Why is competence important?
- Detailed in APS code of ethics
- ensures psychologists provide services beneficial to clients and do no harm
What is competency
- acquiring but also MAINTAINING the adequate skills and knowledge to practice
–> updating skills and knowledge as the field grows and work expands.
What are ways to think and work within limits of expertise?
- assess your education, skills, training, supervision and professional experience.
- determine if services are based on established psychological knowledge
- practice in line with APS code of ethics, guidelnes and other legal, professional and organisational regulations
What is evidence-based practice in psychology?
- matching the most appropriate treatment to the presenting problem and particular person is the key.
- need to make this decision based on research findings.
It is difficult to implement research findings into practice. how is this usually overcome?
by translating findings into a clinical manual.
however this is not enough, the therapist needs to know how to put it into practice effectively.
Describe what Clinical Practice Guidelines are
- these are developed to ensure that clinical practice happens in a STANDARD way.
- based on RESEARCH EVIDENCE
- they highlight the importance of taking client characteristics into account (needs, preferences).
- guidelines cover many contexts, they won’t cover every individual, as clients will present with many complex psychosocial and health conditions that research has not yet covered….
- determining appropriate treatment = consult clinical judgement using research + clinical practice guidelines
where can clinical practice guidelines be accessed?
- National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC)
- Cochrane Collaboration (CC)
What does managing a private practice require?
- planning business goals
- organising
- choosing target client group
- marketing and advertising
- finding a location
- deciding on a business structure
- dev a business plan
- printing stationery
- fee schedule
- accounting and bookkeeping
- indemnity and or property insurance
- developing best practice management
What are client records?
- notes taken during counselling
- informed consent sheets
- information stored on computers
- assessment reports
- personal information
- file notes.
this ensures efficient administration of their practice.
Other than client records, what other records must be kept?
- Administration records, of activities including general correspondence, diary entries, minutes of meetings…..
- records of referrals and ensuring a response to referring individuals.
Key aspects about communicating with professionals about clients?
- respect their opinions, respect the rights of a client with regards to privacy and confidentiality.
- only discuss what is RELEVANT to supporting the client and what is CONSENTED by the client
- if consent is QUESTIONABLE, politely explain uncertainty, indicate what you plan to do and suggest when to resolve discussion.
- seek advice when necessary
Key aspects about communicating with professionals about referrals?
- before accepting referral, establish the GOALS of the referrer for the client, and YOUR GOALS in offering psych services, with client’s therapeutical goals in mind.
- communicate limits to confidentiality and agree on plan of action
- if you are accepting a client who has been working with another psych, ensure that this is in the best interests of the client –> maybe encourage client to discuss their concerns with their therapist first… and maybe even liasing with their therapist yourself… WITH CONSENT!
What are some ways psychologists need to protect themselves against potential malpractice or public liability?
- staying up to date with training
- carefully thinking through difficult situations and documenting what you did to select the right course of action
- covered by insurance for complaints!!
Who is covered by insurance?
- students should be covered by their university’s insurance
- employee should be covered by employer’s insurance
- private practice = buy your own insurance
- APS usually has discounted prices for insurance
Describe emotional competence
- You cannot help the client if you are not well yourself!
- maintain healthy lifestyle - relax, eat well, get physical.
- arrange support through supervision - peer support groups, debriefing and problem solving
- formal supervision may also be helpful
- if going through a rough patch, seek therapy/counselling to work through it.
What are peak bodies?
organisations in aus that are considered to represent a professional group or industry, and set standards.
consulting with them can be helpful to support psychologists in their careers, professional achievents and client work.
can also bring attention to causes or mental health initiatives that may benefit from psychological assistance
