CHAPTER 1 - DEFINITION & TRAINING

Clinical Psychology

A field that integrates science, theory, and practice to understand and improve psychological aspects of human experience, including problems involving behavior, emotions, and intellect.

Clinical Psychology (Original & Modern)

• A discipline with similarities to medicine, education, and sociology

• The branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological

  problems or disorders.

  
  

Lightner Witmer

The person who first used the term “clinical psychology” in print in 1907.

his first clients are children with behavioral and educational problems.

Clinical Psychologist

A professional whose work with others involves treatment, education, and interpersonal

issues.

APA/Division 12 Definition

Clinical psychology integrates science, theory, and practice to understand, predict, and

alleviate maladjustment, disability, and discomfort while promoting human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development.

Pomerantz’s Final Definition

Clinical psychology involves rigorous study and applied practice directed toward understanding and improving the psychological facets of human experience, including problems involving behavior, emotions, or intellect.

Boulder Conference

The first major conference on graduate training in clinical psychology, held in Boulder,

Colorado, in 1949.

Practicum

Supervised clinical training in which students begin accumulating hands-on experience

doing clinical work.

Boulder Model

The scientist-practitioner model emphasizing both clinical practice and scientific research

in clinical psychology training

• To train clinical psychologists who can apply clinical methods such as assessment and

  psychotherapy while also conducting and evaluating scientific research.

Scientist-Practitioner Model

A training model in which clinical psychology students develop competence in both clinical

methods and scientific research methods.

• Graduate students conduct supervised clinical work and empirical research, including a

  thesis and dissertation.

Vail Conference

A 1973 conference on graduate training in clinical psychology held in Vail, Colorado.

• introduced PsyD

Vail Model

The practitioner-scholar model that emphasizes applied clinical practice more than

research.

Practitioner-Scholar Model

A training model focused primarily on developing practical clinical skills and applied

professional competence.

Clinical Scientist Model

A strongly research-oriented framework in clinical psychology that places science and

empirical research at the foundation of clinical practice.

Clinical Scientist Model’s Main Principle

Science must be the bedrock of clinical psychology, with strong emphasis on empirical

research and evidence-based practice.

McFall’s Manifesto

Richard McFall’s 1991 “Manifesto for a Science of Clinical Psychology,” which argued that

scientific clinical psychology is the only legitimate form of the discipline.

Richard McFall

The psychologist who published the 1991 “Manifesto for a Science of Clinical Psychology.”

Academy of Psychological Clinical Science

An organization founded following a conference at Indiana University that promotes the

scientific approach to clinical psychology.

7-Point Training Continuum

A continuum ranging from practice-oriented training represented by the Vail model to

research-oriented training represented by the Clinical Scientist model.

Theoretical Shift

Increasing movement toward cognitive and cognitive-behavioral approaches and away from psychodynamic and psychoanalytic perspectives.

Demographic Shift

An increase in doctoral students who are female and members of racial or ethnic

minorities.

EPPP

Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology; a standardized multiple-choice

licensing examination covering a broad range of psychological topics.

State-Specific Licensing Exam

An additional exam that may assess local laws and ethics and may be written or oral.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Educational requirements completed after licensure to maintain professional competence

and renew a license

• To keep psychologists current with developments in the field through workshops, training, and coursework

Psychiatrist

A physician specializing in mental disorders who can prescribe medication because of

medical training and licensure.

Counseling Psychology

Humanistic and client-centered approaches, vocational testing, and career counseling. traditionally work with less severe pathology and frequently work in university counseling centers.

Clinical Psychologist

Primarily nonpharmacological interventions such as psychotherapy or other talking cures. extensive training in psychological assessment, research methods, and psychological/biological processes

Social Worker

A professional who traditionally focuses on the interaction between individuals and

broader society and helps connect clients with social services.

School Psychologist

A psychologist who works primarily in schools and day-care settings, conducts

psychological testing, and consults with teachers, parents, and administrators.

Professional Counselor

A master’s-level professional who primarily provides counseling for problems in living or

mild mental illness.

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

A master’s-level clinician specifically trained to work with couples and families, although

they may also work with individuals regarding family-related issues