Lee Sechrest and Bradley Smith (2012), in their article “Psychotherapy is the Practice of Psychology,” present a compelling argument for the complete integration of the aspects of theory, research, and practice of psychotherapy into the discipline of psychology. The authors define integration as the “[unification] of a body of knowledge in systematic way that is coherent and heuristic” (Sechrest & Smith, 2012, p. 170). The article claims full integration of psychotherapy into psychology would create a discipline rooted in science, grounded by a large body of knowledge and theory, and abled to be more flexible and innovative (Sechrest & Smith, 2012). Details regarding the multiple barriers which have prevented integration are presented. Additionally, the authors claim the discipline of psychology, clinicians practicing psychotherapy, and clients in therapy would all benefit from integration. However, the need for such a formal presentation of this argument remains in question.
In proposing the integration of psychotherapy into psychology, the authors propose that “psychotherapy is the practice of psychology” (Sechrest & Smith, 2012, p. 170). This is a logical ascertain. Psychotherapy is an attempt to improve the psychic condition of a client experiencing some form of mental distress. Other professions aim to improve the situations of their clients: teachers practice education, doctors practice medicine, and auto mechanics practice automotive repair. It is only natural that psychologists practice psychotherapy. There exists a division, however, between clinical psychologists and the rest of the field of psychology.
The authors cite several barriers which exist preventing the dissolution of this division. The authors c...
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... for integration and the prominent position of psychotherapy, the evidence suggests that the field of psychology does not function in an integrated manner. The APA divides branches of psychology into separate divisions, each with their own specializations, journals, and goals. Educational institutions divide their programs into different concentrations. Often, different schools have different orientations and specializations from other schools, further increasing the divide. Therefore, while the arguments presented in the article should be self-evident, they apparently are not.
Works Cited
Sechrest, L., & Smtih, B. (2012). Psychotherapy is the practice of psychology. In S.O. Lilienfeld & W.T. O’Donohue (Eds.), Great readings in clinical science: Essential selections for mental health professionals (pp. 148-155). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Psychology is concerned with understanding, evaluating, alleviating, and preventing mental and emotional disorders and promoting human adaptation, adjustment, and personal effectiveness and satisfaction. Psychologists address the intellectual, emotional biological, psychological, social, and the many different behavioral aspects of human functioning across the lifespan, varying cultures, and all socioeconomic levels of humans. Psychology is an absolute science that creates research efforts to find and confirm data about what people are like and why they behave the way they do. Psychology is also a professional practice that provides health care services. Psychology is a merge of science and practice pursuits. The essence of psychology
Stern, Richard. "Behavioural-Cognitive Psychotherapy Training for Psychiatrists." Pb.rcpsych.org. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1993. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.
...ohol, John M. Psy. D. “Depression Treatment: Psychotherapy, Medication or Both?” Psych Central. N.p. (2008). Web. 17 Nov. 2013
The psychoanalytic therapy was developed by Sigmund Freud. It is considered the foundation or modern day psychiatry, psychology, and counseling and is the gage by which all therapies have been measured. Psychoanalytic therapy consists largely of using methods to bring out unconscious thought that can be worked through. It focuses on childhood experiences that are analyzed though discussions that are reconstructed, and interpreted.
Psychotherapy integration is best explained as an attempt to look beyond and across the dimensions of a single therapy approach, to examine what one can learn from other perspectives, and how one’s client’s can benefit from various ways of administering therapy (Corey, 2013). Research has shown that a variety of treatments are equally effective when administered by therapist who believe in them and client’s that accept them (Corey, 2013). Therefore, one of the best aspects of utilizing an integrative approach is that, in most cases, if a therapist understands how and when to incorporate therapeutic interventions, they usually can’t go wrong. While integrating different approaches can be beneficial for the client, it is also important for the
As the world moves into the twenty first century, Western civilizations are witnessing a surge of new technology, ideas and economic success. Urbanization is spreading rapidly and Western society’s push for progression is becoming more apparent. However, this obsession with advancement has begun to take its toll on the happiness of the citizens. Studies have shown that in 2002, up to 13 percent of U.S. citizens suffered from mental disorders and that this number has only increased since then (Rinpche 60). As a result of our push for new technology, more techniques and medication are evolving and being used in psychotherapy. We must, however, wonder if it is time to try something else? Despite new advancements in medication and psychology research, we are still witnessing an increase in psychology patients and it may be time to acknowledge the idea that we may not be able to solve these problems with the same mentality that created them. Fortunately, during this progressive push there have been a growing number of Western pioneers with the open mind of trying something new, specifically in the area of psychotherapy, and have been researching and experimenting with different forms of Eastern philosophy and its use in psychotherapy (Spretnak 2).
The field of psychology is a discipline, originated from many branches of science. It has applications from within a complete scope of avenues, from psychotherapy to professional decision-making. The flexibility and versatility of this field reflects its importance and demands in-depth analysis. Psychology was a division of philosophy until it developed independent scientific disciplines. The history of psychology was a scholarly study of the mind and behavior that dates back to the beginning of civilization. There are important details from previous theory psychologist, research have contributed to behaviorism approaches and have contributed towards specific current behavioral practices. Contemporary behavior therapy began to emerge into distinct practical and core learning theories concerning the needs and knowledge engaging cultural and professional differences.
One of Anderson et al.’s (2010) key points is summed up in the following statement: “The contextual view holds that psychotherapy orientations (and other forms of healing) are equivalent in their effectiveness because of factors shared by all” (p. 145). They posit that four key factors are responsible for this success: the healing setting, the therapeutic myth, rituals prescribed by the therapeutic myth, and an emotional relationship in which one person is able to confide in another (p. 145-152).
Psychodynamic therapy, focuses on unconscious mind and how past experiences, inner thoughts, fears, and emotions The main goal of psychodynamic therapy is for clients to be self-aware of the past and how it effects who they are in the present. This type of therapy focuses on the underlying problems and emotions that influenced the client’s behavior. (Psych Central, 2016)
Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (9th Edition). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing.
We have already seen numerous changes in the field of psychology, and these have yielded new opportunities and roles for psychologists not to mention the added benefits and new comprehensive services presented to the public. In his publication titled, Responding to Society’s Needs: Prescription Privileges for Psychologists, in the Journal Of Clinical Psychology, Norfleet urges the need for this continued trend in our future, and strongly advocates the need for prescription privileges to be a part of the equation. The author clearly lays out the importance of this advancement in the field of psychology by stress...
...entation, or several, in which they choose to practice in their professional career. Psychoanalysis and Person-Centered Therapy are just two, out of over four hundred types, of counseling approaches in use today. The constructs and theories are extremely different, however, neither can be considered right nor wrong. They are simply based on different beliefs, assumptions and viewpoints of human development and their behavior. Although, however different and unique, there are still similarities between the two types of therapy approaches. Through case examples, such as the case of D and the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, the techniques and outcomes of different treatment approaches can be see in real life examples. Past research and writing support brings about contradictions, criticism and treatment outcomes to the theories and those who developed them.
Wampold, B. E. (2001). The great psychotherapy debate: Models, methods, and findings. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
Corey, G. (2011). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (ninth ed., pp. 291-301). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.