How is Clinical Psychology Important and Used in Everyday Life?
Clinical psychology is a fascinating and expanding field. It includes both clinical and scientific investigations into psychopathology and mental health. Clinical psychologists are concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health issues. They are at the forefront of treating mental health issues through the use of psychological tests, interviews, behavior observations, clinical mental health counseling, and various forms of psychological treatment (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and marital/family therapy).
The major subspecialty of psychology that deals with concepts and abilities used outside of the laboratory is clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists are excellent at predicting human behavior because they have a thorough understanding of emotional processes and how external factors like culture and environment can affect them. They are masters at motivating individuals to alter their negative behavior patterns.
The main goal of clinical psychology or clinical mental health counseling is to enhance your well-being and assist in your personal growth through clinical mental health counseling.
Regardless of the type of mental health care you receive, clinical psychology will probably be used. After all, it dates back to the 1890s, when psychologist Lightner Witmer established a clinic for kids with behavioral and learning difficulties. Although the foundation was established in the late 1800s, significant advancements in psychological testing and a rigorous scientific approach to mental health ensued.
So, how can you use clinical psychology in your everyday life? You may have been using clinical psychology techniques without even realizing it.
Importance of Clinical Psychology
Fundamentally, clinical psychology is a type of therapy that can assist individuals of all ages in addressing a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, including learning difficulties, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
The practical application of research methodologies and findings in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders” is one of the key features of clinical psychology. Treatment using clinical psychology may involve the following steps:
- Screening and assessment: This is a way of learning about the client that involves evaluation to understand what is affecting him/her/them, as well as diagnosing and planning treatment.”
- Therapy: Therapy can be administered one-on-one, in a group setting, or a combination of the two. According to each client’s demands and personality, different treatment modalities are used.
- Discharge: If you have chosen an inpatient program, this is the procedure whereby a patient is let go from a hospital or other facility after their therapy is over.
Let’s dive deeper into Clinical Psychology with some amazing facts.
5 Impressive Facts About Clinical Psychology
- Its inventor was Lightner Witmer.
Clinical psychology originated with American psychologist Lightner Witmer (1867–1956). He came up with the phrase first, using it in one of his works. Furthermore, he is regarded as one of the founding fathers of psychology because of his significant contributions and the theoretical and practical methods he developed for assessing and analyzing human consciousness.
At the University of Pennsylvania, Witman established the first child psychology clinic in history in 1896. Numerous kids with learning difficulties received care here. Furthermore, Witmer confirmed that a child’s socioeconomic status and surroundings have a significant influence on their growth and abilities.
- Clinical psychology employs a variety of techniques and resources.
While there are other distinct subfields under psychology, such as forensic, educational, sexual, business, etc., clinical psychology is arguably the most well-known. Professionals can specialize in this field of expertise by honing one of the many ways and tools available to them.
A clinical psychologist might specialize in family intervention, neuropsychological rehabilitation, clinical child psychology, or psycho-oncology. It is true that everyone, regardless of age, occasionally needs psychological care. There is therefore a competent specialist for each of them.
- Its intellectual background sets it apart from psychiatry.
Even though psychiatry and clinical psychology are sometimes conflated, the two fields require distinct academic preparation. A psychiatrist becomes a specialist in mental illness after studying medicine. A clinical psychologist, on the other hand, first earns a psychology degree before specializing in mental health.
The fact that a psychiatrist is the only mental health professional qualified to prescribe pharmaceuticals is another significant distinction between the two schools of study. In contrast, a clinical psychologist is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of mental diseases or disorders using psychotherapy or psychological rehabilitation.
- It makes it possible to comprehend how people behave.
Every person’s interaction with their surroundings shapes their behavior. Thus, in addition to the external influences that might shape an individual’s attitude, there exists an internal motivation that shapes their behavior. If we wish to comprehend our unique universes, we must learn more about these elements.
Psychotherapy sessions and discourse are used to accomplish this. The therapist comprehends, forecasts, and ultimately manages the conduct of their clients. When incorporated into intervention programs, cognitive approaches, and therapies enable the patient to comprehend the origins of their learned habits. In addition, the patient gains knowledge about how to alter these behavioral habits.
- These days, one of its strongest allies is the Internet.
Access to in-person psychiatric therapy became unfeasible for both individuals and health professionals due to the COVID-19 health emergency. As a result, demand increased for alternatives that had not been employed much in the past. One of these involved psychologists using the Internet to conduct therapy and counseling remotely.
In recent years, the importance of mental health care has increased significantly. To be more precise, the first step towards comprehending our emotions is to seek expert assistance. If you are looking for one, comment below.