Professional Practice and Ethics in Clinical Psychology (PSY537)

Critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making skills are vital skills needed in clinical work. Students will gain an overview of local and international ethical codes, apply them to different scenarios, and integrate ethics within their clinical practice. Specifically, students will acquire knowledge about different ethical decision-making models and Singapore-based major laws. Through this course, students will learn the importance of reflective practice to identify personal values. Further, students will gain insights into transference and countertransference, and practise psychology with cultural sensitivity.

• Ethics in Clinical Practice
• Overview on Ethical Decision-making Models
• Ethics Guidelines in Singapore
• Overview of ethical and professional practice implications in Singapore
• SPS Guidelines 1 & 2
• SPS Guidelines 3 & 4
• SPS Guidelines 5 & 6
• SPS Guidelines 7 & 8
• SPS Guidelines 9 & 10
• Overview on International Code of Ethics
• Overview on evidence-based interventions
• Transference and counter-transference
• Practicing in a multicultural society
• Self-care and personal growth

• Appraise the code of ethics for psychological practice in Singapore
• Examine Singapore’s major laws in relation to clinical practice in Psychology
• Critique different ethical decision making models
• Evaluate key cultural considerations in clinical practice in Psychology
• Design clinical intervention based on sound ethical principles
• Prioritize key cultural considerations in psychological practice
• Formulate psychological intervention plans that are clinically appropriate and ethically sound
• Rate core skills and competency as a psychologist