Thomas G. Plante — Contemporary Clinical Psychology (Second edition)

Автор: Thomas G. Plante
Название книги: Contemporary Clinical Psychology (Second edition)
Формат: PDF
Жанр: Психология
Страницы: 650
Качество: Изначально компьютерное, E-book

The goals, activities, and contributions of contemporary clinical
psychology are very appealing to many who are fascinated by
human behavior and relationships. The enormous popularity of psychology
as an undergraduate major; of clinical psychology as a career
option; and of popular press psychology books, movies, and
television shows is a testament to the inherent interest of clinical
psychology. The goal of clinical psychology is noble: to use the principles
of psychology and our understanding of human behavior to
promote health, happiness, and quality of life.
Contemporary clinical psychology is changing and growing at a
rapid pace. The advent of managed health care, the changing needs
of a multicultural society, changes in training models, the shift from
primarily a male to a female profession, technological and other scientific
advances, complex problems in today’s culture, all have
greatly impacted both the science and practice of contemporary clinical
psychology. Some of these changes are very positive; some are
negative. Despite the challenges confronting clinical psychology, the
field remains a fascinating and exciting endeavor with tremendous
potential to help individuals, groups, and society.
As more research evidence emerges concerning the interplay of biological,
psychological, and social influences on behavior, contemporary
clinical psychologists must incorporate new knowledge to
develop better applications in their efforts to understand and help
others. Biopsychosocial integration in many ways best reflects contemporary
clinical psychology, expanding the range and usefulness of
its efforts.
This book provides students an overview of contemporary clinical
psychology from an integrative biopsychosocial perspective. The book
highlights the various activities, roles, and responsibilities of the contemporary
clinical psychologist as well as provides a foundation of the
discipline through a detailed review of its history, scientific underpinnings,
and theoretical orientations. An overview of contemporary issues
in clinical psychology serves as a road map for those interested in
pursuing clinical psychology as a career option.
Each chapter includes a highlight of a contemporary clinical psychologist
who provides a frank reflection on the pros and cons of
contemporary clinical psychology as well as their view of the future of
the field. A typical schedule is also provided so that you get a sense of
what a day in the life of a contemporary clinical psychologist might be
like. The psychologists were chosen to reflect the broad range of people
who are clinical psychologists. Some of the psychologists are well
known; others are not. Several work in colleges and universities conducting
research and teaching. Several work in solo or group private
practice. Some work in hospitals, government agencies, or university
counseling clinics. One works in the U.S.
Senate. Some combine work in several diverse
settings. Some work part-time while
raising a family. Psychologists from all over
the United States, from diverse training programs,
from both genders, a variety of ethnic
groups, and with disabilities are represented.
The range of activities, roles, and responsibilities
of these psychologists reflects the diversity
of careers open to the contemporary
clinical psychologist.
Each chapter includes a detailed list of key
points and terms to help enhance understanding.
Each chapter also includes a section
entitled The Big Picture, which provides a
“bottom line” or “take home message” summary
of the chapter as well as a look toward
the future of the topic covered in that particular
chapter. Each chapter also provides several
questions readers have had after reading
each chapter. Each chapter also includes one
or more Spotlights on a contemporary issue
in clinical psychology.
A great deal of clinical case material is presented
throughout the book as well. Several
cases such as Mary, a 60-year-old woman
with a long history of panic attacks, are discussed
in several chapters for the reader to
trace the theoretical conceptualization, assessment,
and treatment of one case in some detail.
All of the patients presented are based on
actual clinical cases. All of the examples from
testing, therapy, consultation, and ethics are
also based on actual cases. However, the details
have been altered to protect patient and
psychologist confidentiality.
This book uses an integrative biopsychosocial
approach throughout. This approach best
reflects the perspective of most contemporary
clinical psychologists. Less emphasis is
placed on traditional theoretical models such
as behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic
approaches since most contemporary clinical
psychologists integrate these and other
approaches and orientations rather than
using only one. An emphasis is placed on the
real world of clinical psychology to provide a
window into how the science and practice of
clinical psychology is actually conducted. I
have attempted to provide the reader with a
realistic, practical, and current portrayal of
the contemporary clinical psychology field in
many different settings. Finally, this book
provides a separate chapter on ethics and a
separate chapter on the consultation, administration,
and teaching responsibilities of
clinical psychologists. One chapter deals with
10 common questions asked about psychotherapy.
Finally, emphasis is placed on
contemporary issues in clinical psychology
such as diversity, empirically supported
treatments, managed health care, and other
hot topics.
The instructor’s guide that accompanies this
book provides faculty with a detailed book
outline, multiple choice and essay examination
questions, transparencies for class use, a
list of references, web sites, popular and educational
films, class activities, and a sample
course syllabus. The instructor’s guide is available
online.
The book assumes that students have already
completed undergraduate courses in
introductory and abnormal psychology. The
book is appropriate for upper division college
students who are likely to be psychology majors
or first-year graduate students in clinical
psychology. The book might also be a helpful
reference for those who provide career guidance
for students potentially interested in a
career in psychology or related fields.
I welcome comments about the book from
both students and faculty. These comments
will be used to create improved future editions.
You can contact me at tplante@scu.edu
or check my web site at www.SCU.edu
/tplante. Thank you for reading this book and
welcome to the exciting, fascinating, and
ever-changing world of contemporary clinical
psychology.
Acknowledgments
Numerous people other than the author assist
in the development and completion of a book.
Some provide help in a direct and concrete
manner while others provide help in less direct
and more supportive ways. I would like to
acknowledge the assistance of the many people
who have helped in both ways and have
contributed to the development of the book
and of me.
First, I would like to thank the many wonderful
people at John Wiley & Sons who have
enthusiastically worked to publish this book.
I’d like to thank my editor for her strong interest
in the project as well as her high level
of professionalism and vision. I would also
like to thank the production staff led by Deborah
Schindlar.
I thank the anonymous patients referred to
in this book for allowing their life experiences
and concerns to be an instrument of learning
for others.
I would like to thank the reviewers for
offering their helpful suggestions and perspectives
on earlier drafts of the book. These
include:
Alan Whitlock
University of Idaho
Brent Walden
University of Minnesota
Marsha Runtz
University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
I would like to thank my many students
for helping me better understand what is
useful, interesting, and helpful for them to
learn and for providing me with inspiration.
I’d like to especially thank students who provided
the student questions at the end of
each chapter.
Finally, I would like to thank friends, colleagues,
mentors, and family who have been
supportive and instructive in a variety of diverse
ways over the years. These include Eli
and Marilyn Goldfarb, Fr. Sonny Manuel,
Peter Merenda, John Sousa, Gary Schwartz,
Judith Rodin, Peter Walker, Carl Thoreson,
Anthony Davids, Chris Hayward, Marcia
Plante, Mary Beauchemin, Lee Sperduti,
Henry and Anna McCormick, and Margaret
Condon. Most especially, I would like to
thank my wife, Lori, and son, Zachary, for
their love, support, and for making everything
worthwhile.