- Psychodynamic
- Behavioral
- Cognitive
- Biological
- Humanistic
One of the most common misconceptions is that clinical psychology is one-size-fits-all. The phrase clinical psychology automatically calls to mind an image of lying stretched out on a couch, pouring out your heart and soul. A stern-faced shrink furiously scribbles down notes until he suddenly stops you and reveals some deeply buried psychic issue or other. This scenario is informed by only one of these five clinical psychology theories and incorrectly informed at that.
1. Psychodynamic
As the oldest clinical psychology theory, the psychodynamic theory bears the strongest similarity to the average preconception of clinical psychology. Founded by Sigmund Freud in the late 1800s, the psychodynamic theory was originally called psychoanalysis. This is because the core tenant of this approach is an analysis of how one’s past experiences influence one’s current behaviors and emotions. The American Psychoanalytic Association explains that psychoanalysts of the past and psychodynamic therapists of today agree on this: one cannot fully heal and function with unprocessed underlying traumas. Psychodynamic therapy is typically:
- long-term
- frequent
- grounded mostly in verbal communication.
2. Behavioral
Behavioral psychology is perhaps the most distinct form psychodynamic theory. This branch of behavioral psychology was born in the early 1900s out of Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner’s work with animal behaviors. Remember Pavlov’s dogs drooling in anticipation of food at the sound of a bell? Behavioral psychologists believe that humans learn to exhibit certain behaviors as a result of mental associations. They are little concerned with patients’ pasts and spend little time on talk therapy. Instead, they perform a series of therapeutic tasks. They prescribe tasks for patients to complete at home. These tasks include exposure to stimuli and aversion practices. One task might be initiating punishments every time patients exhibit problematic behaviors. Behavioral therapy tends to be very brief.
3. Cognitive
Cognitive psychology is a field that involves homework. It focuses on the present, as well as the future, rather than the past. Cognitive therapy was founded in the 1950s by Aaron Beck. It focuses on how thoughts guide actions. Cognitive therapists believe that changing one’s problematic thought patterns results remedying difficult emotions and troubling behaviors. Some of the most common tactics include thought journals. Another is a reward and punishment system similar to those in behavioral therapy. In fact, many modern psychologists combine cognitive and behavioral theories into one clinical psychology approach.
4. Biological
At many points during the evolution of clinical psychology, various theorists have reminded the field to remember the biological aspect of the human psychological experience. The structure and chemistry of the brain play important roles in human:
- thought
- emotion
- behavior
This biological theory of clinical psychology is known in the field as biopsychology. The Association for Psychological Science offers excellent articles about the most current research in biopsychology.
5. Humanistic
Humanistic theory offers exactly what it sounds like it should. It’s a perspective on psychology that focuses on the things that make people distinctly human. Central to this theory is the concept of empowerment through free will. This method uses talk therapy and written and spoken narrative. Humanistic clinicians work with patients to take control of their emotional and behavioral responses to their human experiences. This theory relies heavily on validation and empathy. This is one of the newest theories of clinical psychology.
Related Resource: 10 Best Deals: Master’s in Clinical Psychology Online
Each of these clinical psychology theories is like one piece of a whole puzzle. Most therapists specialize in one theory but recognize when and how to pull from other theories or refer patients to a different therapist. The right theory, or combination of theories, is determined by the individual and the issues under treatment. What they all have in common is the goal of helping people live their best lives.