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Examination of Clinical Psychology

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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 the biological, psychological, and social influences. The Greeks went beyond the supernatural approach, and began researching disease and illness from a psychological point of view. According to Mayeaux (2000),
The Greeks had a major influence on the foundation of western medicine by influencing the psychological approach as opposed to the supernatural approach. Hippocrates was a famous

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