David LinckClinical psychology is aimed at understanding and studying human and animal behavior. Clinical psychologists evaluate mental health problems and conduct and use scientific research to understand them. They also develop, provide, and assess psychological care and interventions (psychotherapy). In America, clinical psychologists are normally required to hold a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. and often have postgraduate work experience.
American psychologist Lightner Witmer (1867-1956) used the term clinical psychology for the first time in a paper in 1907. He particularly defined it as the study of individuals, by examination or experimentation, with the objective of promoting change. The American Psychological Association provides a more contemporary definition of the term and defines it as the field that combines science, theory, and practice to comprehend and alleviate maladjustment and disability as well as to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development.
Clinical psychology developed as a result of a need for supplementary clinicians to treat mental health problems. It also developed partly as psychological science advanced to the stage where the fruits of psychological research could be effectively applied in a clinical setting.
The field of clinical psychology generally identifies three major perspectives of practice. They are psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and humanistic. However, there does exist a growing debate regarding the inclusion of the transpersonal perspective as well.
The psychodynamic standpoint developed out of the psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) formed from the two branches of cognitive psychology and behaviorism. Humanistic psychology came into being in the 1950s. This was largely a reaction to both behaviorism and psychoanalysis, mainly due to the person-centered therapy of Carl Rogers. As such, it is often referred to as Rogerian Therapy. It is often argued that humanistic psychology is more of an outlook than a set of techniques.
Clinical psychology pays attention to the intellectual, emotional, genetic, psychological, and social characteristics of human functioning across the life span at all socioeconomic levels.
