Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Published by James Taylor

Abstract

Clinical and counseling psychology is changing daily due to the numerous improvements and innovations in the medical fields. The future of clinical and counseling psychology lies not in the gains made but in the efforts to be made in the coming years. The literature review in this context provides researches done in the field and how the information can be used to better the practice. The analysis focuses on current trends in clinical and counseling psychology especially in areas of assessment, clinical work, and prevention.

Assessments

Comparison of Assessments in Use

Clinical and counseling psychologist use different approaches and assessments to come up with the problem or advise on the treatment options. According to Ryder, et al. (2011) the methods used are hugely dependant on the nature of the patient and historical evidence. Chan et al. (2015) in his work states that intelligence tests like WAIS-IV are commonly used because of their flexibility and workability on multiple patients. Maercker et al. (2018) in his analysis reveals that the work of most counseling psychologists is to not only assess the problem but also provide enough insights on how to control the situation. In this regards, he encourages the use of Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive abilities. Studies conducted by Ryder, et al. (2011) reveal that some situations will call for the psychologists to use multiple assessment methods to ascertain the claims. Attitude assessments, in this case, include the Thurston Scale and the Likert Scale. Most medical practitioners, especially in the advanced nations, prefer to use the Direct Observation tests such as the Parent-Child Interaction Assessment-II and the MacArthur Story Stem Battery. In a study done by Ryder, et al. (2011) personality tests are a great assessment method especially when they are used to measure the ability of individuals to overcome the situation. In this case, using the Rorschach test and the Beck Depression Inventory and Child Behaviour Checklist is highly preferred as it is easy and effective compared to other assessment methods. According to Freimuth, addiction to habits like gambling, internet usage, and sex would call for a more in-depth assessment approach. The assessment methods and tools provided in this context cannot offer much insights or results. Ryder, et al. (2011) further argues that individuals with these behaviors are required to find an addictions specialist who would devise their assessment methods to discover the extent by which the problem is affecting the individual. Psychotherapist and assessment Freimuth clarifies that mental health professionals cannot be able to assess these situations and disorders because they are not health related. Studies by Ryder, et al. (2011) however reveals that these disorders are usually entrenched in conditions like depression, insomnia and anxiety and some assessment methods could work. According to Maercker et al. (2018), the method used to assess an individual’s condition is dependant on many factors and caution must be taken to ensure that whatever approach used provides the right results or leads the professionals to find a solution and not only to inconvenience the patient.

Trends Towards Cultural-Clinical Psychology

The use of computers and technology has primarily influenced current assessment methods. Innovations in the medical fields have also helped facilitate the processes of testing thus allowing more precision and accuracy. As Maercker et al. (2018) note, the use of computer-based assessments is a trend that is not changing any time soon and might only be improved in the near future. Ryder et al. (2011) explain that technology is now empowering psychologist and counselors to be able to deal with situations that were challenging to them in the past years. The American Counselling Association sets codes of conduct that must be adhered to during the assessment process. As explained by Maercker et al. (2018) these are trends that were not an issue of major concern in the last 20 years in matters of clinical psychology and counseling. Ryder et al. (2011) argue that as advances are being made in medical health and counseling, it is becoming more ethical to treat patients with dignity and respect.

Extensive researches by Chan et al. (2015) in the field of clinical and counseling psychologist suggest that how the psychologists behave and treat their patients is instrumental in the results of the assessments. Ryder et al. (2011) indicate that the suitability of the assessment method not only depends on the patient but also the situation by which the patient is in. Patients in critical situations require methodologies that not only make them comfortable but also those that can reveal the challenges that they are going through.

According to Ryder, et al. (2011) interdisciplinarity in psychology has led to new, and thus medical practitioners usually find themselves in a critical situation especially on how they should assess their patients. Maercker et al. (2018) suggest that the easiest way to deal with issues arising from interdisciplinarity is only through collaboration. Dealing with diverse clients is usually a learning process for most psychologists, and thus iot is always prudent to ensure that each patient is assessed and treated in a way that will not compromise their wellbeing soon (Maercker et al., 2018). Based on the works of Ryder, et al. (2011) cultural integration is also responsible for shaping how counselors and psychologists deal with issues. Initially, it was easy to deal with emerging issues since some of them could be associated with an xcvertain cultural setting or lifestyle but this has changed (Chan et al.,2015). Maercker et al. (2018) observe that clinical psychology is slowly becoming intertwined and related to core cultural questions. For example Ryder, et al. (2011) has defined the issue of multiculturalism in psychology as a fourth force because it has so much impact on how patients are treated and assessed.

Clinical Work

Comparison of Technical Eclecticism, Assimilative, and Theoretical Integration

According to Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) therapists seek to find the best intervention that works for the patient. Fernández-Álvarez et al. (2016) further reveal that therapists usually rely on past experiences and knowledge especially for what has worked for others. A study conducted by Fernández-Álvarez et al. (2016) shows that technical eclectism is in a way similar to assimilative approach although there are minor differences. Fernández-Álvarez et al. (2016) identify the similarities as both approaches relying on the repertoire of therapeutic techniques especially on the wellbeing of the patient and not to a specific school of thought.

According to Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) assimilative integration which is used and preferred by practitioners who are the focus on one theoretical approach but are willing to incorporate other techniques. Fernández-Álvarez et al. (2016) provided more insights into this suggesting that assimilative integration is useful as it helps in understanding the needs of the patients and in making a treatment that is tailor-made to the needs of the patients. Finally Fernández-Álvarez et al. (2016) talk of the theoretical integration as one of the most challenging approaches to use since it does not work for most patients. According to Fernández-Álvarez et al. (2016), the method requires different techniques to be adopted, and this is not usually easy. Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) provides more insights on how theoretical integration must reconcile a theory about the stability of a behavior. It is based on this that combination can be achieved; otherwise, this will not be workable. It is evident that the different approaches show a clear value to the role of theory in psychotherapy integration (Norcross & Zimmerman, 2016).

Historical Context and Major Theorists

According to Gold (2016), technical eclecticism is a blend of several approaches that have been proposed by different theorists. Larry Beutler developed systematic eclectic psychotherapy in early 1990 while Richard Dimond described the prescriptive one in 1978. Technical eclectic psychotherapy, on the other hand, was pioneered by Arnold Lazarus in the early 60s (Gold, 2016). According to Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) assimilative psychotherapy integration model proponents, even if a therapist is trained to practice with one approach, there is a possibility of borrowing concepts from other models and approaches. Messer developed assimilative integration in 1992 with the aim of helping psychotherapists come up with a model that would work for a majority of patients (Gold, 2016).

Research information provided by Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) shows that theory integration is developed from two theories with the aim of providing a broader scope. The main aim of bringing two theories together is because one cannot address the problem (Gold, 2016). The three theories have evolved over the years due to the complex nature of problems brought forth by the patients. Practitioners have also delved deeper in to ensure that the models and approaches work for their patients. According to a recently concluded research by Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) theorists only come up with a new model if the ones in existence fail to work for them. Otherwise, it would not make sense as Gold (2016) suggested in his works.

Trends in Psychotherapy Integration

Castonguay et al. (2015) suggest that the most important trend is a significant trend is an acceptance of opposing world views in matters of counseling. The essential aspects of this are the technical and relational aspect of counseling. According to Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) differences among the therapists is controlled through the use of multiple treatment manuals. He, however, argues that the aspects are affected based on the relationship between the patient and the therapists. Another critical trend according to Castonguay et al. (2015) is the merging of theoretical orientations. Although these theories are different and each had been trying to prove to be superior to the rest, complicated issues brought forward by the patients proved to require integration and merging of the different theories.

According to Dr. Gold (2016) it is difficult to distinctively choose a single model or theory as most of these have merged in present times. Gold (2016) says that the theory to integrate these theories has reached levels of prominence and this is very prevalent. As stated by Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) the different theories have promoted an improved research-practice integration that had never been experienced in the previous years. Previously there has been a disconnection between research and practice, and these are soon changing. The Practice Research Network (PRN) has taken upon itself to help further research and bridge the gap between research and practice and create a stronger field relationship and network for patients. In the words of Norcross & Zimmerman (2016) the industry is responding to these issues by publishing most of the research findings and thus improving the pool of knowledge.

Castonguay et al. (2015) state that there has been more specific and integrative reviews that have been adopted in the last few years. As knowledge is increasing rapidly, it is becoming more difficult to keep up with the needs of the industry. Recently, there has been the need to integrate neuroscience and biological understanding, according to Castonguay et al. (2015) this is one important aspect that has affected the knowledge of psychotherapy. Ensuring a healthy mind and body connection is important as it improves the state of an individual and even the decisions they make. The most important aspect is introducing this to present day psychotherapy (Fernández-Álvarez et al.,2016)

Cons and Pros of the Perspectives

According to Norcross & Zimmerman (2016), technical eclecticism is a nice approach as it is important in developing personalities. Studies by Gold (2016) reveal that it is important in helping develop a healthy childhood. On the other hand, it takes both nature and nurture in question unlike the different approaches. It is based on several assumptions, and thus it cannot be proved scientifically (Gold, 2016). According to Castonguay et al. (2015), the approach is deterministic meaning that a simple testing process can determine a lot of its aspects. Most of these approaches are nomothetic meaning that theories about disorders that can affect people would be generalized and that is wrong. Assimilative psychotherapy integration is a strong approach as it looks at other thought processes that have been forgotten by other psychologists. In essence, the most forgotten approaches tend to deliver accurate results in treating and guiding patients. Castonguay et al. (2015). Assimilative psychotherapy integration works for me as it is not only accommodative, but it can also be used for most patients.

Major Trends in Psychology

Social psychology is one important trend in psychology. According to the research conducted by Norcross & Zimmerman (2016), social psychology entails social perception and how people feel and think. The branch also studies how individuals are also affected by others. Castonguay et al. (2015) provide that clinical psychology is an upcoming field that seeks to answer the question that are related to physical wellness, and the connection between the environment, body, and mind.

Cognitive psychology deals with mental processes like attention, decision making, problem solving and perception and the recent years have attracted a large number of psychologists in this field. Lastly, forensic psychology is taking shape in most countries. According to Castonguay et al. (2015) forensic psychology deals with trying to create a deeper understanding and functioning of legal and judicial systems with psychological principles and habits of an individual. The different trends are all aimed at easing the burden in understanding the problems affecting humankind.

Prevention Strategies

The first prevention strategy is the use of the dynamic and integrative model. According to Rivera-Mosquera et al. (2007), this reduces human errors and strengthens interventions and methods as well. Reducing the burden for therapists is one important approach that minimizes the gap between what has been done and what oughts to be done. Sally et al. (2007) in his works suggested that the goal is usually not only to form multifaceted and comprehensive interventions, but it is also in building a more sustainable model. Rivera-Mosquera et al. (2007) suggest that instituting early interventions with the children and the youth is a single method that if embraced could be preventive. Thinking of racial, ethnic and diversity issues in prevention is important in preventing problems arising from counseling (Rivera-Mosquera et al. 2007). Prevention based agendas in counseling psychology require adjusting professional perspectives to fit the situation at the ground. American (2014) overcoming some of these obstacles is one first step in preventing issues that could lead to psychological challenges.

References

American, P. A. (January 01, 2014). Guidelines for Prevention in Psychology. American Psychologist, 69, 3, 285-296.

Castonguay, L. G., Eubanks, C. F., Goldfried, M. R., Muran, J. C., & Lutz, W. (2015). Research on psychotherapy integration: Building on the past, looking to the future. Psychotherapy Research, 25(3), 365-382.

Chan, A. W., Yeh, C. J., & Krumboltz, J. D. (2015). Mentoring ethnic minority counseling and clinical psychology students: A multicultural, ecological, and relational model. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 62(4), 592.

Fernández-Álvarez, H., Consoli, A. J., & Gómez, B. (2016). Integration in psychotherapy: Reasons and challenges. American Psychologist, 71(8), 820.

Gold, J. (2016). Psychodynamic Therapies in Historical Perspective. Comprehensive Textbook of Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice, 31.

Maercker, A., Heim, E., & Kirmayer, L. J. (2018). Cultural, clinical psychology and PTSD. Hogrefe Verlag.

Norcross, J. C., & Zimmerman, B. E. (2016). Integrative Psychotherapies in Historical Perspective. Comprehensive Textbook of Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice, 188.

Rivera-Mosquera, E., Dowd, E. T., & Mitchell-Blanks, M. (January 01, 2007). Prevention Activities in Professional Psychology: A Reaction to the Prevention Guidelines. Counseling Psychologist, 35, 4, 586-593.

Ryder, A. G., Ban, L. M., & Chentsova‐Dutton, Y. E. (2011). Towards a cultural–clinical psychology. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(12), 960-975.

Sally, M. H., John, L. R., Robert, K. C., Maureen, K., Jonathan, P. S., & Michael, W. (July 01, 2007). Walking the Talk: Implementing the Prevention Guidelines and Transforming the Profession of Psychology. The Counseling Psychologist, 35, 4, 594-604.

Clinical and Counselling Psychology Outline

Abstract
Assessments