...What is clinical psychology? Clinical psychology is the “discipline that uses what is known about the principles of human behavior to help people with their numerous troubles and concerns they experience during the course of life in their relationships, emotions, and physical selves” (Plante, 2011). The paper will discuss the history and evolving nature of clinical psychology and how psychology is still changing overtime. Next, the paper will discuss the roles that research and statistics play into clinical psychology. Lastly, the paper will include the differences between clinical psychology and other types of health professions, such as clinical psychology versus social work, clinical psychology versus psychiatry, and clinically psychology versus school psychology. History and Evolving Nature of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology has changed over the last 25 years. For starters the DSM-III was published as well as the APA standards were revised. The American Psychological Society was founded, as well as the APA published the findings from the Presidential Task force for evidence-practice. Two of the main evolved approaches would be the Cognitive-Behavioral Approach as well as the Humanistic Approach. The Cognitive-Behavioral Approach was popular in the 1970s and they were used for depression as well as “treatment focusing on changing thinking, feeling, and expectations became as important as the goal of changing overt behavior” (Plante, 2011). The Humanistic...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology has an important history in psychology. The history begins with early Greek Philosophers, Sigmund Freud, and continues in modern psychology. Clinical psychology is deprived from philosophy, science, and many other realms. The scientific aspect of clinical psychology continues to alter and evolve leaving clinical psychology evolving as well. There are clear distinctions between clinical psychology and other disciplines, but they all have the same goal of helping individuals. History of Clinical Psychology There are many aspects and events that lead to the progression of clinical psychology. In earlier times the Greeks realized that the mind and body both influence relationships on individuals dealing with illnesses. Plato, Hippocrates, and Aristotle grew upon this theory. They believed that an individuals body was incontrol by his or her soul, and that illness were caused from problems within the soul (Plante, 2011). The middle ages focused that physical and mental issues meant that the individuals had issues of the soul. The Renaissance period brought upon the scientific approach, that scientific experimentation and observation were evident rather than what was thought to be from spiritual thoughts (Plante, 2011). Sigmund Freud had an increase understanding of the mind and body connection. Freud believed that the unconscious mind had an influence on the individual’s wellbeing (Parsons, 1958). Freud’s theories and his...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Justin Yates Elements of Clinical Psychology August 19, 2014 Dawn Smith Examination of Clinical Psychology Out of all the intriguing fields of psychology to study and examine, clinical psychology is perhaps one of the most interesting to elucidate. With its roots stemming back to the philosophy of the one and only Sigmund Freud, clinical psychology has progress to a modern psychology saturate with elements of research from philosophy, science, and other useful means of examinations. Scientific advances are continuing to make strides toward transforming clinical psychology into clinical interventions that help and treat human needs and different challenges. Although clinical psychology differs in many ways from the other fields of psychology, it does hold one key attribute that all the others hold and that is promoting the quality of life for all humans. In this paper a brief history of clinical psychology will be provided. This paper will also illuminate the evolution of nature of clinical psychology. This paper will also examine the role that research and statistics play in clinical psychology. Lastly, this paper will discuss how clinical psychology differs from all the other disciplines on psychology. When examining clinical psychology it is imperative to understand what exactly clinical psychology is. Clinical psychology is a mixture of science, clinical knowledge, and or theories working together to help understand psychologically...
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...Examining Clinical Psychology The complexity of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions have been an area of intrigue for centuries. Dating back to early Greek thinkers and philosophers and leading to our present knowledge, psychology has been a hotbed of questions prompting research. The past has taught us that using research and statistics paves the way for progressive treatment of psychological disorders; however, each psychological discipline uses its own treatment regimen to manage disorders or remain proactive against them. The History and Evolving Nature of Clinical Psychology One of the most pivotal names in early psychology’s roots is the Greek physician Hippocrates. The theory Hippocrates touched on was that of the body possessing four humors (fluids) needing to be balanced for the body and mind to stay in harmony. These fluids were black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. He believed that these fluids were responsible for different temperaments, such as anger, sadness, irritability, and hopelessness. This was in stark contrast to the primary thought of the time – the belief that spiritual forces were responsible for the health and mental stability of the body (Plante, 2010). Hippocrates also believed that the environment also had a role in the etiology of illness and may cause an imbalance in the four main fluids mentioned above. Other Greek philosophers and physicians such as Aristotle, Plato, and Galen mirrored Hippocrates theory on separation from the...
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...Running head: EXAMINATION OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Examination of Clinical Psychology University of Phoenix PST/480 Karen Wilson Nov 14, 2011 Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology is a very important as well as popular part of the field of psychology that is used very often. To begin, a definition of clinical psychology will be included. According to APA (2009) “Clinical psychology attempts to use the principles of psychology to better understand, predict, and alleviate ‘intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning’” (Plante, 2011, p. 5). The following paper will first describe the history and evolving nature of clinical psychology. Second, the role of research and statistics in clinical psychology will be addressed. Finally, the differences between clinical psychology and other mental health professions will be examined. Clinical psychology provides an insight into the human psyche and how we as individuals can deal with different aspects of the world around us. The first item to be discussed is the history and evolving nature of clinical psychology. History of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology has been around unofficially for hundreds of years. People have always had mental or emotional problems in the past, but there was never a name to go with the problem. Psychology has been around since 2500 B.C. but during that time period people used magic, herbs, reasoning...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Jessica Brockman PSY/480 October 3, 2011 Stacie Flynn Examination of Clinical Psychology The word clinical comes from the Greek word klinike, which means “medical practice at the sickbed” (Maddux, 2008, p. 56), the word psychology comes from the word psyche, which means “soul or mind” (Maddux, 2008, p. 56). Clinical Psychology is “the assessment, treatment, and understanding of psychological and behavioral problems and disorders” (Plante, 2011, p. 5). Clinical psychology has a rich history compiled with information derived from philosophy, biology, and science. In this paper the history and the evolving nature of clinical psychology will be described as well as an explanation of the role research and statistics has on clinical psychology, and a comparison of clinical psychology to other mental health profession. The History of Clinical Psychology Greek history presented a background of early Greek thinkers, who acknowledged an interconnection between the mind and body as well as the influence the interconnection has on illnesses. One of the first contributors to psychology came from Hippocrates, who believed disease, temperament, and personality originated from an imbalance within four humors that he called black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood within an individual’s environment (Plante, 2011). Hippocrates also suggested that abnormal behavior, physical, and emotional illnesses were influenced by biological, psychological,...
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...The field of clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing mental disorders and determining the proper method for properly treating the particular illness. Clinical psychologists access their patients by interviewing and observing them as well as administering psychological tests. They further utilize applicable research findings in order to ultimately make a proper diagnose and develop the proper treatment plan. Clinical psychology also aides psychologists “to better understand, predict, and alleviate the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning” (APA, 2010). The clinical field of psychology helps many individuals to cope with difficulties in their life that affect them in significant ways such as a life changing experience like a divorce or loss of a loved one. According to Plante, (2011), “clinical psychologists are consulted for situations such as divorce, death, learning disorders, etc. Studies in the clinical psychology field are aimed at enhancing personal adjustment and effectiveness" (p. 1). History and Evolution of Clinical Psychology The world and how we, as humans, know and understand it today, was not always what was believed by individuals in history. Before psychology and all of its branches and sub-categories were established, many individuals had their own way in answering questions about illness and mental stability. For example, the Greeks began using holistic approaches in 470 B.C, which focused on...
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...INTRODUCTION Clinical psychology is a broad branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Some of the more common disorders that might be treated include learning disabilities, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. The field of psychology became more recognized during the second half of the 19th century, although clinical psychology wasn't recognized until the end of the 19th century. It was around this time that Lightner Witmer first helped treat a boy with a learning disability. In 1896, Witmer opened the first psychology clinic, which catered to children with disabilities. In 1907, he coined the phrase "clinical psychology" in his new psychology journal, called...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Mileva Repasky August 25, 2014 PSY 480 John Colyar Examination of Clinical Psychology Psychology itself involves many theories, outcomes, and studies involving behaviors. Clinical psychology involves licensed individuals who use their knowledge and expertise of human behavior to address and treat issues or concerns in an individual’s life. Our text describes clinical psychology as “the aspect of psychological science and practice concerned with the analysis, treatment, and prevention of human psychological disabilities” (Plante, 2010, p.7). Clinical psychology is used to treat mental health problems using the scientific method. Clinical psychology has a very diverse history and continues to evolve through research and continually advancing statistics in this field. As this branch of psychology continues to evolve there are many similarities and differences that are shared with many other health professions. History and Evolution of Clinical Psychology Though the aspects of psychology have been present throughout our history, the actual field of psychology and clinical psychology was not recognized as a science until the late 1800’s. Psychology became a distinct discipline in 1892 when the American Psychological Association was formed; clinical psychology was named a specialty four years later. In 1896 the first psychological clinic was open in Pennsylvania by Lightner Witmer who became the first psychologist who treated an individual...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Savannah Slayton PSY480 February 23, 2015 Professor Lori Hale Clinical Psychology General psychology is like many disciplines, consisting of an array of subgroups. Within psychology there are psychologist who counsel within school psychologist, social psychologist, and developmental psychologist. A clinical psychologist is described as an individual who performs group or individual therapy, conducts survey to determine psychiatric symptoms, assesses personality, and measures intelligence. When clinical psychologist are not conducting therapy or assessing clients many psychologist are researching mental health disorders. Clinical psychologist are often employed by universities to research and develop and test prevention or treatment of mental health disorders. Other clinical psychologist are instructors or professors who teach psychology to undergraduate and graduate students (Witmer, 1996). Clinical Psychology History The field of psychology developed during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The development of psychology allowed the foundation of clinical psychology to form. Increased interest in the study of the human mind helped psychology develop. Sir Francis Galton became of the first individuals to research and study mental ability. After only a few years Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in Germany. In the United States, William James developed the first psychology laboratory. As laboratories began to establish...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Steven Billingsley University of Phoenix PSY 480 Cindy Fouhy 02/01/14 Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology is an area of psychology which seeks to find and understand the various behavioral problems humans possess, and the possible psychological problems and disorders. “According to the APA, clinical psychology attempts to use the principles of psychology to better understand, predict, and alleviate intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning (APA, 2009a)”(Plante, 2011, pg. 5). For one to gain a better understanding of clinical psychology, the history and evolving nature of clinical psychology must be discussed, the role of research and statistics must be explained, and the differences between clinical psychology and other mental health professions must be discussed. The items listed will be addressed and examined throughout this paper. History of Clinical Psychology In the later part of the 1800’s, psychology was being discovered in several laboratories in different universities. The field of psychology was insisting and leaning more on pure science as the main practice, but a former student of Wilhelm Wundt, named Lightner Witmer, made an impact and changed that view on psychology (Pickren, 2009). Lightner Whitmer in charge of the psychology department in the University of Pennsylvania. Whitmer began to work with a boy who had problems with spelling...
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...Application of Clinical Psychology PSY/480 October 24, 2011 Catie Brodehl, Psy.D Application of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychologists must deal with many mental disorders. The mental disorders can include anything from Obsessive Compulsive Behavior to Schizophrenia. To understand the application of clinical psychology in a real-world environment, the case study of Theodore Kaczynski was chosen for review. Theodore Kaczynski suffered from schizoid personality disorder. The symptoms of people suffering from schizoid personality disorder (SPD) are usually exhibited by asocial behavior, shyness, problems with expression of emotions and dysfunction in his or her ability to form social relationships. Although SPD falls into the ‘schizophrenic spectrum’ of disorders it is different because the person with SPD is in touch with reality, unlike an individual with a true schizophrenic disorder. The case study of Theodore Kaczynski is also interesting in that the prevalence of SPD in the general American population is less than 1% with individual studies showing occurrences as high as 3% in some communities (Hessess & Thylstrup, 2009). Case Study – Theodore John Kaczynski Theodore John Kaczynski known as Ted was born on May 22, 1942. During his childhood he did not interact with other children and stayed to himself in his neighborhood. Growing up his mother was concerned with Ted because he did not play with other children. Ted was a fairly quiet, shy, and a loner...
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...Application of Clinical Psychology Paper Amanda Ayers PSY/480 March 02, 2016 Mark Peterson Application of Clinical Psychology Paper What is a case study? According to Merriam Webster, a case study is a process or record of research in which detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time (2016). In this paper, a case study will be examined and applied to clinical psychology aspects in real-world situations. The case study will be looking at a 19 year old Chinese male named Joe. Joe’s situation will be discussed in overview. Following this will be a discussion of the biological, psychological and social factors that are involved in Joe’s case. Lastly, the case study will be used to explain the different interventions that would be appropriate to use in relation to the field of clinical psychology. Now let us take a look at Joe and his case. The Overview The case study applied in this situation looks at a 19 year old Chinese male. This individual suffers from episodes of depression along with some anxiety. His name is Joe. Joe has an overwhelming feeling of not being “good enough”. In his daily life, he takes the responsibility of taking care of his invalid mother as well as two younger siblings. Joe’s father left when he was 5 years old and an only child. At the age of 12 his father returned. Within two years after his father’s return his parents had 2 more children. At the age of 16...
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...A2 Psychology: G543 Options Paper Exam Technique and Tips General Exam Information You will be assessed for this unit in a 1.5 hour examination. You will need to answer four questions; two questions from the topic of Forensic Psychology and two questions from the topic of Health and Clinical Psychology. This means you will have about 20 minutes of writing time per question, plus a little bit of thinking time. This is not a long time to maximise your marks, so there are some simple exam techniques to follow below. Each question will be worth 25 marks and be divided into two parts; part (a) and part (b). Part (a) asks you to demonstrate descriptive skills and is worth 10 marks, whilst part (b) asks you to display evaluative skills and is worth 15 marks. General Exam Technique/Advice * Choose the right questions A mistake made by some students is answering questions on a topic they haven’t studied! So ensure you firstly locate the two sections of the paper that you can answer questions on; Forensic and Health/Clinical. In each of these two sections, there will be a choice of four questions. You will only choose two questions per section, so pick which questions you are going to answer and cross out the others. Choosing which questions to answer may be difficult than it first appears because some questions may sound similar. You need to become familiar with the layout and wording of questions prior to your exam. * Know your timings For each question you...
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...Clinical Psychology; Name: Institution: In answering the above question, one must understand the contributions of the contemporary psychology that is fascinated by human relationships and behavior. The aims of clinical psychology are noble, which is to use principles of psychology as well as our understanding of the human behavior in promoting quality of life, health, and finally happiness. Looking at the patient who wants more time in psychotherapy and is challenging my competencies, as a psychologist, I must use new skills in tackling the issue in order to develop better applications and make the patient understand the treatment processes. The typical therapy session is often 45 – 50 minutes, and therapy interventions might take less time. The standard starting and ending times as well as the session length provide a means for patients and therapists to observe emotional reactions (Plante, 2005). Psychotherapy is imbalance because it allows the clients to talk more, but its goal is to meet the needs of the client. Therefore, in the therapy room there is always a power differential between the therapist and client. Patients understand that this arena involves the specialized knowledge of the therapist. The therapist is required to explain to the patient the ground rules, psychotherapy framework, and assure them that they are acting for the best interest of the client (Bonanno & Burton, 2013). Opening up during psychotherapy can stir up primitive portions...
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