Psychotherapy vs. Clinical Psychology: Key Differences
1. Definition of Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology
Give a formal definition of psychotherapy. What is the difference between clinical psychology and psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is formally defined as the “informed and intentional application of clinical methods and interpersonal stances derived from established psychological principles.” Its primary objective is to assist individuals in modifying their behaviors, cognitions, emotions, and other personal characteristics in directions that the participants—both the therapist and the client—consider desirable. This definition highlights that psychotherapy is a professional, evidence-based process rather than a casual interaction.
Clinical Psychology vs. Psychotherapy
The difference between clinical psychology and psychotherapy lies in their scope and historical development. Historically, mental problems were first studied within the field of medicine as physicochemical processes in the brain. Clinical psychology emerged as the broader academic and professional discipline that encompasses the study, diagnosis, and research of psychopathology using various models (biological, behavioral, and cognitive). In contrast, psychotherapy is a specific system of intervention within that discipline.
While a clinical psychologist might focus on the nature and diagnosis of a disorder, a psychotherapist focuses on the practical application of change through the therapeutic relationship. Furthermore, the goal in psychotherapy is often to determine the “function” of a behavior rather than just assigning a clinical label. Thus, clinical psychology provides the scientific foundation, while psychotherapy is the applied practice of using that science to facilitate individual change.
2. Eclecticism vs. Pluralism in Therapy
What is the main difference between eclecticism and pluralism? Can you name a minimum of two pros and cons of eclecticism?
The main difference between eclecticism and pluralism involves their philosophical approach to truth and technique. Eclecticism is pragmatic; it involves selecting the “best treatment for a given client based on empirical data” from similar cases. An eclectic therapist consults empirical literature after a diagnosis and applies the prescribed technique regardless of its theoretical origin. Pluralism, however, is an ethical and philosophical tradition that values all ways of knowing. It posits that no single perspective is universally valid and appreciates that different models offer unique, valid insights without necessarily looking for one “correct” empirical answer.
Pros and Cons of Eclecticism
Pros of Eclecticism:
- Empirical Foundation: It relies on research, ensuring the therapist uses techniques proven to work for specific diagnoses, which aligns with Evidence-Based Practice.
- Flexibility: It allows the therapist to adapt to the client’s specific needs by drawing from various traditions rather than being limited to a single school of thought.
Cons of Eclecticism:
- Lack of Theoretical Unity: Without a single framework, therapy can become a “bag of tricks” without a clear internal logic to guide the therapist when a specific technique fails.
- High Training Burden: To be truly eclectic, a therapist must stay updated on a massive range of literature across many models, which can be overwhelming and lead to a superficial application of techniques.