What Is Clinical Psychology?

"When I told a friend of mine that I read a good book titled what is clinical psychology she replied : " Oh ? You don't need to read a book on that I'll tell you : it's medical psychology ". Thanks that helps a lot. We all know that clinical psychology is about helping people in need of psychological treatment. But some of us may need a more comprehensive knowledge about the subject. In this book the author John Hall has explained very well the various topics in clinical psychology, how clinical psychologists work and cooperate with other professionals, how they are trained and become qualified etc.Most examples are from the UK but international applications are also mentioned. I recommend this book to anybody considering a career in clinical psychology or already in the profession. As a reader I am in neither category. I am not a psychologist nor a psychiatrist. My motivation was to know in better detail what clinical psychologists are supposed to do and more importantly supposed not to do. Why do I want such detailed information ? Because I was searching ( still am ) for a good clinical psychologist for help for someone close to me. I got suspicious about whether the several clinical psychologists that we went to were doing what they were supposed to do or not. I decided to educate myself about the topic by reading this book and several similar others. It turned out they were not doing what they were supposed to do. This is one of the best books on the topic, to help find honest professionals. I recommend that any person seeking psychological help read this book and similar good books before seeking professional help in order to be able to judge whether they are getting real psychological help or being fooled. I wish I had read this book many years ago before going to clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. Thanks to the author John Hall and the editor Susan P. Llwelyn who have written an excellent book that meets this need."
~ Written on 2007-12-27

"This book explains what clinical psychology is, and what clinical psychologists do, the conceptual framework which they adopt, the rationale behind their techniques, and uses detailed case studies and examples to illustrate their material. It provides further accessible reading and a glossary of terms, to introduce this growing area of work. It also reflects the continued expansion of the profession of clinical psychology in the UK, Europe and elsewhere. Includes chapters on clinical neuropsychology, physical disability and the work of the psychologist in general medical settings. Presents an overview of psychological interventions with clients in a variety of settings, and with differing types of difficulty."
~ Written on 2005-03-31

"Having read the second edition of Marzillier and Halls book, this third edition was ideal as it incorporated, in one nice tidy chapter, the information that was needed for the new NHS sponsored Doctorate of Clinical Psychology. This book, in summary form, informs the reader of all the various sub-divisions of the fascinating psychological discipline. A must read for any students/assistant psychologists wanting to become clinical psychologists. To anyone else, an interesting insight into the world of mental health. Enjoy."
~ Written on 2000-08-11