Clinical
Psychology
Clinical psychology can be explained
as a combination of theoretical concepts, scientific ideas, and knowledge of
human thought processes, all working together to promote the well-being and
psychological development of individuals. Clinical psychology has evolved
tremendously since its early conception, and has adapted to the constant changes
through which individuals constantly live. By comparing and contrasting
clinical psychology to other disciplines in the psychology field, it is
possible to fully understand the main purpose of this important tool in the
pursuit of a high quality of life and well-being.
Clinical
Psychology History
Although clinical psychology can be
considered a fairly recent and young discipline, aging not much more than one
century, its roots and origins can be traced back to the Greeks, who recognized
many centuries ago the connection
between the human mind and the body, and how this relationship affected the
mental health of individuals. Famous philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and
Hippocrates believed that issues with the soul could result in illnesses in the
body (Plante, 2011).
In the Middle Ages, illnesses were
considered to be flaws in the individual’s character and couldn’t be cured
without treating that person’s spirit. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that a
new light came upon the treatment of mental diseases and these started to be
explored scientifically and not treated like spiritual and metaphysical
consequences (Plante, 2011).
The nineteenth century brought, with
Sigmund Freud, a new interpretation of the connection between the mind and the
body, as the psychologist and his colleagues believed that unconscious
experiences had a powerful influence on the health of both the mind and the
body of individuals. In fact, Freud’s ideas about the influence of the
unconscious mind and his Psychoanalytical theory are still central in the
modern clinical psychological treatment (Plante, 2011).
It wasn’t until 1896 that Lightner
Witmer opened his clinic and coined the term “clinical psychology”, and
although at first the idea of implementing the principles of psychology into
the treatment of individuals wasn’t welcomed with open arms by Witmer’s
colleagues, his clinic represented a space where these treatments could
actually occur (Plante, 2011).
It is safe to say that World War I
and World War II had a tremendous impact on the development of clinical
psychology, as both wars presents society with the need of finding an
assessment tool to treat the soldiers who would come back from war with mental
disorders. At this time psychological tests were developed, administered, and
interpreted, and although the clinical psychologists who treated those soldiers
might have expected their contribution to be only temporary, they were
established as valuable professionals and began what is still known today as an
important profession (Plante, 2011).
The Evolving
Nature of Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology is, by nature,
constantly evolving. Because of new advances in technology and medicine, the
world is constantly presented with new evidence of ways to treat disorders and
even new explanations for the disorders themselves. Clinical psychology is
strongly associated with the scientific method and modern medicine, and
consequently, it shares the common evolving nature (Kazdin, 2008). Clinical
psychology requires for the psychologists to understand not only the subjective
characteristics of the human mind, but also the constantly-evolving knowledge
of medicine and science. This combination of history and technology also
contributes to the evolving nature of clinical psychology.
The Role of Research
and Statistics in Clinical Psychology
Plante (2011) explains that research
is an important element in clinical psychology, since the arguments and
explanations for the human mind are constantly evolving. Research allows
scientists and psychologists to gain insight and remain updated on the latest
developments regarding finding ways to improve the quality of life and
well-being of patients. It is safe to say that research is at the very
foundation of clinical psychology. Statistics are part of the scientific method
and consequently, strongly associated with research. Statistics allow
researchers to understand if a piece of information is valuable and applicable
to wider populations, as opposed to facts that refer to specific cases. This
allows researchers and psychologists to better understand the human mind and
its specific characteristic without having to actually test the entire
population. The constant use of research and statistics allow scientists in the
field of clinical psychology to gain knowledge about human beings and develop
strong critical thinking skills, benefiting not only the patients, but the
entire psychology community, since "research is fundamental to both the
science and practice of clinical psychology" (Plante, 2011, p. 106)
The Differences between Clinical
Psychology and Other Disciplines
Although clinical psychology can be
compared with several other specialty areas in the psychology field, there are
crucial differences between them. These differences may include the need for
different graduate degrees as well as the focus area each professional
specializes in. School psychologists can work with students in all levels of
primary education, like elementary, middle, or high school. They have a
master’s degree and their purpose is to help students and their families with
issues associated with their education, or how their education is affected by
personal problems (Plante, 2011). Social workers also have a master’s degree,
and they help patients in different settings such as schools, clinics,
hospitals, or even a private practice. Social workers, like clinical
psychologists, focus on managing individual cases throughout long periods of
time, or for however long they are necessary. A crucial difference between
social workers and clinical psychologists is that the first group focuses less
on the biological aspects of the illness, while clinical psychologists pay
attention to both the biological elements as well as the behavioral aspects
associated with disorders (Plante, 2011). Psychiatrists differ from clinical
psychologists in the sense that they are physicians with training in medical
psychology. They most likely went to medical school and focus primarily on the
biological aspects of disorders. They are also able to prescribe medications
whereas clinical psychologists are usually not (Plante, 2011).
Conclusion
Although clinical psychology is a
young branch of psychology, its importance is undeniable in the contemporary
times. Most individuals can benefit from the services of a clinical
psychologist at a certain point in time, as they help individuals not only
overcoming disorders, but also becoming better people through difficult times.
The many professions within the field of psychology may differ, but they all
share the common purpose of helping patients achieve a better quality of life
and work on their mental health.
References
Kazdin,
A. E. (2008). Evidence-based treatment
and practice: new opportunities to bridge clinical research and practice,
enhance the knowledge base, and improve patient care. American
Psychologist, 63(3), 146-159. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.63.3.146
Plante,
T. G. (2011). Contemporary clinical
psychology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
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