1. Definition of Clinical Psychology, aims, areas of aplication, main concepts

5.1. Definition, goals, areas of application, basic concepts of clinical psychology.

Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory and practice to

understand, predict and alleviate maladjustment, disability and discomfort as well to promote human adaptation, adjustment and personal development

Clinical psychology focuses on the (American Psychological

Association, Division 12, 2012)

intellectual, emotional, biological, social and behavioral aspects of human functioning across the life span in varying cultures and at all socioeconomic levels

Clinical psychology is a specialty at breadth - it addresses

a wide range of mental and behavioral health problems

Clinical psychology addresses behavioral and mental health issues faced by individuals across the lifespan including

adjustment issues and traumatic stress reactions

Clinical psychology addresses behavioral and mental health issues faced by individuals across the lifespan including Adjustment issues and traumatic stress reactions;

emotional and psychological problems, including serious mental illness and crisis intervention

Clinical psychology addresses behavioral and mental health issues faced by individuals across the lifespan including Adjustment issues and traumatic stress reactions; emotional and psychological problems, including serious mental illness and crisis intervention

interpersonal or social problems and dysfunction

what behavioural problems does clinical psychology addresses

substance abuse and dependence

besides all psychological and behavioural areas, what other does CP address

intellectual, cognitive and neurological conditions

in summary CP primarily focuses on

diagnosing, understanding and treating mental disorders

in context of psychiatry how is CP defined? as the study of the

mind and behaviour, encompasses working with patients in the role of counselor or therapist, with the goal of using psychotherapy to help patients cope with mental illness and trauma

Define clinical psychology

a field that integrates science, theory, and practice to understand, predict, and alleviate maladjustment, disability, and discomfort, as well as to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development. It focuses on intellectual, emotional, biological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning across the lifespan and cultures 

What are the general licensure or certification requirements to be a clinical psychologist?

A doctoral degree, completion of coursework, clinical training, and research, passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and sometimes additional oral/written exams, Supervised clinical experience (internship/postdoc)

What personal and ethical criteria are needed to be a good clinical psychologist? PERSONAL

interest in people, integrity, emotional stability, compassion, intellectual curiosity, and sound judgment

What personal and ethical criteria are needed to be a good clinical psychologist? ETHICAL

adherence to the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, covering competence, confidentiality, professional relationships, and responsibility

How are clinical psychologists similar to and different from psychiatrists, health psychologists, behavioral medicine specialist? HEALTH PSYCHOLOGISTS

while both examine mental health, CP focuses on understanding, diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, HP focuses on the relationship between physical and mental health

How are clinical psychologists similar to and different from psychiatrists, health psychologists, behavioral medicine specialist? PSYCHIATRISTS

both treat mental and behavioral health problems, but P focuses on medication management, CP uses psychotherapy

How are clinical psychologists similar to and different from psychiatrists, health psychologists, behavioral medicine specialist? BEHAVIOURAL MEDICINE

BM integrates behavioral and biomedical information to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of physical and psychological disorders

How do clinical psychologists spend most of their work time?

Assessment (14%), Treatment/psychotherapy (35%), Research (10%), Teaching/supervision (20% combined, Consultation and administration (16% combined)

How does their work setting influence the way clinicians spend their time?

University settings: more research and teaching.

Private practice: more psychotherapy and assessment.

Hospitals, schools, community centers: activities shaped by institutional demands, client populations, and social/political forces (e.g., VA hospitals created by federal legislation).

What is the eclectic approach to psychopathology and treatment?

The eclectic approach involves drawing on multiple theoretical models and techniques rather than committing to a single orientation. Clinicians integrate methods from different schools (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic) to best fit the client’s needs

How might integration of different theoretical approaches

be possible?

by using evidence based practices across models, finding common factors in therapies, and adapting it to the clients unique situation (Moving beyond “turf wars” between schools of thought to combine strategies for more effective treatment delivery).