Clinical psychology is a very broad
field of practice, by a licensed psychologist, using the knowledge learned
about human behaviors to help individuals deal with problems or concerns in
their lives. This is done through
various techniques such as assessment and testing, but most of all by trying to
understand the person’s issues on a psychological and behavioral level in order
to properly diagnose and treat any condition or disorder. The field encompasses all age ranges and all
types of individuals, including those with disorders and those without, in
addition to persons that are just having trouble dealing with every day
stressors (Plante, 2011).
The main goals of Clinical Psychology
are to take all of the science and understanding of psychology and use it to
help understand human behaviors better.
Additionally, it seeks to encourage happiness, increased healthiness,
self-satisfaction, and self-improvement, as well as promoting a better quality
of life for all persons (Plante, 2011). This
paper will give an overview of the field in addition to discussing highlights
of the history of clinical psychology as well as the evolving nature and future
outlook. A discussion of the role of
research and statistic in clinical psychology will be followed by an explanation
of how many professions within the realm of psychology and other mental health
fields are similar or different.
History and evolving nature of
clinical psychology
History
The history of psychology, in general,
goes back to the time of the ancient Greek philosophers, and possibly even
before; Aristotle, Galen, Hippocrates, Plato, and many others are often
considered the founding fathers of many of the sciences. These famous men were some of the first to
realize that there was a connection between the mind and the body (or soul) and
that the problems affecting one could potentially affect the other. Later on, in the Middle Ages era,
psychological problems and illness were often thought to be of evil origin and
there was a great focus on “cleansing the spirit.” As the Renaissance years came around, the
focus turned back to its beginnings and explain things by science came to the
forefront again (Plante, 2011).
Moving forward some years, up to 19th
century, when new developments were introduced by Sigmund Freud. In 1850 Wilhelm Wundt made some breakthrough
discoveries and published his book The Elements of Psychophysics and 40 years
later, in 1890, Williams James published his book Principles of Psychology. Shortly after that Lightner Witmer introduced
the phrase “clinical psychology” when he began applying the new principles in
the clinic he opened in 1896. This
opened the door to avenues of learning, as clinical psychology classes began to
be taught in universities, and the development of new practices and procedures
to benefit various individuals, such as war veterans, from conferences like
those that took place in Boulder and Vail, Colorado(Plante, 2011).
Evolving nature and future
Just like many other scientific and
professional fields, clinical psychology is changing constantly and growing at
a very fast pace; much like the changes of disorders and illnesses, which are
constantly being researched and new discoveries are shared. As society is changing and adapting,
especially to meet the needs of our multicultural mix of populations, the field
of psychology must adapt and change too.
Today’s problems and issues are more complex and various and often have
a much greater impact on all aspects of life than in years past. Some of this has been aided by the discovery
of the Biopsychology model by George Engle in 1977, which added to the
understanding of how the psychological and physical and social aspects must all
be taken into account in treatment of mental illnesses. Change is never easy, sometimes the journey
goes through both positive and negative turns, but through it all the field of
clinical psychology continues to push on and focus on meeting its goals and the
needs of all peoples (Plante, 2011).
Role of research and statistics
in clinical psychology
One of the most important ways to make
new discoveries is through research and that point is very prominent in the
field of clinical psychology. Major
breakthroughs were discovered by Wundt when he opened his psychology laboratory
in 1879 and the subsequent opening of the clinic by Witmer put the research of
that time into action. Research gives
psychologist a chance to actively learn about the issues they are studying, to
figure out what applications and processes work or don’t work, and to learn
more about human behavior overall.
Reliable research is almost always done
using the scientific method, part of which includes the use of statistics in
the results and conclusions. The
statistics are the proof of the outcome of the research projects and there are
relayed to other scientists through research reports and articles in
journals. In order for someone to
properly understand these reports and journals and to be convinced that the
research is valid, they must have a good understanding of statistics (Plante, 2011).
Differences between Clinical
Psychology and other mental health professions, including Social Work,
Psychiatry, and School Psychology
.
Conclusion
.
References
(My apologies for the last two sections being incomplete. I am not sure what happened to them.)
Plagiarism
disclaimer/Note to cheaters
Plagiarism is stealing someone’s work and claiming it as your own without
giving them credit. It is lying and cheating, both which are very wrong, and
comes with consequences. Not only is it wrong to steal what I have worked so
hard on, but if you submit your paper to your school and are caught
plagiarizing, you may be subject to some very serious consequences; getting a
failing grade on the paper or for the whole class, being expelled from school,
and many more potentially serious prosecutions.
I have taken the time to post my papers in an effort to help and guide
those who are struggling in their class.
Many times I didn’t understand things clearly and looking at other
people’s examples of work sometimes was the catalyst to my success. I have taken the time to include the
references I used for each assignment so please make sure to look them up and
utilize them properly. Please do not
disrespect me or ruin your chance at continuing to achieve your education and
life goals by choosing to plagiarize. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment