Psychology: Theory and Practice

Definition of psychology

If you asked a number of professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors to define psychology, you would most likely expect them to give you the same answer. Fact is, that you will get at least a few different definitions of psychology from any group of mental healthcare providers. These different definitions reflect the difference in how we should study humans.

A common definition in psychology is the science of behavior. According to this definition only directly observable phenomena, like behaviors (e.g. how I act and behave) are the study of psychology. Things that cannot be verified through our senses (e.g. seeing, or hearing), like thinking and feeling, cannot be scientifically studied.

Psychologists also feel that the mental processes of thinking, perceiving, and feelings, and the like are so significant that these processes must be merged within the science of psychology. Although mental processes cannot be directly observed, psychologists make careful inferences about them. It is therefore that the most comprehensive definition of psychology is: The science of behavior and mental processes.

Practice of psychology

Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and counselors learn to describe, predict, understand, and influence behavior and mental processes. In a clinical setting, during counseling and psychotherapy sessions, mental health professionals use science based insights to facilitate healing when their patients have symptoms of mental health disorders, such has anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, addiction, or any other disorder listed in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Mental health professionals use psychology to develop evidence based treatment models (CBT, DBT, ERP, Seeking Safety etc.). Through the scientific process psychologists develop treatments and collect data to measure their efficacy. The scientific method differs from common sense. When we apply common sense to a particular situation, it often is based on personal anecdotes. E.g. ideas, stories, personal experiences or opinion. Scientific explanations are based on empirical evidence, by using experiments and observations to investigate theories and hypotheses. Researchers publish studies which other researchers pick up and replicate. Psychologists only confirm a theory data consistently yields similar results.. Then psychologists consider the approach an evidence-based treatment method.

Within the field of psychology, psychotherapy and counseling there are a number of influential psychologists and schools of thought. All mental health professionals in their study of psychology learn about the major schools of thoughts and treatment modalities. It is in their training and practice that they can choose to adhere to a particular school of thought, or to use an integrated approach which draws on several schools of thought. Psychologists, psychotherapists and counselors must meet stringent academic and internship requirements and sign on to a code of ethics to be given a license to practice to assure that anyone seeking help is in professional hands. This assures consistency in education, training and professional conduct.

Methods of psychology and psychotherapy can be classified into five broad schools of thought

Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies

Psychologists during psychotherapy and counseling focus on problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts of their patients. During psychotherapy, patients’ unconscious meanings and motivations are uncovered. The patient-therapist relationship is a close working partnership. It is through the relationship and interactions with the therapist that the patients learn about themselves. While psychoanalysis is closely associated with Sigmund Freud, psychologists have extended and modified this theory since its origins.

Behavior therapy

During psychotherapy and counseling the therapist focuses on how learning takes a role in how humans develop both normal and abnormal behaviors. The therapist helps the client unlearn abnormal ways of behavior and learn more adaptive ways to take their place. Contributors to this school of thought were: Palov, Watson, Skinner, Thorndike, and Wolpe.

Cognitive therapy

During psychotherapy and counseling the therapist emphasizes what people think rather than what they do. According to this school of thought, therapists assert that erroneous or dysfunctional thinking leads to dysfunctional emotions or behaviors. The focus is to facilitate patients changing their thoughts, which results in changing how people feel and what they do. Contributors to this school of thought include Ellis and Beck.

Humanistic therapy

During psychotherapy and counseling the therapist emphasizes people’s capacity to make rational choices and develop to their fullest potential. Unconditional regard, in the form of concern and respect for others are also vital themes. Contributors to this school of thought were, Satre, Buber and Kirkegaard.

Three types of humanistic therapy are especially influential

• Client-centered therapy creates an atmosphere that encourages clients to discover feelings they are unaware of. Therapists help clients change by emphasizing their concern, care and interest.
• Gestalt therapy focuses on what it calls “organismic holism,” the significance of being aware of the here and now and taking responsibility for yourself. During psychotherapy and counseling the therapist takes an active role, questioning and challenging the client, to help the client become aware of his or her true feelings.
• Existential therapy emphasizes free will, self-determination and finding meaning.

Integrative or holistic therapy

The study of psychology gives counselors and psychologists a wide range of therapeutic tools. During psychotherapy and counseling an experienced therapist blends elements from various approaches to create a treatment that best serves their clients’ needs.