Clinical psychology makes a significant contribution to mental health care across the world. The essence of the discipline is the creative application of the knowledge base of psychology to the unique, personal experiences of individuals who are facing difficulties or changes in their lives. Rather than addressing such experiences as primarily a medical, political or legal problem, clinical psychologists approach personal distress as an unhappy outcome of certain ways of thinking, behaving and relating, often occurring within difficult social, cultural or economic circumstances. Clinical psychologists work with people to try and help them change what is distressing or concerning them, based on a belief in the value of the individual to determine what happens to them and on the importance of using approaches which have been demonstrated through research to be effective. In this Very Short Introduction Susan Llewellyn and Katie Aafjes-van Doorn provide insights into the world of clinical psychologists and their clients or patients, and cover the range of domains of practice, the difficulties tackled, and the approaches and models used. They consider the challenges and controversies facing the profession today, and also how it varies across the globe. Finally, they discuss the key questions surrounding clinical psychology, such as whether it should compete or collaborate with psychiatry, how far it is yet another instrument of social control, what new technology can offer in the future, and whether clinical psychology can ever really be considered a science. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The number of people working in the field of clinical psychology has expanded significantly in recent years. The fifth edition of this very popular text has been extensively re-written and updated by two well respected editors who are closely connected with recent developments in the profession of clinical psychology. It includes sixteen chapters that cover all the major domains of clinical practice, from work in primary care or with children and families, to clinical psychology as it is practiced with those with severe and enduring mental health problems, and those with eating disorders, to the work of clinical psychologists in forensic settings or in leadership positions. It also includes recent innovations in service provision such the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme (IAPT). The book opens with an overview of professional practice and a clear introduction to the major competencies and theories used by practitioners, followed by a series of chapters that are authored by practising clinical psychologists who all have extensive experience in their specialist areas. These chapters effectively and vividly describe the application of the reflective scientist practitioner model of working. The book concludes with a wide-ranging consideration of likely future developments and challenges. The text also addresses key issues including ethics, diversity and team working. A key feature is the provision of a living sense of what the job entails, while an appendix provides guidance on training routes. This volume clearly demonstrates that clinical psychology is a highly effective profession, which applies understandings and findings from the discipline of psychology to clinical contexts in order to ameliorate people's distress and to support their wellbeing.