Clinical Psychology
Everyone has off days when they just don’t feel like themselves. For the majority of people, these feelings are normal, and they don’t last long at all. For some, however, these feelings are more serious, and they could indicate a mental or emotional problem.Clinical psychology is a broad branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Some of the more common disorders that might be treated include learning disabilities, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. The field of psychology became more recognized during the second half of the 19th century, although clinical psychology wasn’t
recognized until the end of the 19th century. It was around this time that first psychology clinic, which catered to children with disabilities. Although his ideas were somewhat slow to catch on, Witmer is now credited with being one of the founding fathers of clinical psychology. His progress in treating that one child helped pave the way for the future of clinical psychology.
Everyone has off days when they just don’t feel like themselves. For the majority of people, these feelings are normal, and they don’t last long at all. For some, however, these feelings are more serious, and they could indicate a mental or emotional problem.Clinical psychology is a broad branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Some of the more common disorders that might be treated include learning disabilities, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. The field of psychology became more recognized during the second half of the 19th century, although clinical psychology wasn’t recognized until the end of the 19th century. It was around this time that first psychology clinic, which catered to children with disabilities. Although his ideas were somewhat slow to catch on, Witmer is now credited with being one of the founding fathers of clinical psychology. His progress in treating that one child helped pave the way for the future of clinical psychology.
Researchers study the theory and practice of Clinical Psychology, and through their publications, document the empirical base of Clinical Psychology.
Consultants, Teachers, and Clinical Supervisors share the Clinical Psychology knowledge base with students, other professionals, and non-professionals. Clinical Psychologists also engage in program development, evaluate Clinical Psychology service delivery systems, and analyze, develop, and implement public policy on all areas relevant to the field of Clinical Psychology. Many Clinical Psychologists combine these activities.
Human Resource Development
The department started its first training program in BSSRO. It was a two-year course titled “Diploma in Medical Psychology”. Since then, the department has undertaken periodic revisions in its training program that reflect the expanding horizons in the application of psychology to the field of mental health. The department currently offers a ONE year/ two year full time M. Phil program in Clinical Psychology. Extensive direct engagement with the clients and close one-to-one supervision are integral components of both the training programs. The department also provides training to postgraduates of other departments in the Institute such as Psychiatry, Psychiatric Social work, Nursing, Neurology and Neurosurgery. The department offers short-term observer-ships/training programs in various specialty areas such as child & adolescent mental health, neuro-psychology, family therapy, behavioral medicine & psychosocial rehabilitation in order to help individuals gain exposure or upgrade their existing skills in the respective areas. In addition, workshops and other programs for continuing professional development are periodically organized by the department.
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- Chartered clinical psychologist: Eleanor
- Community clinical psychologist: Dana
They work with clients of all ages on a variety of different mental or physical health problems including:
- depression and anxiety;
- mental illness;
- adjustment to physical illness;
- neurological disorders;
- addictive behaviours;
- challenging behaviours;
- eating disorders;
- personal and family relationship problems;
- learning disabilities.
Clinical psychologists aim to reduce the distress and improve the psychological wellbeing of clients. They use psychological methods and research to make positive changes to their clients' lives and offer various forms of treatment. Clinical psychologists often work alongside other professionals in multidisciplinary teams in order to deal with complex patient problems.
Typical work activities
Clinical psychologists tend to work with one particular client group, such as children or people with learning disabilities. They also often work in a particular setting, for example a hospital or through social services.
Tasks can include:
- assessing a client's needs, abilities or behaviour using a variety of methods, including psychometric tests, interviews and direct observation of behaviour;
- working as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside doctors, nurses, social workers, education professionals, health visitors, psychiatrists and occupational therapists;
- devising and monitoring appropriate treatment programmes, including therapy, counselling or advice, in collaboration with colleagues;
- offering therapy and treatments for difficulties relating to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, addiction, social and interpersonal problems and challenging behaviour;
- developing and evaluating service provision for clients;
- providing consultation to other professions, encouraging a psychological approach in their work;
- counselling and supporting carers;
- carrying out applied research, adding to the evidence base of practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
More experienced clinical psychologists are often called on to write legal reports and act as expert witnesses. They keep detailed paperwork about clients in order to monitor the progress of the clients' treatments.