Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper

Samantha Craig

Psy/480

10/29/2016

Introduction

There are many fields in the study of psychology. Clinical psychology according to (Dictionary, 2016) "is the branch of psychology dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of personality and behavioral disorders." What many don't understand is that this part of psychology is in the scientific industry, based on the instrument of the scientific method to help with practices, procedure and the many different treatments that are used when addressing human behaviors.

Clinical Psychology the History

In the year of 1896, Lightner Witmer opened up the first psychology clinic. However long before that happened remarkable developments in history help provide steps for new exploration medically and scientifically. Dating all the way to the ancient Greeks a strong history full of information surrounded by science showed how the Greek philosophers indicated that there was a connection between the mind and body along with the influence it provided on illnesses. Then around the middle ages many considered that any ailments such as mental and physical that were deemed out of character such as insanity where identified as problems with that individuals spirit. This did not last long and when the Renaissance area came the time research and debunking of the religious and supernatural viewpoints vanished as explanations.

Next Sigmund Freud and many of his colleagues started to look more into understanding the connection that was between the mind and body. They based this off of the early works of the Greek philosophers. Thanks in large part to his psychoanalytic thinking he inspired many to accommodate the demands of individuals. This then led to the first psychological laboratory at the University of Leipzig in Germany, which was also the place of the father of experimental psychology, the German philosopher Wilhelm Wundt in 1879. Which takes us back to the founding of clinical psychology and its founder Lightner Witmer who opened this clinic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Evolving Nature of Clinical Psychology

According to (Plante, 2001) the APA lacked interest in clinical psychology in large part to it having a primary interest in scientific research in a scholarly setting and not clinical. However, even with their rejection it started to grow rapidly in the twentieth century. The main nature of clinical psychology was focusing on how to understand and treat disorders. This means that this field is and will continue to grow because the human mind and body are constantly evolving as well.

Clinical Psychology and the Role of Research and Statistics

Research and Statistics are found at the very core of clinical psychology. Research is known as a way to provide answers to questions through science, in which a person can continue to learn and therefore the knowledge is constantly evolving. Statistics, is a part of scientific methods that allows researchers to understand what information is acceptable and can be applied to others. When it comes to clinical psychology many of the components are therapeutic applications, understanding how to improve the quality of life, and to determine what ways are effective to diagnose and treat the human behaviors they are trying to understand. One of the hardest parts of this is making sure that the research methods used to gather the statistics are conducted without bias and maintain that it remains ethically strong. If it does not then it could discredit the study and even though the result would be an answer it might not be capable to be used. Those who study clinical psychology tend to maintain up to date information of the research so that their patients receive current regulated treatment.

Other Mental Health Professions differs than Clinical Psychology

When it comes to other mental health professions such as social work, school psychology and psychiatry there will be several differences between them and clinical psychology. One of the differences is that psychiatry and clinical psychology are known as the two top mental health professions and even share a close relationship for their interest to treatments of mental illness. According to (Kinderman, 2009) "Counseling psychology is similar to clinical psychology and many believe there is no need for the two separate branches." However, there differences such as their training, activities that partake in becoming a professional in these fields. They also differ in their research for understanding and their treatments.

The second difference between all of these could be the education requirements. Typically in order to become a school psychologist the individual usually needs a master's degree and tends to work in different levels of the educational programs or privet practice. Social workers also tend to need a master's degree and end up providing services to patients in various settings such as schools, hospitals, homes, or privet practice. Psychiatrist are more physicians with a training in psychiatric medications that generally take place through internships. Clinical psychologist study the same thing however they end up with clinical internships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many factors that can contribute to clinical psychology as an independent branch. It has a long rich history and is known for the foundation of disciplines that is constantly evolving. Research and statistics have held a vital role where it has helped clinical psychology maintain its focus on the understanding, assessment, and the treatment of psychological and behavioral disorders. Its evolution is filled with constant change and the growth of scientific information that has helped grow the fundamental grounds. However, even though Clinical psychology does have some differences than other mental health practices and professions such as area of expertise and the education requirements. Each one of them try to accommodate psychological needs so that the individuals within their care are provided the skills and ability to thrive and heal.

References

Plante, T. G. (2011). Contemporary clinical psychology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Kinderman, P. (2009). The future of counselling psychology: a view from outside. Counselling Psychology Review, 24(1), 16-2