Clinical Psychology

• Clinical psychology


  A specialized branch of psychology that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
• Clinical psychology is also deeply rooted in scientific research
• Assessment


  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


  Involves 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 established the 1st psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, marking the beginning of Experimental Psychology


  1879
• Lightner Witmer found the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on addressing learning difficulties


  1896
• Influential theories on the unconscious mind developed in the early 1900s


  • Freud
  • Jung
  • Others
• Psychological approaches that emerged in the 20th century

  • Behaviorism (1920's-1930's)
  • Humanistic psychology (1950's-1960's)
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (1970's-present)
• Advances in Neuroscience in the 21st century
• Introduction of western psychology concepts during American colonization in the early 20th century in the Philippines
• Emergence of pioneering Filipino Psychologists (e.g. Dr. Alfredo Lagmay) in the mid-20th century in the Philippines
• Establishment of the Philippine Mental Health Association in the 1950's in the Philippines
• Ongoing efforts to address contemporary challenges in clinical psychology in the late 20th century in the Philippines
• Cultural influence


  Beliefs, values, and traditions significantly shape individuals' experiences
• Cultural norms and coping


  How individuals perceive and cope with psychological stress
• Cultural competence


  Essentials for clinicians to address the unique needs of diverse populations
• Language and communication


  Challenges in understanding each other
• Diversity in treatment preferences

  Picky about medication due to cultural beliefs
• Intersectionality


  How socioeconomic status, gender, race, or ethnicity affect mental health
• Republic Act No. 11036 - Philippine Mental Health Act of 2018 aims to promote and protect the mental health of all Filipinos
• Republic Act No. 10029 - Philippine Psychology Act of 2009 aims to regulate the practice of psychology in the country
• Psychologist


  A natural person who is duly registered and holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as a professional psychologist, issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology
• Psychometrician


  A natural person who holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as a psychometrician issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission
• Ethical principles


  • Respect for the Dignity of Persons and People
  • Competent Training for the Well-Being of Persons and People
  • Integrity
  • Professional and Scientific Responsibilities
• General ethical standards and procedures

  • Resolving Ethical Issues
  • Competencies
  • Human Relations
  • Confidentiality
  • Advertisement and Public Statements
  • Records and Fees
• Ethical standards and procedures in specific functions

  • Assessment
  • Therapy
  • Education and Training
  • Research
• Pros of approaches to clinical psychology

  • Tailored to Different Needs
  • Empirical Support
  • Client-centered
• Cons of approaches to clinical psychology

  • Not Universally Effective
  • Resource-Intensive
  • Dependent on Therapist Competence
• Evidence-Based Practices (EBP)


  Integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise
• Psychodynamic Approach


  A theory and therapeutic approach within psychology that emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences in shaping personality, behavior, and mental health
• Proponents of Psychodynamic Approach

  • Sigmund Freud
  • Carl Jung
  • Adler
  • Melanie Klein
• Fundamental concepts of Psychodynamic Approach

  • Unconscious Processes
  • Early Childhood Experiences
  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Role of Therapeutic Relationship
  • Insight and Self-Understanding
• Freudian slip


  An error in speech, memory, or physical action that occurs due to the interference of an unconscious subdued wish or internal train of thought
• Advantages of Psychodynamic Approach

  • Insightful Understanding of Underlying Issues
  • Recognizing Internal Conflict
• Limitations of Psychodynamic Approach

  • Time Consuming
  • May not be suitable for all conditions
• Behavioral Approach in clinical psychology

  Emphasizes the importance of observable behavior and environmental influences in understanding and treating psychological disorders
• Founders of Behaviorism


  • John B. Watson
  • B.F. Skinner
• "How we learn to do things just by seeing it"