CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

• Clinical psychology


  A specialized branch of psychology that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
• Clinical psychology


  • Concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and psychological distress
  • Involves applying psychological principles to understand, predict, and alleviate maladaptive behavior, emotional discomfort, and cognitive dysfunction
• Assessment


  The systematic gathering of information about an individual's psychological functioning, including their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences
• Diagnosis


  The identification of a specific mental health disorder or condition based on the signs and symptoms presented by the individual, as well as information obtained through assessment
• Treatment


  Implementing interventions aimed at alleviating or managing the symptoms of a diagnosed mental health disorder and promoting overall psychological well-being
• Prevention


  Efforts aimed at reducing the incidence or severity of mental health problems before they occur or worsen
• Wilhelm Wundt establishes the first psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany


  1879
• Lightner Witmer founds the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania


  1896
• Witmer's clinic

  • Focuses on applying psychological principles to address learning difficulties and behavioral problems in children, laying the foundation for clinical psychology as a distinct field
• Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and other psychoanalysts develop influential theories on the unconscious mind, psychosexual development, and the role of childhood experiences in shaping adult behavior

  Early 1900s
• Behaviorism emerges as a dominant school of thought in psychology, with pioneers such as John B Watson and BF Skinner focusing on observable behaviors and the principles of conditioning


  1920s-1930s
• The rise of humanistic psychology, spearheaded by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes the importance of subjective experiences, self-actualization, and the therapeutic relationship


  1950s-1960s
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) gains prominence as a highly effective approach to treating various mental health disorders

  1970s-present
• Advances in neuroscience, technology, and evidence-based practices continue to shape the field of clinical psychology

  21st Century
• Early 20th Century: Introduction of Western psychological concepts during American colonial rule, leading to the establishment of psychology programs in universities and colleges in the Philippines
• Mid-20th Century: Emergence of pioneering Filipino psychologists advocating for the development of clinical psychology in the Philippines. Dr. Alfredo Lagmay's contributions likely occurred during this period
• 1950s: Establishment of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), marking a significant milestone in mental health advocacy and services in the country
• Late 20th Century: Continued growth of psychology programs and institutions dedicated to mental health and psychological services, with an increasing emphasis on cultural adaptation and indigenous healing practices in the Philippines
• Contemporary Period (21st Century): Ongoing efforts to address contemporary challenges in clinical psychology, including stigma reduction, improving access to mental health services, and integrating cultural perspectives into psychological practice in the Philippines
• Cultural Influence


  Cultural factors such as beliefs, values, and traditions significantly shape individuals' experiences and expressions of mental illness
• Cultural Norms and Coping


  Dictate how individuals perceive and cope with psychological distress
• Cultural Competence


  Essential for clinicians to effectively understand and address the unique needs of diverse populations
• Language and Communication


  Barriers can pose challenges in clinical settings, affecting the quality of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Clinicians need to utilize interpreters or bilingual staff, as well as employ culturally appropriate communication styles to ensure effective therapeutic interactions
• Diversity in Treatment Preferences

  Cultural diversity extends to treatment preferences, with individuals from different cultural backgrounds often having varied attitudes towards medication, psychotherapy, and alternative healing practices. Clinicians must engage in collaborative decision-making with clients, respecting their treatment preferences and integrating culturally appropriate interventions
• Intersectionality


  Cultural identities intersect with other aspects of individual identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Clinicians must consider these intersecting identities and their impact on mental health experiences, recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities