“WHAT IS A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST? INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES“

 

by Prof. Dr. Michael Wang,
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Leicester, UK

 

 

 

Abstract

There are significant variations in the characteristics, role, function, activity and training of the clinical psychologist across the globe. This talk will review these in the context of international cultural and historical factors. Professional clinical psychology in China, Russia, Australia, the UK and the USA will be described and discussed within the context of national healthcare systems, culture and politics. What should be our frame of reference and criteria when comparing these professional profiles? An attempt will be made to summarise commonalities in roles and definitions across nations and cultures and to evaluate whether certain characteristics are more helpful than others.

Keywords: Clinical psychology, international, profession, healthcare.

 

Short Biography:

Michael Wang is Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology and former DClinPsy Course Director at the University of Leicester. Although he takes a broad bio psychosocial approach to clinical problems, he has particular training and expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy and is a recognised consultant clinical neuropsychologist. He is a former Chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology of the British Psychological Society and has broad knowledge and experience of the profession and of training at national level. He is Chair of the Association of Clinical Psychologists UK.
He holds Visiting Professorships at the Universities of Madras (India), Anamalai (India), Xi’an (China), Ryazan (Russia) and is a Fellow of Madras Medical College.
He has a research interest in psychological aspects of anaesthesia and surgery and in 2015 was awarded the Humphry Davy Medal by the Royal College of Anaesthetists in recognition of this work.