Psychology, Doctorate

Courses

PPSY6001: Basic Skills - Individual Psychotherapy

Credits 3

Development of essential listening skills for therapeutic effectiveness to include principles and procedures of individual therapy. Students learn to apply effective interviewing and micro-skills which include the use of required videotaped psychotherapy interviews, role-playing, and therapy process models. 

PPSY6100: Integration I: Psychology and the Wesleyan Perspective

Credits 2
This course builds a thesis of how to approach psychological principles of treatment and advocacy from a Wesleyan perspective and through the lens of diversity. Special emphasis is placed on introspection and the idea of calling as we delve into the Psychologist’s role as servant healers who walk through pain and suffering with our clients.

PPSY6111: Professional Foundations in Psychology I

Credits 1

This course serves to establish a psychological integrative perspective throughout the students’ courses. Students will be challenged to apply what they have learned through the lens of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-diversity model in an interactive way, establish and grow healthy models of self-care, study, and peer cohesiveness, and to increase communication, interpersonal skills, and professionalism as they incorporate concepts from their classes into a practical model.

Grade of pass/fail.

PPSY6170: Psychopathology

Credits 2
This course focuses on the application of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning of individuals and special groups (diverse clients, couples, children and elderly, etc.) utilizing the DSM 5-TR.

PPSY6202: Clinical Foundations in Psychology

Credits 2

This course is an introduction to the practicum experience. This class will review skills and build the knowledge necessary to successfully enter and complete the practicum experience.

PPSY6512: Professional Foundations in Psychology II

Credits 1

Building on PPSY6111, this course continues to establish a psychological integrative perspective throughout the students’ courses. Students will be challenged to apply what they have learned through the lens of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-diversity model in an interactive way, establish and grow healthy models of self-care, study, and peer cohesiveness, and increase communication, interpersonal skills, and professionalism as they incorporate concepts from their classes into a practical model.

Grade of pass/fail.

Prerequisite Courses

PPSY6530: Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychology

Credits 2
Current legal and ethical concerns in the practice of psychology. Ethical theory and decision-making processes and legal aspects of client-counselor relationships are covered, including ethical issues in working with diverse populations. Students will study the APA ethics codes and Idaho state laws based on the practice of counseling psychology in this course. This class is to be taken during the first year in the student’s residency in their program.

PPSY6532: Theories of Psychotherapy

Credits 2
Critical analyses of selected classical and contemporary theories, including multicultural counseling theory and consultation with examination of the practical meaning of the theories for the psychologist. Students will identify processes related to developing personal models of counseling.

PPSY6533: Family Systems Theory and Interventions

Credits 2

This course is an introduction to the history and application of family systems therapy and the broad range of family theories that have been used within the tradition of family treatment. The students will be able to identify and understand assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and resources needed in order to support families as they look through the lens of theory. Unique family characteristics, such as ethnic and cultural considerations, will also be reviewed to highlight the diversity that exists within families.

PPSY6542: Group Processes and Interventions

Credits 2

Techniques of group procedures appropriately applied to decision-making, problem solving, and resolution of conflict. Theories, characteristics and group dynamics, interventions, stages, leadership styles, and roles relevant to group counseling will be discussed. This course is experiential in nature and students will be required to effectively facilitate and evaluate a group counseling experience from a particular theoretical orientation.

PPSY6550: Diversity I: Social Aspects of Behavior from a Multicultural Perspective

Credits 2
An examination of philosophical assumptions of multiculturalism. Ethical considerations related to multiculturalism, strategies with diverse populations, and indigenous psychotherapy approaches. The influence of gender, gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, spirituality/religion, age, ability, size, and other factors related to diverse populations in the therapeutic process and on the psychologist. Students will learn ethical and cultural characteristics needed to sensitively and appropriately serve multicultural and diverse populations as well as to see themselves as a diverse individual.

PPSY6582: Introduction to Trauma and Crisis Psychotherapy

Credits 2
This course is the first step towards becoming a Trauma Informed Psychologist, providing a strong foundation in attachment theory, childhood trauma and PTSD, as well as the impact of mass disaster, domestic violence, suicide, sexual assault, and vicarious trauma. Skill demonstrations, videos, and lectures will provide a strong introduction to specific interventions appropriate to this specialized area of psychotherapy.

PPSY6590: Assessment I: Psychological Tests and Measurements

Credits 3

This course encompasses the types, uses, and basic psychometrics involved in educational and personality testing and assessment. Validity, reliability, and program evaluation concepts are covered, and students are introduced to elementary statistical concepts important to interpreting and understanding test reviews. Various types of clinical dissertations are presented and discussed to assist students in developing their clinical dissertation proposal. 

PPSY6844: Introduction to Human Sexuality: Physiology, Diversity, and Interventions

Credits 2

This clinical course is intended to prepare students for effective practice in dealing with clients’ sexual issues. It includes an overview of the biological, psychological, and relational aspects of human sexuality that arise in clinical practice. Topics will include appropriate language, sexuality through the life cycle, appropriate boundaries and cultural differences in sexuality, physiology of sexuality, taking a sexual history, sexual orientation, sexuality, and disabilities, reclaiming sexuality following a history of sexual abuse, sexual addiction, and other special topics. Includes DSM-V-TR sexuality diagnoses and treatment approaches for psychotherapy clients with sexual problems. Attention is given to psychotherapy and diverse couples with presenting problems of sexual dysfunctions.  Students will explore the applications of this knowledge to clinical practice and examine their level of comfort with this material as it relates to the clinical situation.

PPSY7190: Assessment II: Cognitive

Credits 3

This course focuses on the administration, scoring, and interpretation of cognitive, intelligence, and achievement assessments for adults and children.

Prerequisite Courses

PPSY7201: Clinical Practicum 201

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty.

Grade of pass/fail.

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

Clinical Training at a practicum site.

PPSY7507: Basic Skills of Child-Centered Play Psychotherapy

Credits 1

This course is an introduction to child-centered play therapy. The course will give an overview of the history and development of child-centered play therapy. It will present current techniques as well as the current research being done to demonstrate their relevance to the practice of play therapy with children and their families. The course will demonstrate the basic skills necessary to prepare a playroom and how to facilitate parent consultations. Students will be instructed how to structure a play session and approach issues from a child-centered play therapy perspective.

PPSY7513: Professional Foundations in Psychology III

Credits 1

Building on PPSY6512, this course continues to establish a psychological integrative perspective throughout the students’ courses. Students will be challenged to apply what they have learned through the lens of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-diversity model in an interactive way, establish and grow healthy models of self-care, study, and peer cohesiveness, and to increase communication and interpersonal skills, and professionalism as they incorporate concepts from their classes into a practical model. Second entry students will take this course in order to be introduced into the PsyD program, build community with the existing PsyD cohort, and to learn the aspects of the PsyD model inherent with an entry-level PsyD student. This course will also serve as the assessment point for competency skills required for entry into the PsyD Program.

Grade of pass/fail.

Prerequisite Courses

PPSY7535: Statistical Analysis

Credits 3
An introduction to research and statistics - designed to develop a basic understanding of descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The focus of the course is the application of statistics for understanding research articles and the selection of appropriate statistical tools for field research and program evaluation. Includes research literature design considerations including sampling, surveys, and statistical tests. Lectures emphasize statistical concepts and their application to clinical research. Computer applications of statistical software packages are emphasized in an experiential laboratory component. Students must prepare an action research proposal for their dissertation as part of the course requirements.

PPSY7552: Addictions Psychotherapy

Credits 2
A detailed study identifying the history, classification, physiological and psychological effects associated with psychoactive substances. Additionally, assessment, diagnosis, treatment modalities, intervention and prevention, availability of resources, and obstacles of recovery will be discussed.

PPSY7635: Research Design and Methodology

Credits 3

This advanced course focuses on research methodologies and their applications in the analysis of both empirical and qualitative data. This course provides the foundational skills necessary for students to finalize their clinical dissertation proposal and to conduct the research to complete their clinical dissertation.

Prerequisites

Passing score of PsyD Competency Exam.

PSYD8202: Clinical Practicum 202

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

Clinical Training at a practicum site.

PSYD8210: Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Intervention

Credits 2

This course covers the basic tenants and applications of cognitive behavioral theory in psychotherapy. Integrative underpinnings and empirically validated treatments will be explored.

Prerequisites

Passing score on the PsyD Competency Exam

PSYD8220: Clinical Neuropsychology

Credits 3

This course will focus on the assessment and development of attention, concentration, emotion, executive functioning, and the effects and diagnosis of trauma, head injury, and teratogens on brain development. 

PSYD8330: Cognitive and Affective Foundations of Behavior

Credits 3

This course studies current information on cognition and cognitive processes (such as memory, knowledge, learning, and thinking), as well as affective processes (such as emotion, affect, and mood). Cognitive and affective bases of behavior are integrated so as to help students obtain an advanced knowledge of the base within the discipline of psychology, applying this understanding to the profession of clinical psychology.

PSYD8594: Topics in Clinical Psychology

Credits 1 4

Exploration of a current topic or practice in the department. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites

determined by specific nature of the topic

PSYD8598: Psychology Seminar

Credits 1 3

Seminar approach to the study of clearly defined problems or issues. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites

Determined by nature of specific seminar.

PSYD8599: Independent Study

Credits 1 3

Study of an assigned topic or guided research as directed by a graduate faculty member. Approval of program director required.

PSYD8601: Clinical Practicum 301

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty.

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

Clinical Training at a practicum site.

PSYD8602: Clinical Practicum 302

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Grade of pass/fail.

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

Clinical Training at a practicum site.

PSYD8731: Lifespan Development

Credits 2

Students will examine theoretical constructs related to the development process and developmentally based behavior patterns across the age spectrum (from conception to death).

PSYD8840: Health Psychology

Credits 2

This course includes a review of the contributions of the discipline of psychology to the promotion and maintenance of health, the prevention and treatment of illness, the assessment of appropriate developmental milestones, and the examination of health behaviors from a culturally diverse perspective. The course will emphasize the biopsychosocial model in understanding health and disease and collaboration with other health workers in treatment planning and implementation.

PSYD8850: Diversity II: Social Justice and Advocacy

Credits 2
This course focuses on diversity issues in psychology pertaining to: Poverty, Homelessness, Immigration/Refugees, Community psychology, and how students should advocate for and amplify voices of the under-represented, repressed, and underprivileged.
Prerequisites
Passing score of PsyD Competency Exam.

PSYD8900: Introduction to Dissertation

Credits 2

This course is designed to introduce doctoral students in clinical psychology to the fundamental aspects of developing and conducting PsyD dissertation research. It provides an overview of the dissertation process, from conceptualization to completion, emphasizing the integration of research, ethical considerations, and professional standards. Students will begin the dissertation proposal process in this course. 

Prerequisite Courses

PSYD8990: Dissertation Development

Credits 2

This course provides advanced support in the development of the PsyD dissertation. Students participate in the section of the course that addresses the category they have chosen for their dissertation (e.g., qualitative research, quantitative research, program consultation, critical literature analysis, theoretical development, or clinical application). Students will complete this coursework by completing a dissertation and passing an oral dissertation defense. Students will take two credits per semester from the summer of their 2nd year until the dissertation is successfully defended (14 credits minimum).

Grade of pass/fail.

Prerequisite Courses

PSYD9172: Clinical Psychopharmacology

Credits 2
This course will develop student knowledge, skill, and self-awareness in psychotropic medication as adjunctive therapy to psychotherapy. Current information on the use of medications in the treatment of psychological disorders, as well as common side effects, is provided. Consideration is given to the special needs of certain populations (i.e., the elderly or substance abuse patients) when psychotropic medications are prescribed. Students develop skills in case management when referral to physicians or neuropsychologists is part of therapeutic practice.

PSYD9200: Integration III: Moral and Spiritual Identity Formation

Credits 2
This course examines key issues in the theological foundations of human nature and spiritual formation. Students are encouraged to develop their own moral and spiritual identity as well as a view of human nature that demonstrates theological consistency, reflects on frameworks of meaning in spiritual development, and engages clinical perspectives that are beneficial in therapeutic practice.
Prerequisite Courses

PSYD9400: Oral Clinical Competency Exam

Credits 0

Before the student is cleared to apply for internship, each student is required to pass an oral comprehensive exam of PsyD content that indicates readiness for internship. The student will sit before a panel to present a portfolio and be examined by a panel of experts. Each student’s work will be evaluated and should reflect psychotherapeutic proficiency, appropriate goal setting, diagnostic understanding, theoretical soundness, diversity awareness, and a biblically-based, holistic approach. Fee: Additional fee required.

PSYD9501: Clinical Practicum 401

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Grade of pass/fail.

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

Clinical Training at a practicum site.

PSYD9502: Clinical Practicum 402

Credits 2

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Grade of pass/fail.

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

Clinical Training at a practicum site.

PSYD9630: Supervision

Credits 2
This course provides instruction and training in the provision of professional clinical supervision. Students are introduced to the theoretical and practical aspects of providing supervision. In addition to lectures and readings focused on the process of supervision, students are supervised as they provide supervision to master’s-level trainees.

PSYD9710: Gerontology

Credits 2
This course focuses on theory and treatments used especially for late adulthood, death and dying. Spirituality and end-of-life issues will be emphasized.

PSYD9800: Integration IV: Social Ethics, Diversity, Spirituality, & Psychotherapy

Credits 2
This course presents ethical perspectives on the formation of social identity and community. Students examine the communal nature of the maturing self, the critical influence of urban life and urban problems on the family, and broader social goals and responsibilities of being a psychologist. With moral and spiritual maturity as a primary focus, students apply interdisciplinary integrative strategies to the clinical setting using perspectives gained from biblical, theological, and psychological frameworks. This course is taken at the end of the doctoral program and is considered a capstone to the curriculum.
Prerequisite Courses

PSYD9850: Diversity III: Global Psychology

Credits 2
This course focuses on diversity issues in Global Psychology including mission work and Western psychology compared to alternative & indigenous psychologies. As the final diversity course, students will apply interdisciplinary integrative strategies to the clinical setting using perspectives gained from the entirety of their diversity coursework. This course is taken at the end of the doctoral program and serves to prepare the student for the diversity section of their oral exam.
Prerequisite Courses

PSYD9866: Pre-Internship

Credits 1

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. In addition, students will receive instruction and support in the APPIC internship process and will apply for internship during this course.

Grade of pass/fail.

Prerequisite Courses
Corequisites

Clinical Training at a practicum site.

PSYD9870: Professional Preparation

Credits 2

This course focuses on the aspects of becoming a professional psychologist, including steps to prepare for licensure, avenues of employment, and legal, ethical, and professional issues involved in working in a multidisciplinary managed care context.

PSYD9900: Clinical Internship

Credits 4
This is a one-year full-time professional internship at an external site approved by the Clinical Training Committee. Students register for internship during the fall and spring semesters. Students will receive 4 credits each semester for 2 minimum semesters.
Prerequisites
Completion of all Psy.D. curriculum and practicum requirements; pass the Clinical Competency Exam; and approval to apply for internship from the Clinical Training Committee (Students who opt to take a half-time, two-year internship must register for this course both years.)