Clinical psychology and counselling psychology can both involve a collaborative relationship between a client - a person who is being assisted, and a clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist - a person who has received training in psychology at a recognised institute of psychology, is recognised as a psychologist by a professional psychology body and is bound by its code of ethics, and who practices psychology. A client and psychologist work together to address the client's concerns.

 

A client's difficulties are generally seen as arising from the areas of thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviours and needs. Each area is assessed in order to both formulate the reasons why the problems emerged and how they are maintained, and to plan and implement the most appropriate treatment. The two aims of psychological interventions in a therapeutic context are to reduce the client's psychological distress and enhance their psychological wellbeing.

 

Clinical psychology and counselling psychology can both involve integrating assessment and psychological therapy with a psychologist's personal and interpersonal skills, and psychological theory developed by psychologists based on research into how people think, feel and act. A psychologist uses particular theories and techniques during psychological therapy sessions with a client, depending on the psychologist's training, and the problems the client is experiencing.

 

Disclaimer: All content within the RSCPP website is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the advice of a doctor, counsellor, psychoanalyst, psychologist or psychotherapist who you should always consult if you are concerned about your mental health. RSCPP is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content within the RSCPP website or for any service provided by a doctor, counsellor, psychoanalyst, psychologist or psychotherapist. All content copyright © RSCPP Ltd 2007-2013.