Psychodynamic Approaches to Working with Adolescents (ref. M33)
Adolescents pose a challenge to all who work with them. Frontline professionals working with adolescents will find this course a useful learning experience in working with complex cases and managing high levels of anxiety . This multidisciplinary course provides a detailed psychoanalytic introduction to the understanding of the psychosocial development, problems and disturbances of adolescence. The interaction between biological, psychological and social factors is highlighted as contributing to mental health and disorders. Students develop their observational and reflective practice skills in this often tense and risky area of working life.
Who is this course for?
This multidisciplinary course is specifically designed for those professionals whose main interest, area of expertise, or workload consists of work with adolescents and young people.
These may include psychiatrists, social workers, probation officers, doctors, nurses, teachers, counsellors, etc.
Aims
The course provides an introduction to a psychoanalytic understanding of the psychosocial development, problems and disturbances of adolescence.
The course explores ways of working with young people, and offers students the opportunity to develop a highly specialised applied psychoanalytic model of working.
Content/Teaching components
Theoretical Lectures/Seminars Year 1
The majority of these lectures/seminars are given by members of the Adolescent Department.
Term One: The adolescent process.
Term Two: Problems of adolescence.
Term Three: Methods of intervention
Theoretical Lectures/Seminars Year 2
Advanced psychoanalytical theory and its applications to work with young people
Work discussion
Experiential group
Assessment
The first year will be assessed by means of three pieces of written work, to be completed by the end of the year (Adolescent Development Paper, Theoretical Essay and Work Discussion Paper).
The second year will be assessed by means of three pieces of written work to be completed by the end of the year (Advanced Theoretical essay, Advanced Work Discussion, and a Professional Development paper to demonstrate experiential learning).
The third year is assessed by means of dissertation to be completed by the end of May. The year is made up of a combination of workshops, tutorials and supervision.
Closing date
1 September 2013 (late applications may be considered).
Time commitment
There are two teaching and learning events which run throughout the year:
• Theoretical lecture/seminars (1¼ hours weekly)
• Work discussion seminars (1¼ hours weekly)
Year 1, Tuesday mornings from 10.00am - 1.00pm for 1 academic year at the Tavistock Centre.
Further information will be given to students who proceed to years 2 and 3.
Alternative locations for studying this programme
Leeds – part time, taught by UEL staff and local staff
Bristol – part time, taught by UEL staff and local staff
The course structure is the same for London, Leeds and Bristol.
