Clinical Psych

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Name: Rachel B.

Pastillo Date: February 01, 2023

Course & Year: AB PSYCH 3 Subject: Psych 323 MWF 11:30-12:30

1. What distinguishes a clinical psychologist from other mental health professionals?

A clinical psychologist has spent all of his or her studies focusing on psychology
and clinical psychology. A psychiatrist has studied medicine first, then gone on to
another four years of study and work with mental illness. Psychologists only use
therapies based on talking or doing things, whereas psychiatrists will sometimes use
medication to help with treatment. A clinical psychologist may provide counseling and
psychotherapy but will also draw from rigorous scientific research to ensure that
treatments are effective and well matched to what the client wants. Clinical
psychologists will often be more "active" than psychotherapists and counselors. Clinical
psychologists do not currently prescribe drugs, but most will have a good understanding
of relevant medicines and will be able to identify when you should consult your doctor
for medical help. (How Does Clinical Psychology Differ From Other Professions? |
NZCCP, n.d.). Psychotherapy commonly refers to psychological therapies that are
based on so-called psychodynamic theories of human behavior and personality. These
theories emphasize the importance of unconscious mental processes, early childhood
experiences, and the role of emotions in shaping behavior. (How Does Clinical
Psychology Differ From Other Professions?, n.d.).Coaching on the other hand is like
counseling, primarily aims to help “healthy” clients. Instead of helping them solve
problems, coaching focuses on helping persons utilize their abilities more effectively
than they have previously. Some general characteristics of coaching are that it can
focus on personal work but it is usually used in business settings; it tends to help
persons achieve personal and business goals; and no license or official registration is
needed to practice coaching. (How Does Clinical Psychology Differ From Other
Professions?, n.d.)

Social workers and mental health counselors are two more types of mental
health practitioners who differ from clinical psychologists. A master's degree is required
for a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). LCSWs are not medical professionals.
Their education includes two years of graduate school and one year of internship.
Individuals, families, and groups with psychosocial difficulties are assessed, diagnosed,
intervened with, and treated by LCSWs. If they believe medicine should be included in
the therapy plan, they will typically collaborate with a psychiatrist. They commonly
collaborate with clinical psychologists, who offer psychotherapy as well as clinical
psychological assessment (Freshwater, 2019). On the other hand, a licensed mental
health counselor (LMHC) holds a master's degree in counseling. LMHCs are not
doctors. They have completed two years of graduate training and one year of work
experience under supervision. A LMHC provides counseling to individuals, families, and
groups. They, too, will partner with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for the
treatment protocol (Freshwater, 2019).

2. What has an undergrad student in psychology been like for you?

As an undergrad psychology student, it has been tough yet gratifying since it is


not exactly what other people see and understand; they may regard it as an easy
course, but it goes beyond that. A psychology course is not a joke nor an easy subject
to take; to be honest, psychology has always been undervalued, which gives me the
motivation to continue what I've undertaken. The psychology course has exceeded my
expectations; it is full of surprises and challenges, but it is really satisfying to be able put
into practice what I've learned in school. The psychology course became a significant
part of me, and it's such a gift for me to be able to comprehend individuals without any
expectations. It makes me so happy when people approach and see me as someone
they can rely on and trust.

The difficulties I have still to encounter in this course are nothing compared to
what awaits me outside, and knowing that this course will benefit me much and that I
will be able to help others in need is the most wonderful accomplishment I could
possibly have. It is also a personal aim of mine to help others and to be an advocate for
eradicating the stigma around mental health and making it a priority. I am willing to
experience the psychological roller coaster. I don't know what lies ahead, but I have
faith in God and in myself.

3. What things did you least expect about psychology?

What I least expect about psychology is that it is more complex than I expected,
but I am learning this as I go. The psychology course is more complicated than I could
have expected, and the subjects themselves are dense with data since they have such
a large influence on individuals and society. The psychology course is extremely
important in everyday life, and the great quantity of its complexity can be bewildering at
times, but it is fundamental to society and human existence itself. All of the major topics
I've studied are excellent tools for educating me to be a better person, yet it's not simple
since I have to push myself to study and pass them. This course helped me a lot in
finding a positive purpose in everything and understanding that everything in life can be
explained and understood through employing psychology.
Others may think the psychology course is simple, but it actually covers a lot of
ground. Its value and significance depend on how determined and committed a person
is to follow the road and bring about positive change. A psychology course has many
effects and implications for society beyond the scientific study of the human mind and
its operations. It is very important on my part to overcome and learn more about the
complexity of this course, to have a better and deeper understanding of it.

4. From 1st year to 3rd year, has this journey changed you? If yes, how so? If not, why?

My journey has altered me so significantly that I may say it has transformed me


inwardly. My experience from first to third year taught me so much that I will remember it
for the rest of my life. This experience has benefited me a lot; it has helped me better
understand myself and the people around me; it has helped me develop and view things
in new ways. I grew more positive, patient, and sensible in dealing with problems. I
became more understanding and less judgmental of others, and most significantly, I
expected less and witnessed God's miraculous workings in my life. I learned to demand
less from everything and to allow God to accomplish more of His work in my life.
Through this experience, I learned that God is in charge of whatever life has in store for
me. There may be difficulties on this road that will test me and may cost me in some
way, but believing and trusting in my God, this path will be all worth it—all the sleepless
nights and tears that I've come to commit.

The journey has not always been smooth, and adversity has always been a part
of life, but this one gives and becomes a part of my entire existence. There are still days
in my life when I wonder if I should continue on this path. There are times when it
worries me and makes me doubt my own capabilities, but at the end of the day, I can't
let it go, trusting and still hoping that someday I can be of help and contribute to a
positive change in people. I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I promise myself that I
will utilize all of my genuine learning to help people in need in ways that I know I can. I
know I have more to confront; I still have a year ahead of me, and I can't guarantee the
end, but as long as the spirit remains within my heart, I will pursue and continue this
adventure that I've begun.

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