CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: (W21):

  • integrates the science of psychology with complex human problems

  • includes: treating mental health concerns, supporting communities, conducting research, promoting mental health

  • clinical psychologist work with:

    • children + young people (diagnose + treat)

    • adults (minimize distress, treat)

    • those with learning diabilities (support)

    • those with neurological problems (coping + support)

HISTORY OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY:

  • Freud - first to suggest talking treatment, talking therapy approach

  • Lightner Witmer - opened first psych clinic (1896), first use of clinical psych (1907)

    • 1919: 20 clinics opened

    • mid 20th century, clinical role in hospital (e.g. shellshock)

    • Hals Eysenck, after WWII

    • 1950: first training course, 13 month, UK

    • 1960: clinical specialities

    • 1966: BPS clinical division

    • 1977: benefits of psychology in health sevice

    • 1995: training programmes become doctorate programmes

  • improving access to psych therapies

  • in future, aims for good mental health and support for all

THEORETICAL APPROACHES:

PSYCHODYNAMIC:

  • reveal unconscious conflicts developed in early life, stratergies for change

  • developed by Freud, verbalise all thoughts + feelings

  • free association

COGNITIVE:

  • behavioural and cognitive, how thoughts, feelings + behaviours interact

  • CBT, change thought process

SYSTEMIC:

  • psychotherapy, how personal relations, behaviours + life choices interconnect

  • a change in one will affect all

  • improve communication, healthy roles, address problems

CORE MODEL OF PRACTICE:

1) ASSESSMENT:

  • gather info about different goals

  • the form of assessment alters

    • talking = clinical interviews (how you view life)

    • other = questionnaire, diaries etc.

2) FORMULATION:

  • combines psychological therapy with gathered info

    • how problems develop, help aleviate

    • framework of clients needs

  • person specific, range of moods + factors, critical awareness, social context

3) INTERVENTION:

  • treatment planned with client

    • often a form of CBT

    • clear goals, meetings + appointments

4) EVALUATION:

  • evaluate the impact + success of intervention

    • may indicate revisions, revision programmes

    • may change therapist if not qualified

ROLE OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST:

  • all people have the same human value, should be treated as a unique individual

  • reduce distress, promote good health

    • head of service (8d-a) → consultant clinical psychologist (8c-8d) → principle specialist clinical psychologist (8b) → clinical psychologist (7-8a) → trainee (6) → assiant psychologist (4-5)

KEY QUALITIES:

  • understand research + therories

  • positive working relationships

  • clinical approach

  • work in groups

  • reflect, think carefully + creativity

FRAMEWORK OF 5:

1) PREVENT ill health from occuring

2) PREVENT ill health from worsening

3) RESTORE poor health

4) RAISE STANDARD and support of life

5) SUSTAINED APPROACH