Clinical Psychology History and Approaches

Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology which integrates the science of psychology with the treatment of complex human problems. It is concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric problems. According to the experienced clinical psychologist, Dr Norman Goldwasser, it is an exciting career choice for people who are looking to work in a challenging and rewarding field.

In this article, the clinical psychologist shares the history of clinical psychology.

History

 

The psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud is one of the early influencers on the field of clinical psychology. He was one of the first psychologists to focus on the idea that mental illness can be treated with a mindful conversation with the patient. His talk therapy approach was considered as the earliest scientific use of clinical psychology.

The first psychological clinic was opened in 1896 by the American psychologist Lightner Witmer. It had a specific focus on helping children who had learning disabilities.

The term "clinical psychology" was firstly introduced also by Witmer in a paper from 1907.

Witmer is a former student of Wilhelm Wundt. He defined clinical psychology as "the study of individuals, by observation or experimentation, with the intention of promoting change."

The practice of clinical psychology had been established in the United States by 26 other clinics by 1914.

Evolution During the World Wars

 

The clinical psychologist, Dr Norman Goldwasser points out that during the period of World War, clinical psychology became more established.

Clinical psychology became more established during the period of World War I. Practitioners demonstrated the usefulness of psychological assessments. In 1917, the American Association of Clinical Psychology was established in 1917. Two years later was replaced with the establishment of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Clinical psychologists were called upon to help treat what was then known as shell shock, now referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), during World War II.

During this period, the demand for professionals to treat the many returning veterans in need of care contributed to the growth of clinical psychology.

The United States had no programs that offered a formal degree in clinical psychology during the 1940s.

A number of doctoral-level training programs were set up by the U.S. Veterans Administration. More than half of all the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)-level degrees were awarded in the area of clinical psychology by 1950.

Changes in Focus

 

While the early focus in clinical psychology had been largely on science and research, graduate programs began adding additional emphasis on psychotherapy. In clinical psychology Ph.D. programs, this approach is today referred to as the scientist-practitioner or Boulder Model. Later, the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree option emerged, which placed a greater emphasis on professional practice rather than research. This practice-oriented doctorate degree in clinical psychology is known as the practitioner-scholar, or Vail model.

The field has continued to grow tremendously, and the demand for clinical psychologists today remains strong.

Approaches

 

Different treatment approaches are used, also by Dr Norman Goldwasser, who is a member of the Center of Health Journalism, when working with clients by clinical psychologists. Many clinical psychologists use what is referred to as an "eclectic approach", while some focus on a very specific treatment outlook. This approach also involves drawing on different theoretical methods in order to develop the best treatment plan for each individual client.

Dr Goldwasser shares some of the major theoretical perspectives within clinical psychology:


· Psychodynamic approach: This approach is presented by Freud. According to his believes the unconscious mind plays an important role in human’s behavior. In order to investigate a client’s behavior, techniques such as free association are used by psychologists who utilize this approach.

· Cognitive behavioral perspective: The cognitive schools of thought developed this approach to clinical psychology. The interaction of the client's feelings, behaviors, and thoughts is observed by clinical psychologists. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to change thoughts and behaviors that contribute to psychological distress.

· Humanistic perspective: This perspective is based on the work of humanist thinkers such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. This perspective is focused on such things as self-actualization and looks at the client more holistically.