Page 239 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

Counselling & Psychology

research about each type of problems. Students will be given an opportunity to discuss case
examples and encouraged to critically review child psychopathology to gain understanding of
what constitutes “normal” vs “pathological” behaviours. In this course, child and environment
will become a focus to raise awareness for child wellbeing.

MPT 508 Research Methods in Play Therapy Studies
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims at introducing basic research concepts and techniques in play therapy
studies to students, especially the techniques related to research with children and
adolescents. Students will learn and apply qualitative research skills, including observation
skills, interview techniques, participatory skills and research design used in play therapy
studies. The course will provide the actual experience of designing a research plan, doing a
presentation and writing a reflection after reading the supplementary articles. The course is
also designed to synergize with the practicum courses (MPT511-513). Students will have
chances to collect data during the practicum courses and utilize the data for the research report
in the current course.

MPT 511 Play Therapy Practicum I
1 Term; 3 Credits
This module provides students with the opportunity to work in a real clinical environment
under close supervision. Students are required to practise as trainee play therapists at one of
the approved agencies who have an agreement with the university. During the practicum,
students will need to perform a range of tasks expected from a professional play therapist,
including providing competent and effective play therapy to child clients, conducting intake and
feedback meetings with parents and caregivers, performing relevant assessment tasks,
preparing written reports on therapy sessions, interviews and meetings, and evaluating their
practice. Further, students will have an opportunity to design and conduct a group intervention
with a relevant population of children. Students will have ample opportunities to consolidate
their therapeutic and conceptualization skills and to become more familiar and competent with
professional challenges in their work. Students will participate in regular supervision where they
will discuss progress on their cases and their professional development as well as seek
guidance and feedback from supervisors. This practicum will also run concurrently with the first
evidence-based practice research project module, and interventions conducted during this
practicum (such as the group intervention) may likely be the focus of the research project.

MPT 512 Play Therapy Practicum II
1 Term; 3 Credits
This module follows the successful completion of MPT511 Play Therapy Practicum I. This
practicum provides students with the opportunity to work in a real clinical environment under
close supervision. Students are required to practise as trainee play therapists at one of the
approved agencies who have an agreement with the university. During the practicum, students
will need to perform a range of tasks expected from a professional play therapist, including

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