Clinical Psychology
Approaches to Clinical Psychology
PSY 480
October 25, 2010
Approaches to Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses that affect human behavior (Plante, 2005). Of all psychology’s disciplines, clinical psychology is the most intriguing, both for subject matter and diverse employment opportunities. A common thread in clinical psychology is the multiple perspectives that exist to explain how mental processes influence human behavior. The student of clinical psychology will study all perspectives, perhaps landing on a favorite while retaining sufficient knowledge of all (Plante, 2005). Four distinct theoretical positions within clinical psychology include psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and family systems approaches. Each approach reflects the theory of various icons in psychology’s history and whereas each theory has its pros and cons, the most important element in the clinical setting is the client. Although approaches differ in technique and strategy, providing the optimum experience for the client should transcend preference for one theoretical platform over another.
Psychodynamic Approach
Philosophical Origins The psychodynamic approach to clinical psychology originated from the psychoanalytic theory, which is comprised of four major schools: Freudian, self psychology, object relations, and ego psychology (Compas & Gotlib, 2002). These approaches were invented by renowned psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. Freud proposed the idea that behavioral traits are influenced by the unconscious mind.
Goals
The psychodynamic approach is aimed at creating self awareness and an in-depth understanding of the influence of past behavior on current behavioral traits. A psychodynamic approach facilitates the client’s understanding of the effects of unresolved conflicts. This approach is aimed at making the patient understand that some symptoms are the result
PSY 480
October 25, 2010
Approaches to Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses that affect human behavior (Plante, 2005). Of all psychology’s disciplines, clinical psychology is the most intriguing, both for subject matter and diverse employment opportunities. A common thread in clinical psychology is the multiple perspectives that exist to explain how mental processes influence human behavior. The student of clinical psychology will study all perspectives, perhaps landing on a favorite while retaining sufficient knowledge of all (Plante, 2005). Four distinct theoretical positions within clinical psychology include psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and family systems approaches. Each approach reflects the theory of various icons in psychology’s history and whereas each theory has its pros and cons, the most important element in the clinical setting is the client. Although approaches differ in technique and strategy, providing the optimum experience for the client should transcend preference for one theoretical platform over another.
Psychodynamic Approach
Philosophical Origins The psychodynamic approach to clinical psychology originated from the psychoanalytic theory, which is comprised of four major schools: Freudian, self psychology, object relations, and ego psychology (Compas & Gotlib, 2002). These approaches were invented by renowned psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. Freud proposed the idea that behavioral traits are influenced by the unconscious mind.
Goals
The psychodynamic approach is aimed at creating self awareness and an in-depth understanding of the influence of past behavior on current behavioral traits. A psychodynamic approach facilitates the client’s understanding of the effects of unresolved conflicts. This approach is aimed at making the patient understand that some symptoms are the result
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