Medical Psychology
Clinical Workshops 2007 - Westmead Hospital
Registration form [DOC]
Introduction
The Department of Medical Psychology provides psychological services to Westmead and Cumberland Hospitals within the Sydney West Area Health Service. Medical Psychology provides several specialised services and clinics, including Neuropsychology, a Depression Programme, Anxiety Clinic, Adult Eating Disorders services (Day-patient programme and outpatient clinic), DBT programme, psycho-oncology service, medical liaison, Brain Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation.
The Department is staffed by many experienced clinical psychologists, several of whom have agreed to share their clinical experience and skills with you.
Programme Overview (see below for abstract and further details):
| DATE | SPEAKER |
TITLE |
|---|---|---|
27/4/07 |
C. Wearne and N. Crino |
Understanding eating disorders and optimising management. |
4/5/07 |
C. Basten |
Using Motivational Interviewing for Allied Health Professionals |
11/5/07 |
J. Drobny |
Introduction to CBT for Anxiety Disorders
|
18/5/07 |
B. O’Grady |
Advanced skills in treating Anxiety Disorders
|
25/5/07 |
Prof A. Blaszczynski |
Assessment and Treatment of Impulse Disorders |
1/6/07 |
A. Redoblado-Hodge & S. Lucas |
Interpretation of the WAIS-III: an Update
|
7/6/07 |
J. Gilchrist & E. Phillips |
Psycho-oncology update and problem-solving training: A programme for patients with cancer and their carers |
Contact:
Mr Chris Basten for clinical questions, Ph 9845 6686
Christopher Basten@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
Ms Violette Younan for administration enquiries, Ph 9845 6686
Violette_younan@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
Bookings
Please use the registration form [PDF]. This can be obtained from the website (address). Or, you can contact Violette Younan on 9845 6686 or violette_younan@wsahs.nsw.gov.au and she can post or email one.
Costs for half-day workshop (including GST):
Full fee paying |
$88.00 |
Full time students* |
$55.00 |
Sydney West Area Health Service employees* Free
Payment required via cheque, or payment can be made at the Hospital cashier any time 7 days prior to the workshop. Price includes morning tea, as well as copies of workshop materials.
Cancellation fee of 50% if within 7 days of the scheduled workshop.
* Proof of status as SWAHS employee or full-time student is required.
* Please note, places are limited, especially for SWAHS employees and students.
Parking/Transport:
- Public car parks located near the Main Entrance, near the University Clinic, or in the university grounds on the corner of Darcy and Hawkesbury Rds at a cost of $6 for the day (coins required). There is very limited free parking on nearby streets (arrive early).
- Westmead train station is within easy walking distance of the hospital (about 500m).
- For buses to Westmead Hospital, please visit www.131500.com.au
Facilities:
For the half-day workshops, morning tea will be provided. You will be given some notes but please bring your own extra writing materials
Programme Details:
Workshop One
Title
|
Understanding eating disorders and optimising management. |
Presenters
|
Ms Christine Wearne and Ms Natalie Crino, Clinical Psychologists, Eating Disorders Unit and Day Program |
Date and Time
|
27 April 8.30am to 12.30pm |
Abstract
|
Working with individuals with eating disorders is extremely challenging, even for those who are experienced in the area. Frequently such individuals resist disclosing their difficulties despite seeking help for them, and when they are offered assistance they seem ambivalent or even resistant to it. Frequently, also, we may find ourselves inadvertently doing things that are not helpful to such clients. This workshop will provide an overview of the different types of eating disorders, will present strategies for identifying and managing client ambivalence and resistance, and will discuss how to avoid some of the common pitfalls. Various cognitive behavioural models of eating disorders will be presented. Attendees will be given the opportunity for skills practice in a role-play format with relevant case-examples. |
Learning Goals
|
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
|
Best Suited to
|
Best suited to psychologists and other allied therapy staff who have little experience with eating disorders. |
Workshop Two
Title
|
Motivational Interviewing for Allied Health Professionals |
Presenters
|
Mr Christopher Basten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry |
Date and Time
|
4 May 8.30am to 12.30pm |
Abstract
|
This workshop aims to provide an overview Motivational Interviewing (MI) in an accessible form for non-mental health workers. MI is a counselling technique with a client-focused philosophy, that was originally developed to help clients with drug use problems. It can be used as a brief intervention early in treatment and can be integrated with other interventions and approaches. It is most appropriate whenever a person is ambivalent about change or seems ‘resistant’ or poorly compliant. The workshop helps people to understand how ambivalence manifests and how to respond to it, in order to avoid ‘resistance’ and maximise compliance. Attendees will be given the opportunity to practice interview skills in a role-play format with relevant case-examples. |
Learning Goals
|
Attendees will learn…
|
Best Suited to
|
Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and dietitians who work in a health setting. |
Workshop Three
Title
|
Introduction to CBT for Anxiety Disorders
|
Presenters
|
Ms Juliette Drobny, Clinical Psychologist, Anxiety Disorders Unit |
Date and Time
|
11 May 8.30am to 12.30pm |
Abstract
|
Anxiety Disorders are prevalent, disabling, and are among the most costly of all mental health problems. Research generally suggests that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is the most efficacious psychological treatment for anxiety disorders and frequently outperforms the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in the long-term. This workshop will provide an overview of the seven anxiety disorders (Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Specific Phobia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and highlight the underlying theme common to the different anxiety presentations. The general CBT model will be discussed and key factors that contribute to the maintenance of anxiety disorders will be explained. Methods to identify unrealistic thinking styles will be taught and practical guidelines will be presented along with case examples to help participants gain a better understanding of how to change irrational cognitive and behavioural responses across the different anxiety disorders. |
Learning Goals
|
Attendees will learn…
|
Best Suited to
|
Clinical psychologists and psychology students who wish to learn more about anxiety disorders. |
Workshop Four
Title
|
Advanced CBT skills for challenging anxiety disorders |
Presenters
|
Brian O’Grady, Clinical Psychologist, Acting Head of the Anxiety Disorders Unit |
Date and Time
|
18 May 8.30am to 12.30pm |
Abstract
|
Anxiety disorders are generally considered among the most treatable of the mental or emotional disorders. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is the most researched psychological intervention for anxiety, and is the treatment of choice for virtually every anxiety condition. So why is it that patients don’t always get better? This workshop will follow on from the introduction to CBT for anxiety, and address some of the interesting and challenging complexities in treating anxiety. The workshop will focus predominantly on the more challenging diagnoses of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), but will also look at the challenges that can complicate treatment of other anxiety disorders. An outline will be given of the challenges in OCD and GAD, followed by theoretical considerations of formulation and treatment. Practical guidelines will be discussed, supplemented by case material. Participants should expect to gain a better understanding of the complexities in treating anxiety disorders, the state of the current literature on these challenges, and knowledge of the implications for treatment. |
Learning Goals
|
Attendees will acquire
|
Best Suited to
|
Clinical psychologists who already have some understanding of anxiety disorders and cognitive therapy |
Workshop Five
Title
|
An overview of DSM Impulse Control Disorders Not Otherwise Specified |
Presenters
|
Prof Alex Blaszczynski , University of Sydney |
Date and Time
|
25 May 8.30am to 12.30pm |
Abstract
|
The classification of Disorders of Impulse Control refer to a group of disparate conditions that are characterised by an increasing sense of tension prior to carrying out an act that is harmful to one’s self or others, a sense of gratification on completing the act, and a subsequent feeling of remorse, guilt and regret. Included in this category are explosive intermittent personality, pyromania, kleptomania, pathological gambling and trichotillomania. High rates of co-morbid depression and substance abuse are found in the majority of these conditions. Treatment is often complicated by the presence of significant positive and negative reinforcement that motive the person to persist in the behaviour despite often serious deleterious consequences. Overcoming ambivalence for change and teaching stress management skills to deal with variables that represent trigger factors is important. In this workshop, the key clinical characteristics of each disorder will be described and supplemented by a description of CBT and other complementary interventions in their management. Conceptual aetiological models will be covered and common and unique features for these disorders will be outlined.
|
Learning Goals
|
Attendees will learn…
|
Best Suited to
|
Clinical psychologists with an understanding of CBT theory and principles. |
Workshop Six
Title
|
An update on WAIS-III interpretation |
Presenters
|
Ms Antoinette Redoblado-Hodge & Ms Sara Lucas, Clinical Neuropsychologists |
Date and Time
|
1 June 8.30am to 12.30pm |
Abstract
|
This workshop aims to provide an overview of the steps involved in accurate and appropriate interpretation of WAIS-III test scores, as well as how to describe the findings in a report. It will also update registrants on recent research into interpretation of the WAIS-III and how such studies guide us in using the WAIS-III in clinical populations. The theoretical and practical steps of interpretation will be highlighted by multiple clinical case studies as well as cases for participants to interpret themselves, followed by discussion of each case. |
Learning Goals
|
Attendees will learn…
|
Best Suited to
|
Psychologists who intermittently use the WAIS-III, or who are required to interpret and understand others’ reports. Especially useful for psychologists who have had limited exposure to the WAIS-III; not targetted at experienced clinicians. |
[Return to top]Workshop Seven
Title
|
Psycho-oncology update and problem-solving training:
|
Presenters
|
Ms Emily Phillips and Dr Jemma Gilchrist, Clinical Psychologists |
Date and Time
|
7 June 8.30am to 12.30pm |
Abstract
|
Being diagnosed with cancer and choosing to have treatment is a very stressful time for many patients and their carers. Constant challenges and demands arise during this period and, if stress is allowed to build up, it can affect a person’s ability to cope with what is happening. Learning to manage problems effectively as they arise is one way of improving coping skills and overall wellbeing. In this workshop we will be teaching a problem-solving approach that was originally developed in the UK. We will discuss ways of identifying and defining problems and assist in developing creative ways to approach and solve problems. Further, we will introduce ways of deciding which solutions to implement and evaluating whether they are effective. You will be provided with written information that summarises the workshop and a copy of the workbook used with patients. While the examples used are cancer-related, the content can be easily generalised to other health populations or, indeed, to almost any other area of psychological work where structured problem-solving could be beneficial. |
Learning Goals
|
|
Best Suited to
|
Clinical psychologists and social workers who have an interest in health psychology and helping patients with serious illness, especially cancers. |
Last updated: 9th March, 2007
