Posted: January 26th, 2023

What is the difference between psychoanalytic psychology and clinical psychology?

What is the difference between psychoanalytic psychology and clinical psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions, and there are many different approaches to understanding and treating mental health issues. Two of the most prominent approaches are psychoanalytic psychology and clinical psychology. While both disciplines aim to help people with mental health concerns, they have distinct differences in their theories, treatment methods, and goals.

Theoretical Foundations

Psychoanalytic psychology, also known as psychoanalysis, is based on the work of Sigmund Freud, who is considered the father of psychoanalysis. Freud’s work emphasized the role of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and experiences in shaping a person’s behavior and emotions. He believed that by exploring these unconscious elements through a therapeutic relationship, people could gain insight into their behavior and resolve psychological conflicts.

Clinical psychology, on the other hand, is a more diverse discipline that encompasses many different theoretical perspectives and treatment approaches. Clinical psychologists may use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, and other evidence-based treatments to help people with mental health issues. Clinical psychology focuses on observable behaviors and symptoms, and aims to treat specific problems in the here and now, rather than exploring unconscious thoughts and experiences.

Treatment Methods

Psychoanalytic therapy typically involves long-term, in-depth, one-on-one sessions with a trained psychoanalyst. The goal of psychoanalysis is to help the patient gain insight into unconscious thoughts and feelings and to resolve psychological conflicts. The therapy may last for several years, and the frequency of sessions may decrease over time as the patient’s progress is made.

Clinical psychology, on the other hand, often uses brief, goal-oriented therapies that are focused on specific problems. CBT, for example, is a highly structured form of therapy that focuses on the patient’s thoughts and beliefs and how they influence their behavior. The therapy is typically short-term, with sessions lasting for several months, and the focus is on helping the patient develop coping skills and overcome specific problems.

Goals and Outcomes

The goals of psychoanalytic psychology and clinical psychology also differ. Psychoanalytic therapy aims to help the patient gain insight into unconscious thoughts and feelings and to resolve psychological conflicts. The therapy is focused on uncovering the root causes of the patient’s issues, rather than simply treating symptoms.

Clinical psychology, on the other hand, is focused on treating specific problems and improving symptoms. The goal of therapy is to help the patient develop coping skills and overcome specific problems, such as anxiety or depression. Clinical psychologists aim to help patients achieve immediate relief from symptoms and improved functioning in their daily lives.

Integration of Approaches

While the differences between psychoanalytic psychology and clinical psychology may seem stark, it is possible to integrate the two approaches in practice. For example, psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral therapies have been shown to complement each other in the treatment process, with the strengths of one approach compensating for the limitations of the other (Wise & Razzano, 2016). Additionally, the use of psychodynamic techniques, such as exploring unconscious thoughts and feelings, can be beneficial in the treatment of certain mental health issues when used in combination with other evidence-based treatments (Hilsenroth & Cromer, 2015).

While psychoanalytic psychology and clinical psychology have distinct differences in their theories, treatment methods, and goals, both approaches can be effective in helping people with mental health issues. The choice of approach will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the mental health issues they are facing. It is important to work with a mental health professional who is trained in both approaches to determine the best course of treatment.
References
Wise, T. N., & Razzano, L. A. (2016). Integrating cognitive behavioral and psychoanalytic therapies: A guide for the practicing clinician. Routledge.
Hilsenroth, M. J., & Cromer, T. D. (2015). Comprehensive handbook of psychodynamic psychotherapy. John Wiley & Sons.
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Clinical psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/education/grad/clinical-psychology

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