Are you one of those people who has always been curious about psychology? Do you love to learn about neuroscience, stress reduction, human behavior, or the science of happiness? The truth is, there are many people out there interested in learning more about psychology. Curious people like you are reading about it, watching social media content, and generally trying to understand how psychology, the brain function, and the mental process.
We are all fascinated by our feelings and behaviors and those of others. Let’s explore the field and define some of the important terms and ideas that inquiring minds would like to better understand. A better understanding of psychology can impact our well-being and change the way we see ourselves and the world. It can also help us to lead more satisfying lives safely.
A Clear Definition of Psychology
Psychology plays into nearly every aspect of our lives and all we do. It’s often associated with spirituality, health and wellness, work or school performance, and many other aspects of our lives. So how can we simply define such an impactful term?
The American Psychological Association defines psychology as “the study of the mind and behavior.” The APA further describes the scientific study of modern psychology as a widely varied field of social sciences that touches organizations, individuals, communities, medical settings, and educational institutions.
History of Psychology
People have wondered about human nature throughout history. In the West, we recognize psychological research began with philosophers like Plato and Aristotle as they pondered human thought and temperament. However, more clear principles of psychology did not develop into a specific and official discipline until the work of Wilhelm Wundt in the late 1800s. Wundt researched physiology, thought, and behavior.
Early psychology focused on severe mental illness. Its scientific methods promoted asylums and restrictive treatment as healthcare for symptoms that we now know were often caused by medical issues such as seizures, tumors, or dementia. Treatments were sometimes inhuman and ineffective since they truly understood so little when it came to mental disorders and neurological health.
In the 20th century, Sigmund Freud introduced his theories on the unconscious and the practice of psychoanalysis. By the mid-1960s, medications for mental health became more common. At the same time, psychology took a more humanistic approach, and mental institutions like asylums became far less utilized as outpatient and counseling treatments became normalized. Today, seeking outpatient counseling is common for many individuals. People even use counseling for stress reduction or to enhance the basic quality of their lives. It is no longer reserved for severe mental health issues.
The Subfields in Psychology
The field of psychology is broad and has many subfields for psychology students to study.
Cognitive psychology, for example, is a branch of psychology that explores thought, cognition, and learning to understand how humans navigate the world. Clinical and counseling psychology uses psychology in a manner to help treat mental health issues, relationship issues, and behavioral challenges. Another psychology subfield is research or experimental psychology, which seeks to understand the nature of human or animal behavior. Forensic psychology is concerned with criminal behavior.
Health psychology is an area of interest that has taken pop culture by storm in recent decades. It aims to understand why people make certain health and wellness choices and how to fuel healthier behavioral choices around one’s lifestyle. Sports psychology takes this one step further and focuses on the psychology of athletic performance, mindset, and injury recovery. There are even more areas of specialty in the field, like developmental psychology and social psychology, meaning studying psychology can be endlessly fascinating!
Goals of Psychology
Psychology has four main intents or goals as a field. First, psychology attempts to describe human behavior. “What is happening with this individual?” Next, psychology works to explain that particular behavior. “Why is that individual exhibiting that behavior?” From here, experts in the field attempt to reasonably predict subsequent likely behavior. “What do we think this individual will do from here?” Finally, psychologists hold the goal of empowering changes or modifications in human behavior. “How can we modify this individual’s behavior to create a healthier or more preferable outcome?” We can understand, predict, and transform behavior through the study of psychology – and hopefully, create positive change.
Clinical Applications
Clinical application in psychology means the theories of the field can be applied in real time to concrete human problems and challenges. We all run into complex issues at work, at school, with our health, and with our relationships. When we feel stuck or like there is no way to create change, applied clinical psychology can potentially help.
Clinical psychology, for example, can help us navigate and cope with the prevention, development, or treatment of tough mental health or health diagnoses. The application of counseling psychology can support individuals, families, or groups with problem-solving related to stress, emotional struggles, or behavioral issues. Schools, hospitals, prisons, universities, and many other settings utilize clinical psychologists for these reasons.
Approaches vary within clinical psychology practice. According to the APA, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one approach. CBT is a psychotherapeutic approach that can foster behavioral modification and increased quality of life. Psychoanalysis is another common clinical approach. This type of psychotherapy explores unconscious thought, intending to treat mental health issues from the root causes. Applied clinical psychotherapy can also mean using either family therapy or group therapy to support positive change.
Life can be hard and we are all trying to do our best to get our needs met and to solve problems. You don’t have to navigate challenges alone. Trained professionals who have studied applied psychology for many years may hold the keys to relief.
Careers in Psychology
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in psychology will to continue to increase in demand. Many areas of the country are currently experiencing a shortage of mental health counselors and professionals. If you have ever considered a career in psychology, many potential roles need to be filled.
“I think that most people understand that Psychology is a science related to the study of the human mind, “ says Scott Hartigan, LCSW, a therapy provider at Grow Therapy. “However…There are so many different practitioners of psychology that it is confusing even to the providers themselves, “ he notes.
Psychologists typically have a doctoral degree. They may be clinical practitioners, educators, or even researchers. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are prescribers with medical degrees. Mental health counselors hold Master’s degrees and complete a certain number of clinical hours. They work in various roles, but most involve counseling individuals, families, couples, or groups. Social workers may also offer counseling, but their graduate studies focus more on social behavior and context than clinical mental health.
“I use a comparison of the Architect and Builder to Psychologist and Therapist,” says Hartigan. “Whereas, the Psychologist as the Architect, completes the blueprint for the treatment of the patient based on an intensive assessment and design. The Therapist as the Builder, uses the tools and completes the work involved in the treatment of the individual. Many different home designs are based on the individual’s needs and also many different therapeutic interventions and treatments based on the individual or family’s needs.”
You don’t have to be a clinician or counselor to work in the field. Researchers, educators, writers, and organizational consultants all utilize psychology and play integral roles in the field. If you are seeking a career role involving psychology, you have many options. If you are seeking a mental health professional, be sure to understand their credentials and see that they are vetted and licensed to prove the support you seek.
Continued Exploration
It can be fun to independently learn about psychology and explore more about how the mind works. In this modern era, learning about psychology is easier than ever been. However, if you are wondering about the psychology of your mind, it is crucial to avoid self-diagnosis. If you feel concerned about your mental health or that of a loved one, it is wise to enlist a qualified mental health professional for support. To learn more about how to find a good therapist or online therapy that takes insurance, reach out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It may be scary, but getting support in times of need is worth it.
