Examination of Clinical Psychology

Examination of Clinical Psychology
PSY/480
April 22, 2013

Examination of Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology has been a part of history from the Greek philosophers to Sigmund Freud. It is still being updated today using science to draw information from along with the philosophical aspects. With the exploration of new scientific data, there have been clinical interventions in psychology and how to treat the human condition. There are distinct differences between clinical psychology and other psychological disciplines but all forms of psychology help a person to persevere through life’s challenges while experiencing a better quality of life.
Greek philosophers such as Hippocrates, Plato and Aristotle saw the connection of the mind and body and how it had an influence on illnesses. They recognized that “the spirit and soul being in charge of the body and problems that resided in the soul could result in physical illness” (Mora, 1985 as cited by Plante, 2011, p.34). During the Middle Ages many looked at mental and physical ailments as character flaws and insanity was spiritual. In the Renaissance period, scientific examination came back to the forefront negating the reasoning that the supernatural was to blame. William Wundt was a prominent figure in the world of clinical psychology. Wundt developed the first laboratory in Germany in 1879 and published William James Principles of Psychology in 1890. The American Psychological Association whose roots were still young elected a gentleman by the name of Stanley Hall shortly thereafter. In 1896, Lightner Witmer opened a clinic where he termed the name “clinical” and practiced the use of clinical psychology. Although his ideas of applying psychological principles to human illnesses was not initially well received by any of his colleague he opened his clinic anyway and if offered valuable information for the future practice of clinical psychology. Sigmund Freud was known for his research in the clinical psychology field being known for his work and understanding between the mind and body connection. He “reawakened the notion that a more holistic view of health was necessary for a fuller understanding of health, illness and abnormal behavior” (Plante 2011, p.46). Freud’s theory was how the unconscious mind can have an enormous effect on the physical body and the well-being of an individual. Freud believed that psychoanalytic philosophy made it imperative to oblige certain demands of the individual which is the central theme of clinical psychology in modern times. World War I and II were significant in the use of clinical psychology and brought about the development of psychometric assessments that provided more than 40,000 veterans who were hospitalized for psychiatric reasons an invaluable service. In 1947 conferences took place in Boulder Colorado and again in 1973 at Vail Colorado. These conferences were in support of newer models of clinical training and the guidelines for training and education of clinical psychologists. The biopsychological model of clinical training was developed by George Engel in 1977. This model for treating mental illness was centered on the belief that physical and psychological illnesses have biological, psychological and/or social mechanisms that must be comprehended before an effective treatment can be rendered.
Evolving Nature of Clinical Psychology
“Clinical psychology has an intrinsic mechanism that creates its ongoing evolving nature, defined by its association with modern medicine and its use of the scientific method” (Kazdin 2008, pp. 146-159). Modern medicine along with neuroscience has continued to create different possibilities in the realm of clinical psychology. How the brain functions along with how it is connected to the body remains the focus of this discipline. “Central to this evolution has been the titanic human struggle to understand abnormal human behavior in the context of the mind and body” (Plante 2011, pg. 31). Clinical psychology researchers are finding ways to understand the psyche and the spiritual aspect of an individual to find out what causes certain elements of the human condition. The evolution must continue if and individual is to get the best care. Because every person is so different there are mysteries in research and the clinical psychology field. The only way clinical psychology is effective is to personalize the treatment to fit the individual’s needs. This can be difficult when there is no “defined protocol supported by empirical research” (Kazdin 2008, pp. 146-159).
The Role of Research and Statistics in Clinical Psychology
Statistics is a vital part of clinical psychology research. It is how science learns and how it evolves. Statistics is the scientific method of allowing researchers to gain insight as to what is information is important and how that applies to a larger population. For a clinical psychologist, research is a vital component for learning what therapeutic applications with improves the quality of life for individuals while finding more ways to improve their quality of living. It also helps to determine better ways to diagnose, treat and understand human behavior using the scientific method and helps researchers to gain insight and critical thinking skills in clinical settings and this knowledge is used to develop better more effective treatments for its patients. “Research is fundamental to both science and practice of clinical psychology” (Plante 2011, pg. 106). This evidence can then be used with proven theories in confidence that the work has been corroborated with dependable and reliable methods of science.
There are several ways that experiments are designed and every method can have a set of good and bad qualities attached to it. The most important thing is that all research must be studied without bias. What is challenging for the clinical psychologist is the ethical aspect of studying without bias. A clinical psychologist must retain what they know without allowing it to affect what knowledge they are trying to gain. Plante (2011) states that clinical psychology must “integrate methods of knowledge from disciplines such as medicine, sociology, and epidemiology” (Plante 2011, pg. 106).
Clinical Psychology as it Differs from Other Disciplines
Clinical psychology is intent on a specific type of training and focus. It relies on the mind and body connection in more a scientific way than other areas of psychology. It requires a different degree than other disciplines. Although counseling and clinical psychologists may perform similar work the history of each specialty is different with its emphasis being on the training received. Although both counseling and clinical psychologists are trained to counsel and provide psychotherapy to their patients, the clinical psychologist deals more with abnormal psychology such as treating patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, autism, and other types of chronic mental illnesses. Counseling psychologists (social workers, school psychologists, etc.) deal more with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress and coping mechanisms. These can include such things as gender, family issues, culture issues, etc.). There are many in both fields that see no reason to separate the branches. Although there are some differences between clinical and other disciplines of psychology, both disciplines, “use the principles of psychology and the understanding of human behavior to promote health, happiness and the enhanced quality of life” (Plante 2011, p. 27-28).
Conclusion
While there are many different ideas that contribute to the ongoing research of clinical psychology due to new scientific information, the contributions of its founding fathers, Wundt, Freud and Witmer stand at the foundation of the clinical psychology movement. It was Sigmund Freud that developed the idea of individuality in therapy and it still is used today. Clinical psychology remains different than other disciplines however a number of setting which include the academic, hospital and independent practice find that counseling and clinical psychology have overlapping roles and functions. The primary aim is to give the individual what they need to provide them a realistic and long term ability to overcome and flourish in their lives.

References
Kazdin, A.E. (2008). Evidence-based treatment and practice: new opportunities to bridge clinical research and practice, enhance the knowledge base, and improve patient care. American Psychologist, 63(3), 146-159. Doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.63.3.146

Plante, T.G. (2011). Contemporary clinical psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

References: Kazdin, A.E. (2008). Evidence-based treatment and practice: new opportunities to bridge clinical research and practice, enhance the knowledge base, and improve patient care. American Psychologist, 63(3), 146-159. Doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.63.3.146 Plante, T.G. (2011). Contemporary clinical psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.