Introduction to Clinical Psychology

INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY


WHAT IS CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?
 Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders as well as
research into these disorders with the use of psychological methods.
 Administration and interpretation of psychological tests and the employment of
psychotherapies for treatment.

AREAS OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
 Psychodiagnosis
 Psychotherapy
 Research
 Teaching
 Supervision

TWO APPROACHES IN PSYCHODIAGNOSIS
 Nomothetic
 Idiographic

BARNUM EFFECT
 Lack of Individuation
Example: Patient is harboring feelings of anxiety.

TRADITIONS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
 Psychometric Tradition
- Administer intelligence tests
 Dynamic Tradition
- More concerned on the dynamics of behavior

EVOLUTION OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
 1879 - First psychological laboratory was established by Wundt.
 1896 - The first psychological clinic was established by Lightmer Witmer of the
University of Pennsylvania. Witmer opened the first Psychological Clinic with the
purpose of studying children who had either learning or behavior problems.
 1946 - Circular of US Veterinary Administration stating the three areas of concern
of Clinical Psychology: Diagnosis, Therapy and Research.


DIAGNOSIS