Evaluate research pertinent to the practice of psychoanalytic psychotherapy

Critique the contribution of psychoanalytic approaches make to pathway specific pathology

Continuous Assessment 100%

Written assignment- theory (4000 words) 60%

Case Presentation with report – clinical (2000 words) 40%

Notes; both elements of assessment must be successful passed to complete this module.

It is a module requirement that both assignments will be submitted to turnitin.

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Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Bruce Fink: 0, A Clinical Introduction to Freud: Techniques for Everyday Practice, 978-039371196
  • Melanie Klein: 0, Love, Guilt and Reparation: And Other Works 1921-1945 (The Writings of Melanie Klein, Volume 1), 978-074323765
  • Bruce Fink: 0, A Clinical Introduction to Lacanian Psychoanalysis: Theory and Technique, 978-067413536
  • Sigmund Freud: 0, Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis, 978-087140118


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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