A course that reflects upon the complexity of clinical work that will prepare students in three main perspectives: psychodynamic, constructivist/interactionist, and psychoanalytic. The training is based on the teacher-student exchange and on classroom exercises that range between research methodology and the theoretical models of understanding the functioning of a person’s cognitive, affective, social, and relational environment. Students will conduct psycho-diagnostic assessments as well as developing the evaluations needed to understand interpersonal relationships and psychological distress. Students will be able to work in areas of both private and public institutions of clinical psychology, child neuropsychiatry, family counselling, and services that offer individual therapeutic and supportive relationship care. Student may also pursue a profession career as a psychotherapist or as a consultant for local and administrations services.
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Characteristics and objectives
Pursuant to Law no. 163 of 8 November 2021 and subsequent implementation decrees, the holders of a Master's degree in Clinical Dynamic Psychology are qualified to work as professional psychologists in Italy.
The Master's degree program in Clinical-Dynamic Psychology offers a solid and comprehensive educational path aimed at providing students with theoretical and methodological tools that make them ready to effectively face the complexity of the health psychological profession. This preparation is directed primarily, but not exclusively, towards clinical contexts, including intercultural and social deviance settings, or in the direction of scientific research. Students acquire the ability to apply their skills in interactions with individuals and families, in groups, and within institutions.
The solid and focused training of the faculty ensures the uniqueness of the Clinical-Dynamic Psychology program, which aims to develop specific theoretical and technical skills, promoting the construction of a clinical professional profile based on three main perspectives: psychodynamic, constructivist/interactionist, and psychoanalytic. The program offers a wide range of in-depth studies, including the principles and tools of scientific research applied to these clinical approaches, as well as providing elements of integration and enrichment through additional theoretical approaches and observation perspectives, such as the neuroscientific one. The educational context combines traditional aspects of clinical psychological training with constantly updated content, where the perspective of theoretically and scientifically founded intervention models ('evidence-based') is emphasized.
In detail, the teachings of the Clinical-Dynamic Psychology program mainly focus on the progressive development of the following areas: theoretical clinical models for understanding the functioning of individuals on cognitive, affective, and relational levels (e.g., family); research methodology; promotion of health/well-being and prevention of distress/discomfort; principles, tools, and techniques of psychological assessment; psychological diagnosis in its multifaceted aspects (e.g., personality style, clinical disorders); design and implementation of clinical intervention (e.g., supportive or rehabilitative); evaluation of the process of change, clinical interventions, and treatment outcomes.
During classes, active interaction between students and faculty is encouraged, consolidating learning through diverse classroom exercises, including clinical cases, and participation in discussion activities. Students have the opportunity to develop clinical and research skills through seminars and extracurricular activities, participating in laboratory work and research centers within the relevant department, and undertaking practical-evaluative internships at public and private institutions affiliated with the University (e.g., healthcare agencies, hospitals, communities), thus ensuring a solid foundation to effectively tackle the complexities of their future profession.
Occupational opportunities
In addition to the theoretical and methodological preparation that prepares graduates for possible further specialized second-level training in clinical èperspective, potential employment opportunities can be found in a wide range of freelance professions (clinical, forensic), including consultancy within any entity of the National Health System (e.g., child neuropsychiatry), in SerD, and in services where establishing therapeutic and individual or group support relationships is possible. Opportunities also exist in facilities with preventive projects, psychosocial and socio-health services, family counseling, public and private-social or private organizations with roles in assistance and social promotion. Other potential areas include scientific research in the field of clinical psychology in public (e.g., university research doctorate) or private institutions, both nationally and internationally.