D3c1 The job of a clinical psychologist

Question 1

What does a clinical psychologist do?

Answer 1

Deals with dysfunction in the sense of mental health problems and works in health settings. THey deal with people with anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, etc. They work with distressed people/ people that aren’t easy to deal with, and have to be able to deal with these situations.
They often work as part of a team focusing on one client, such as social services, doctors or community health workers

Question 2

Techniques clinical psychologist use

Answer 2

They can use many different techniques based on different theories, such as psychoanalysis, holistic counselling, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, systematic desensitisation

Question 3

How the clinical psychologist works

Answer 3

1) Makes an assessment of the problem- they gather as much evidence as they can: listen to client, discuss issues, observe behaviour, use psychometric testing/ standardised tests, measure stress levels/negative thinking, and asses client’s needs
2) Planning an intervention- they put forward solution, such as therapy, counselling or advice. Therapy can involve others such as family, group therapy, or on their own
3) Keeping records and evaluating intervention- during and after intervention the clinical psychologist reviews situation to evaluate success of the programme and continue to support client

Question 4

Practical problems with clinical psychologist

Answer 4

May be under-funded, which makes work conditions difficult. NHS has limited funding and different hospitals and institutions have different focus on a clinical psychology department.- not enough opportunity to explore issues with client because time is limited (due to cost)

Question 5

Training and research as a clinical psychologist

Answer 5

Clinical psychologist often involved in training others, especially in the NHS. They can also undetake research themselves, and may have a specialism

Question 6

Clinical psychologist CPD and chartered status

Answer 6

If a clinical psychologist is chartered, they have to maintain continuing professional development (CPD), which is done online and must be kept up-to-date, such as addressing various issues and furthering own training and working ethically