Ateneo - UPO

The course introduces the main topics of clinical psychology as applied to social work: needs assessment, communication and clinical observation, clinical interviewing, the diagnostic process, and the main psychological assessment tools. The main forms of psychological distress and mental suffering across different stages of the life cycle will be addressed, with particular attention to the relationship between the individual, the social context, and the environment.
Through the discussion of clinical cases, the course will explore the relationship between professionals and service users, relational and family issues, prevention and treatment interventions, and the main psychotherapeutic approaches, with particular attention to the role and intervention methods of social work.

The reference texts and any additional teaching materials will be indicated before the beginning of the course and made available through the DIR platform. Additional readings may be suggested during the course.

The course aims to provide the basic knowledge of clinical psychology required for training in the field of social work. By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand the main forms of psychological distress and mental suffering, identify the fundamental elements of help-seeking and the diagnostic process, and understand the characteristics of clinical interviewing and the main psychological assessment tools.
Particular attention will be devoted to developing the ability to understand situations of distress by considering the interaction between the individual, relationships, the social context, and the environment. The course will also foster an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of social work interventions and their integration with psychological, psychotherapeutic, and other professional services.

No specific prior knowledge is required. A basic understanding of the main concepts of general psychology and of the core disciplines of social work is recommended.

The course will consist of lectures supplemented by the presentation and discussion of clinical cases and situations relevant to social work. Active participation will be encouraged through opportunities for discussion and exchange on the topics addressed during the course.

Teaching materials used during the lectures and any communications concerning the course will be made available through the University DIR platform.

The examination consists of an oral assessment aimed at evaluating knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered in the course, as well as the ability to appropriately use the concepts and terminology of clinical psychology. The ability to relate theoretical knowledge to situations and cases relevant to social work will also be assessed.
The final evaluation will take into account the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the ability to discuss and connect different topics, and the appropriate use of terminology.

The course will address the theoretical and methodological foundations of clinical psychology, with particular reference to their application in the field of social work.
The following topics will be examined: definition, scope, and areas of intervention of clinical psychology; concepts of health, psychological distress, and mental suffering; needs assessment and the helping relationship; communication and clinical observation; characteristics and functions of clinical interviewing; the diagnostic process and the main psychological assessment tools; characteristics of the main forms of psychopathology; psychological distress across different stages of the life cycle; relational and family issues and multiproblem families.
Particular attention will be devoted to psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and relational perspectives, exploring the role of relationships, internalised relational patterns, affective dynamics, and interpersonal processes in understanding psychological functioning and mental suffering. The main models of psychological and psychotherapeutic intervention will also be presented in their general characteristics, with brief references to cognitive-behavioural and systemic-relational approaches.
The presentation and discussion of cases will provide opportunities to explore the relationship between the individual and their family, social, and environmental contexts, the relationship between professionals and service users, and the role of social work in situations involving psychological distress, fostering an integrated understanding of the issues addressed.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- know and understand the main concepts and models of clinical psychology, with particular reference to psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and relational perspectives;
- recognise the main forms of psychological distress and mental suffering and understand them in relation to individual history, relationships, and family and social contexts;
- understand the fundamental characteristics of clinical interviewing, the diagnostic process, and the main psychological assessment tools;
- analyse help-seeking needs and the relational aspects characterising the encounter between professionals and service users;
- apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis and discussion of situations and cases relevant to social work;
- recognise the specific features, possibilities, and limitations of social work interventions and understand the importance of integration with other professionals involved in the prevention and treatment of psychological distress.