NRNP 6645 – Psychotherapy With Multiple Modalities Course Description
Psychotherapy involves more than giving good advice. For the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), effective therapy requires deliberate, evidence-based approaches tailored to individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan. This course examines a variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities, emphasizing integration of theories such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, interpersonal, and others. Students explore the biological basis of psychotherapy, ethical and legal considerations, cultural influences, and application in diverse clinical settings. Through case studies, video analyses, discussions, and written assignments, learners develop skills in assessing client needs, selecting appropriate interventions, facilitating therapy, and evaluating outcomes.
Prerequisites: NURS 6630, NRNP 6635, PRAC 6635 (or equivalents).
Course Learning Outcomes:
Explain the biological basis and evidence for psychotherapy.
Compare and contrast multiple psychotherapy modalities (individual, family, group).
Apply ethical, legal, and culturally sensitive principles in psychotherapeutic practice.
Develop comprehensive treatment plans integrating various modalities.
Evaluate therapeutic techniques for specific populations, including those with trauma, addiction, and other disorders.
The course spans 11 weeks. Below is a detailed weekly breakdown with notes (key concepts and recommended focus areas), discussion questions, and assignments. This structure aligns with typical Walden University formats for the course.
Week 1: Foundations of Psychotherapy – Biological Basis and Ethical/Legal Considerations
Weekly Notes:
Introduction to psychotherapy as a brain-changing process. Explore neurobiological mechanisms (e.g., neuroplasticity, gene expression influenced by behavior). Discuss ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice), legal issues (confidentiality, informed consent, duty to warn), and how culture, religion, and socioeconomics affect perspectives on therapy.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Explain whether psychotherapy has a biological basis. Provide evidence and examples of how therapy impacts brain structure/function.
Discuss how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective on the value of psychotherapy treatments. Include implications for PMHNP practice.
Weekly Assignment:
Post your main discussion by Day 3 and respond to at least two colleagues by Day 6. (Typical: 2–3 paragraphs main post + substantive replies.)
Week 2: Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation and Family Assessment
Weekly Notes:
Focus on conducting thorough evaluations using structured tools. Analyze family dynamics, cultural factors, and intergenerational patterns. Review the “Family Assessment – Mother and Daughter: A Cultural Tale” or similar video cases.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
N/A (assignment-focused week).
Weekly Assignment:
Complete a Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Note using the provided template for a family assessment case (2–4 pages). Include history, mental status exam, differential diagnosis, and initial treatment considerations.
Week 3: Analyzing Group Techniques
Weekly Notes:
Examine group psychotherapy principles, therapeutic factors (Yalom’s), stages of group development, and facilitation skills. Compare process vs. content in groups.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
N/A.
Weekly Assignment:
3–4 page paper analyzing group techniques from a selected video in the required media. Discuss observed techniques, strengths/weaknesses, and application to PMHNP practice.
Week 4: Supportive and Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Weekly Notes:
Cover supportive psychotherapy techniques and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for depression and other conditions. Emphasize building alliances and addressing interpersonal issues.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Compare supportive and interpersonal approaches in different settings (individual vs. group).
Weekly Assignment:
Initial posting and responses on interpersonal psychotherapy applications.
Week 5: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Comparing Group, Family, and Individual Settings
Weekly Notes:
Deep dive into CBT principles, cognitive distortions, behavioral activation, and adaptations for groups and families. Evidence base for CBT across modalities.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Compare the use of CBT in group, family, and individual settings. What are the advantages and challenges of each?
How would you adapt CBT techniques for a specific population (e.g., adolescents or culturally diverse clients)?
Weekly Assignment:
Substantive discussion posts and replies.
Week 6: Midterm Exam and Review of Modalities
Weekly Notes:
Review foundational theories (psychodynamic, humanistic, CBT, etc.), Erikson’s stages, defense mechanisms, and integration strategies.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
N/A.
Weekly Assignment:
Midterm Exam (multiple-choice and short answer covering Weeks 1–5).
Week 7: Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
Weekly Notes:
Explore person-centered therapy (Rogers), Gestalt, logotherapy, and existential approaches. Focus on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and meaning-making.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
N/A (paper-focused).
Weekly Assignment:
2–3 page paper comparing humanistic-existential psychotherapy with other approaches (e.g., CBT or psychodynamic). Include a case example.
Week 8: Psychotherapy for Clients with Addictive Disorders
Weekly Notes:
Motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, 12-step facilitation, and integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders. Address stigma and harm reduction.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Discuss challenges in treating addiction and the role of multiple modalities.
Weekly Assignment:
5–10 slide PowerPoint presentation on psychotherapy for addictive disorders. Include evidence-based approaches and a sample treatment plan.
Week 9: Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Weekly Notes:
Trauma-informed care, EMDR, prolonged exposure, CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and considerations for complex PTSD. Cultural aspects of trauma.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
N/A.
Weekly Assignment:
1–2 page paper on psychotherapy approaches for PTSD, including rationale for chosen modalities and potential challenges.
Week 10: Family and Couples Therapy; Special Populations
Weekly Notes:
Structural, strategic, and Bowenian family therapy. Address therapy with children, adolescents, older adults, and LGBTQ+ clients. Integration of modalities.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
How do family/couples therapies differ from individual therapy in goals and techniques?
Weekly Assignment:
Discussion posts + preparation for final project.
Week 11: Integration, Evaluation, and Professional Development
Weekly Notes:
Synthesizing multiple modalities into eclectic/integrative practice. Outcome measurement, termination, and self-care for therapists. Legal/ethical wrap-up and future trends.
Weekly Discussion Questions:
Reflect on personal growth in understanding psychotherapy modalities and how you will apply this in practice.
Weekly Assignment:
Final exam or comprehensive final paper/project. Clinical hour logs (if linked to practicum).
Additional Course Elements
Required Readings: Texts like The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Review Manual, Beck’s CBT resources, Yalom’s group therapy, DSM-5-TR, and Walden-provided media/videos.
Grading: Discussions (ongoing), assignments/papers (majority), midterm/final exams.
Technology: Use of Zoom for simulations (if applicable), SafeAssign for submissions.
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