Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper

Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper
Jamie Rucker
PSY-480
Mon. May 25, 2015 Dr. William Philadelphia

Examination of Clinical Psychology Paper
Introduction
Understanding the world of clinical psychology, the path and journey endures complex dedications. To precisely express its description and functions, a deeper look into the history and evolving nature must be discussed. Clinical psychology is considered the most prevalent specialty area within psychology according to Plante (2011), with the “majority of psychology doctorates being awarded in clinical psychology” (p. 5). Plante (2011) expresses the focuses of what surrounds the definition of clinical psychology with noting assessments, and treatments stating “clinical psychology focuses its efforts on the ways in which the human psyche interacts with physical, emotional, and social aspects of health and dysfunction” (p. 5). Given this knowledge, clinical psychology presents a vast history of evolving nature. The evolving nature of clinical psychology in recent times portrays a movement where influences and interests conquest to better mental health. Research and statistics embraces a significant role amid the field of clinical psychology. Given the diversity and complexity of the field, Vallis & Howes (1996) states “a clear, acceptable definition is not possible.” Although, it can be said that clinical psychologist have been performing, lacking an official definition, it is safe to say that “clinical psychologist are involved in many activities” (Huey & Britton, 2002, p. 70). Clinical psychology is defined through a vast amount of focuses, engaging in assessments, treatments, and understanding of the human psyche. Plante (2011) has produced the closest and most clear description stating “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” (Rodnick, 1985, p. 1929). Because of the non-existence of one formal definition, it portrays a hard distinction among similar practices against clinical psychology and other mental health professions.
History of Clinical Psychology
Regards to an assortment of fields and school of thought, associated people pulled together collaborations and scientific advancements through history that formed the field of clinical psychology. Clinical psychology is seen to be developed from the discipline of psychology, which was derived and related to philosophy (Plante, 2011). Placing together a diverse amount of thoughts and ideas of philosophers, prominently Sigmund Freud, developed one of the most influential of many on early clinical psychology in America. Basically, the foundations of psychology can be established back to Freud. It wasn’t until 1979 that philosophy and psychology developed into two separate and distinct disciplines. During this era, the University of Leipzig in Germany, Wilhelm Wundt, a German philosopher identified in the role and founder of experimental psychology, established the first psychological laboratory ultimately establishing and forming psychology as a discipline apparent after philosophy (Plante, 2011). Correspondingly, contributing to this distinction of the two disciplines is seen in 1892, is the formation of the American Psychological Association (APA) (Plante, 2011, p. 21). Seen a few years later in March of 1896 at “the University of Pennsylvania”, Lightner Witmer created the first clinic (Watson, 1953). Witmer (1896) was “apparently the first to suggest practical work for the psychologist through training school and laboratory” (p. 332). Because of Lightner Witmer’s influences and developments, this organized the emergence in the field of psychology recognized as clinical psychology. “Today, clinical psychology is a complex and diverse field encompassing numerous subspecialties and a continuum of scientific and practitioner-focused enterprises” (Plante, 2011, p. 31).
Evolving Nature of Clinical Psychology dedication
Clinical psychology endeavored several significant events that contributed to the evolving nature into recent times. The significant events involve the complexity of influences consisting of research, assessment, treatments, and prevention through physicians, psychologist, and associated people. Clinical psychology is an evident and rapidly growing field, despite a few challenging issues. During the early decades of the twentieth century, clinical psychology was a tremendously growing field, in spite of the American Psychological Association disregarded the field of clinical psychology (Plante, 2011). Nevertheless, this did not portray the deciding factor towards the evolving nature, but because of what Sigmund Freud implemented to the field that became the most influential. Freud set the foundation, paving the direction of clinical psychology. Since Freud’s developments, and because of other numerous psychologist who set out to either disprove or add on to his works portrays the evolving existence of clinical psychology. It is because of the very desire of those in the field who instinctively sets out to assess, understand, and treat psychological and behavioral problems and disorders that presents the evolving nature. It is obvious through the birthing and founding of clinical psychology through each person associated in the field, who has ever sought out to develop better knowledge, understanding, and pave a way for others continually uses research and scientific methods that produces a greater, ever-evolving nature.
The Role of Research and Statistics in Clinical Psychology
Incorporated and vastly perceived into clinical psychology’s foundation the role of research and statistics. Research is the very heart of clinical practice while statistics provides significance. Plante (2011) expresses how research "forms the very foundation of clinical psychology" (p. 73). Research is what pieces together the puzzles amid questions and answers that surround mental health. Without the field conducting research, we would lack an understanding and development in all areas of life. Ultimately, research helps clinical psychology to reference the validity, reliability, and effectiveness that surround every aspect and associations to the field that yields statistics its significance. Statistics presents as a portion within any scientific methods used regarding research, enabling clinical associates in their collection of data, determining the significance of relative information towards “human behavior, diagnosis, and treatments of mental illnesses” (Plante, 2011, p. 56). An array of research cannot accurately or appropriately present information without the proper technique of statistics provided when presenting clinical research. Research and statistics presents a vital and substantial function in clinical psychology by giving it a more scientifically based approach.
Clinical Psychology and Other Mental Health Professions
Although there is a vast diversity of mental health professions, clinical psychology is often mistaken or misinformed of the differences. Other professions such as social work, psychiatry, and family and marriage counseling’s are a branch or associated field of clinical psychology where their foundations are in practice, rather than research (Plante, 2011). Plante (2011) states, “psychology is the only mental health discipline that has its roots in academic research rather than practice” (p. 73). Clinical psychology conducts scientific research methods in settings such as clinics, hospitals, schools, businesses, and military (Plante, 2011). Although, many share a close relation through common interest, each profession holds different concepts. When comparing clinical psychology and other mental health professions, it is significant to validate characteristics, roles, activities, training, beliefs, and research in regards to understanding that profession and its relevance.

Conclusion
Taking a deeper look into the world of clinical psychology, a perceived understanding is presented. Because of its complex dedication and devotedness of those associated to the field, history has presented a vast evolving nature of diversity that reveals an ever-learning and ever-growing practice. Clinical psychology has always focused on understanding the psychological and behavioral problems and disorders through understanding, assessing and treatments. Today, we maintain this same action and role that has helped form the recent foundation. Only through the presenting facts and diverse descriptions that has pained the path to today’s clinical psychology are we capable of find a true definition.
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References
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Rodnick, E. H. (1985). Clinical psychology. In H. I. Kaplan & B. J. Sadock. Comprehensive textbook of psychiatry (4th ed., pp. 1929–1935). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins.
Vallis, T. M., & Howes, J. L. (1996). The field of clinical psychology: Arriving at a definition. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadienne, 37(2), 120-127. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/614317124?accountid=166133
Plante, T. G. (2011). Contemporary clinical psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley &
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Watson, R. I. (1953). A brief history of clinical psychology. Psychological Bulletin, 50(5), 321-346. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0062847