Examination of Cognitive Psychology

Examination of Cognitive Psychology
Kristin Parramore-Eaker
PSY/480
October 13, 2013
Dr. C. Schultz

Clinical Psychology Foundations

Clinical Psychology History
Clinical psychology includes both psychological assessment and psychotherapy. The role of a clinical psychologist carries many facets. Some of these include psychological research, teaching, counseling, and assessment of individuals (Plante, 2011). The practice of clinical psychology has several sub-divisions of specialty in practice. Lightner Witmer opened the very first clinic for psychology in 1896. In this clinic Witmer developed many remarkable milestones for medical and scientific breakthroughs within the practice of clinical psychology. Greek philosophers identified the connections of the human mind and body through science many years ago. Aristotle, Hippocrates, and Plato recognized the relationship these connections had on the illnesses (Plante, 2011). The middle ages presented challenges for mentally disturbed individuals because such aliments were considered a weakness in character and insanity an issue reflective of the spirit. The Renaissance era introduced new theories and breakthroughs in scientific and religious findings that attempted to discredit psychological understanding.
The development of biomedical reductionism created a better understanding of illness by means of scientific observation (Plante, 2011). Sigmund Freud developed a better understanding of the workings of the mind in the nineteenth century establishing the connection between mental illness and abnormal behaviors (Plante, 2011). Freud primarily focused on the theory based on unconscious thoughts and dreams to understand their influences on health and well-being. These theories facilitated the establishment of psychoanalytic thinking to comprehend an individual’s inner self as a focus on theories in contemporary clinical psychology (Benjamin Jr., 2005). Shortly thereafter these milestone developments, Wilhelm Wundt published the William James' Principles of Psychology. The APA was established and the new ideas of application of psychological principles to mankind was not readily shared or accepted by many of the field’s colleagues. Wilmer opened a clinic without hesitation and provided a place to apply these new applications to individuals (Plante, 2011). The two wars during this time significantly influenced the desire and need for clinical psychologists. Assessing individuals with psychometric assessment techniques proved instrumental to the veterans with post-war psychiatric disorders. In the middle 1970s new guidelines were developed in Colorado for clinical training and educational guidelines of clinical psychologists. The later portion of the century provided the foundation for George Engel to create the bio-psychosocial model for the treatment of mental illness. Engel combined both the physical and psychological illnesses to create treatment plans focused on assessments of the combination of social, biological, and psychological implications imperative to understand for the provision of treatment (Plante, 2011).
Clinical Psychology Evolution Clinical psychology embraces the scientific advances in the exploration of science in combination with the understanding of the human psyche. The combined application of research and practice continue to provide improvements in assessment and treatment to enable evolving theories in the practice (Kinderman, 2009).The use of the scientific method combined with the use of modern day medicine introduce the practice of Clinical psychology as an evolving science with an internal intrinsic mechanism (Borys & Pope, 1989). The standards associated with modern medicine and neuroscience continues to evolve and uncover new theories in reference to the human mind and its interconnections with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Empirical evidence continues to influence clinical psychology and its evolution. The struggles within the practical application of clinical theories and the understanding of abnormal behaviors are never-ending its applications according to new empirical evidence (Plante, 2011).
Clinical Psychology Research and Statistics Research provides the foundations for assessments to answer the questions this science discipline requires for ascertaining information in clinical psychology. The scientific methods applied in this practice include statistics. Statistics assist in facilitating researchers in the assessment of information ascertained to determine it is significant and if the information applies to the evaluation of the populations. The research provides an essential component of clinical psychology proving validity and reliability in determining therapeutic applications. Research also provides the most effective evaluations for treatment, diagnosis, and understanding of both abnormal and normal human behaviors. Applications of the scientific method in combination with statistically significant evidence produce a productive setting for clinical psychologists to research and facilitate effective treatments (Plante, 2011). The information produced by applying the statistical importance facilitates the psychology professionals with therapies and theories to practice and confirming the statistical information confirms the collaboration of the methods in the practice of this science (Plante, 2011). The variety of methods applied in designing experiments and research has both advantages and disadvantages. The major importance of these methods in research is focused on providing effective scientific studies on important issues without bias. The ethical challenges in psychological research govern clinical practice. The standards set forth by the APA and other governing societies demand high ethical standards take precedence in a clinical setting (Plante, 2011).

Clinical Psychology as a Discipline and the Differences The differences between clinical psychologies as a discipline include specific training and individual degrees of formal education. Examples of different disciplines of psychology are for example, a school psychologist or social worker. Requirements for these positions are master’s degrees. School Psychologists typically maintain a private practice with a focus on working with students (Plante, 2011). Social workers require a master's degree and assist individuals in a clinical setting; however, many social workers service other facilities also such as private practice, clinical settings, schools, and hospitals. These positions both have a common focus but social workers often manage individual case studies (Plante, 2011). Social workers have less focus on the biological illness in reference to research, illness and how it influences the individual’s behaviors. The different classifications between counseling psychology and clinical psychology are argued in the practice by professionals as the same discipline (Kinderman, 2009). A psychiatrist is a medical physician with specialized training in psychiatric medicine. Psychiatrists focus and training includes behavior and behavioral problems. The primary focus of the psychiatrist is medical intervention based on treatment with medications, and there management (Borys & Pope, 1989). Clinical psychologists may have different perspectives from other mental health professionals; these individuals share a primary focus on the application of the principles of psychology and the understanding of human behavior in accordance with promoting a healthy, happy, and enhanced quality of life to individuals (Plante, 2011). Conclusion The history and evolution of clinical psychology have many influences. The contributions of all facets combined created the practice of clinical psychology as discipline. The continued evolution in this field is in combination with the never-ending changes of new scientific information in research and findings influenced by physics, chemistry, biology, and technology. The history of clinical psychology evolved into a science from influences and contributions of individual theories from Freud and psychoanalytic thinking to develop therapeutic design and treatment. These ideas continually impact the future of clinical psychology. Clinical psychology maintains a level of differences from other psychological disciplines but maintains the primary focus of all mental health professionals to research and treat the emotional and psychological needs of individuals and promote a healthy emotional state and mind.

References:
Benjamin, L. T., Jr. (2005). A history of clinical psychology as a profession in America (and a glimpse at its future). Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1(1), 1-30. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.1.102803.143758
Borys, D. S., & Pope, K. S. (1989). Dual relationships between therapist and client: A national study of psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Vol.20(5).
Jacobson, N. S., & Truax, P. (1991). Clinical significance: a statistical approach to defining meaningful change in psychotherapy research. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology. Vol.59(1), 12.
Kinderman, P. (2009). The future of counseling psychology: A view from outside. Counseling Psychology Review, Special Edition: Counseling Psychology–The Next 10 Years. 24(1), 16-21. Plante, T. G. (2011). Contemporary clinical psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.