Chapter 1: What is Contemporary Clinical Psychology? Flashcards
Clinical Psychology
Focuses on the assessment, treatment, and understanding of psychological and behavioral problems and dsorders. Clinical Psychology focuses its efforts on the ways in which the human psyche interacts with physical, emotional, and social aspects of health and dysfunction
APA Definition of Clinical Psychology
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
Rodnick’s Definition of Clinical Psychology
The aspect of psychological science and practice concerned with the analysis, treatment, and prevention of human psychological disabilities and with the enhancing of personal adjustment and effectiveness
Contemporary Clinical Psychology
Uses integrative approaches to understand and address problems in human behavior
Biopsychosocial Perspective
An example of the integrative approach; Interplay of relevant biological, psychological, and social factors in human behavior; emphasizes the interaction of biological, psychological, and social influences on behavior and psychological functioning
Biopsychosocial Approach
Systematic perspective that changes in one area of functioning will likely impact functioning in other areas; highlights the mutual interdependence of each system on each of the other systems
Road to being a Clinical Psychologist
College Graduate School Clinical Internship Postdoctoral fellowship Licensure Employment
Types of Doctorate Degrees
Phd (Doctor of Philosophy)
PsyD (Doctor of Psychology
EPPP
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, needed beofre obtaining a license
Diplomate
Advanced level of certification; optional post-licensing certification that reflects advanced competency in a subspecialty area of professional practice
Activities of Clinical Psychologists
Research Assessment Treatment Teaching Consultation Administration
Research
At the foundation of all clinical psychology activities; provides the basis and direction for all professional activities
Research Progress
Help to determine which assessment or treatment approach might be most effective for a particular clinical problem such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or substance abuse problems
Assessment
Includes cognitive, personality, behavioral, neuropsychological, and observational measures; requires the psychologist to utilize an arsenal of tools in determining subtle and often hidden problems and syndromes in the context of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors
Treatment
Various treatment approaches and theoretical models are utilized to treat psychological and behavioral problems
Eclectic Strategy
Integrating a variety of perspectives and clinical approaches in their treatment
Major Theoretical Schools of Thought in Psychology
Psychodynamic
Cognitive Behavioral
Humanistic/Existential
Family Systems
Empirically Supported Treatments
Hinge on the notion that psychological treatment approaches should always be based on solid empirical research data and supported by proessional organizations such as the APA; Manualized treatments and have been developed for a variety of clinical problems
Teaching
Psychologists can be found in schools teaching students from different levels