The science of psychology has emerged as a practical and effective approach to understanding the human mind, its desires, and its enigmas over the last 50 years. Psychology examines the mind, its functions, and human behavior, including the study of brain activity in specific regions controlling bodily functions. It essentially seeks to explain why humans behave the way they do. Psychology is widely applied in our daily lives, treating mental health issues, improving relationships, understanding events and people, and promoting education.
Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric problems. It combines the scientific study of psychology with the management of complex human issues, making it an engaging and fulfilling career choice for individuals seeking to work in a demanding and gratifying field.
History:
The field of clinical psychology was influenced early on by Sigmund Freud, an Austrian psychoanalyst who believed that talking therapy could effectively treat mental illness. This approach is often cited as the first scientific use of clinical psychology. In 1896, Lightner Witmer, an American psychologist who had studied under Wilhelm Wundt, opened the first psychological clinic with a focus on helping children with learning disabilities. Witmer coined the term "clinical psychology" in a 1907 paper and defined it as the study of individuals for the purpose of promoting change through observation or experimentation. By 1914, 26 other clinics devoted to clinical psychology had been established in the United States. Today, clinical psychology is a highly popular subfield and the largest area of employment within psychology.
Evolution of World War II:
Clinical psychology gained greater recognition during World War I when practitioners demonstrated the usefulness of psychological assessments. The American Association of Clinical Psychology was established in 1917, later replaced by the American Psychological Association in 1919. Clinical psychologists were called upon during World War II to treat what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with the demand for experts in this field contributing to the growth of clinical psychology.
During the 1940s, there were no formal degree programs in clinical psychology in the United States. However, the U.S. Veterans Administration established doctoral level training programs, leading to many Ph.D. degrees in psychology being awarded in the field of clinical psychology by 1950.
Changes in Focus
Initially, the focus of clinical psychology was primarily on scientific research and investigation. However, graduate programs in clinical psychology began to incorporate an additional emphasis on psychotherapy. This approach is now commonly referred to as the scientist-practitioner or Boulder Model in Ph.D. programs. Later, a new degree option emerged - the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree - which placed greater emphasis on professional practice rather than research. This practice-focused doctorate degree in clinical psychology is known as the practitioner-scholar or Vail model. Despite the evolution of the field, the demand for clinical psychologists has remained high, and the field continues to experience significant growth.
Approaches:
Clinical psychologists who work as psychotherapists use various treatment approaches with their clients. While some psychologists focus on a specific treatment perspective, many use a "blended methodology," which involves drawing on different theoretical approaches to develop the best treatment plan for each individual client.
The major theoretical perspectives in clinical psychology include:
• Psychodynamic approach: This perspective, which grew out of Freud's work, emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind in behavior. Psychoanalytic therapists may use techniques such as free association to explore a client's hidden, unconscious motivations.
• Cognitive-behavioural perspective: This approach to clinical psychology developed from social and cognitive theories. Psychologists using this perspective examine how a client's thoughts, behaviours, and emotions interact. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) often focuses on changing thoughts and behaviours that contribute to mental distress.
• Humanistic perspective: This approach to clinical psychology grew out of the work of humanist psychologists such as Maslow and Rogers. This perspective takes a broader view of the client and focuses on self-actualization.
Education Requirements:
Education requirements for becoming a clinical psychologist include completing a bachelor's degree, five years of graduate work (including training in assessment, research, diagnosis, and therapeutic skills), and an internship. After completing graduate work in the US, it is necessary to obtain a professional degree in clinical psychology, and students can also pursue a PhD program and a post-doctorate.
The process is similar in Pakistan, where students must first complete a Master's in Psychology from a university recognized by HEC. Then, depending on the type of psychologist they wish to become, they must take a specialization course and pass a GRE test. A good GPA and score in the entrance test and interview are also necessary for admission to a specific clinical training program in a recognized university.
Opportunities:
Clinical psychologists work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, universities, and schools, among others, and perform a range of roles that require their specialized expertise for different purposes. Some of the tasks that clinical psychologists undertake include assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions, treating mental illnesses such as substance addiction, providing testimony in legal settings, teaching at the university level, conducting research, and creating and overseeing programs aimed at preventing and treating social issues.
While some clinical psychologists may focus on one or more of these services, others may work directly with patients admitted to a hospital for mental health issues while running a private therapy office providing short-term and long-term outpatient services to individuals who require assistance in coping with mental health difficulties. Clinical psychology is a highly sought-after field in Pakistan, as it provides vast career opportunities and falls among the top-paying professions in the country. However, clinical psychologists in Pakistan face several challenges, including dealing with insurance and billing issues, setting up private practices, managing clients' needs consistently, having an erratic work schedule, and devoting time to finding new clients.
Conclusion:
Clinical psychology is a popular area of study in psychology, but before deciding if it is the right career path, it is essential to evaluate one's interests. Clinical psychology requires individuals who enjoy working with others and can handle stress and conflict well. As the population's changing needs and healthcare approaches shift, the field of clinical psychology will continue to evolve and expand. Taking a psychological career assessment test can be helpful in determining whether clinical psychology is a suitable career choice.