About Clinical Psychology
What is psychology?
Psychology is concerned with the study of human behaviour, this includes how people think, feel, react and interact. All clinical psychologists start their career with a degree in psychology.
What is clinical psychology?
Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the reduction of psychological distress and the enhancement of psychological well-being through the application of psychological theory and research. To become a clinical psychologist requires further postgraduate training to achieve a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Clinical psychologists typically work in health and social care settings, but they can also work as independent practitioners within the private sector. They work with people of all ages who are experiencing mental or physical health problems.
What is a chartered clinical psychologist?
In order to regulate the profession and maintain the highest professional standards, the British Psychological Society established the Chartered Psychologist status. The title of Chartered Clinical Psychologist is the public’s guarantee that the practitioner has completed all the necessary training in clinical psychology, their qualifications have been checked and they have agreed to be bound by the British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist trains as a medical doctor and then goes on to specialise in the field of mental health. Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medication; psychologists are not. Some psychiatrists use the same types of therapy as a clinical psychologist might use and hence there is some overlap between the professions.
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychotherapist or counsellor?
Psychotherapy is a talk-based approach where a person is able to explore difficult emotions and experiences within the context of a formal and professional relationship. A psychotherapist usually trains in-depth in one particular therapeutic approach, for example in cognitive-behavioural therapy or psychoanalysis. Counsellors offer a similar service, but typically offer more short-terms treatments. A clinical psychologist can work like a psychotherapist or counsellor, but they are also trained to use a variety of other approaches and techniques appropriate to assessment and treatment of the client’s difficulties.