Basic Psychological Skills

obligatory courses

The aim of this course is to improve basic predispositions necessary in the practical work of a psychologist; to learn and practice skills related to accurate observation, responsive listening, interviewing strategies and effective helping behaviors. Active methods targeted at personal experience of participants (workshop) are implemented in secure and fun atmosphere.

The two semester course will focus on increasing student’s understanding of the interpersonal skills required to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships and increasing student’s ability to interact effectively with other people.

Part 1 (Fall Semester)

The aim of this set of 15 classes is to improve the predispositions necessary in psychological work, e.g. insight into one's own emotions and cognitive processes involved in reasoning

(perception, interpretation, attitude, evaluation), increasing their own self-awareness and understanding of social forces and capacities for problem solving.

Part 2 (Spring Semester)

The aim of this second set of 15 classes is to provide a foundation for students to develop the basic psychological skills they need to build in effective helping relationships in the context of individual psychological contact and working with a

group. In class workshops student’s will have the opportunity to practice helping behaviors; examine the conditions and steps necessary for creating the type of empathic climate in which the helpee can begin to explore his or her world and gain selfawareness. In the second part of the semester, students carry out own exercises with the group, planned according to their own ideas, to practice basic workshop conduction skills.

Part 1 (Fall Semester) Upon successful completion of the course, students can expect to gain competency in the following areas: - will improve communication skills (verbal and nonverbal) - will be able to give and receive feedback - will understand how to increase self-awareness - will be able to build interpersonal trust - will enhance ability to express and recognize feelings - will be able to utilize interpersonal skills that will enhance ability to function as an effective group member - will be able to identify group roles and have general knowledge about group process - will understand how to facilitate Psychoeducational groups

Part 2 (Spring Semester) Upon completion of the course , students will be able to: - utilize interpersonal skills necessary to establish helping relationship (therapy, counseling, psychoeducational) - conduct helping interview - identify the role of psychological defenses in reluctance and resistance - develop productive approaches to dealing with reluctant clients - utilize advanced verbal response skills - establish contract, goals and objectives - examine and discuss ethical and professional issues