field of clinical psychology: arriving at a definition, The

Canadian Psychology, May 1996 by Vallis, T Michael, Howes, Janice L

Third, the definition can be used to facilitate training within clinical psychology. The definition provides a template that can serve as a guide for operating and accrediting clinical psychology graduate university training programs. For example, the issue of a core curriculum was identified as important at the recent Mississauga Conference on Professional Psychology. Reference to the definition will facilitate the work of this group regarding clinical psychology. Similarly, the definition will be of benefit to those considering the development of formal subspecialties within professional psychology. Groups responsible for continuing education and re - specialization programs within clinical psychology may also find the definition useful.

Fourth, the definition can be used by the Section on Clinical Psychology to interface with other Sections of CPA. We hope that Sections who share a common base with clinical psychology will use the definition as a reference when developing their own definitions. It is likely that the definition will also be of use in the development of subspecialty designation. Finally, the definition can facilitate an interchange with the American Psychological Association on issues of similar concern.

In closing, we emphasize that the Definition is a "living document". We recognize the need for the Executive of the Section on Clinical Psychology to revise the definition as our field develops and changes, particularly as subspecialties are established.

Many individuals deserve acknowledgement for their input and helpful comments in the development of this Definition. The following members of the Executive Council of the Section on Clinical Psychology deserve special mention for their commitment and hard work in developing this Definition; Dr. Keith Dobson, Dr. Kerry Mothersill, Dr. David Hart, and Dr. Rhona Steinberg. Special thanks are in order for Dr. Hart and Dr. Chris Bilsbury, who provided valuable input during the preparation of this article. Dr. Vallis was Chair of the Section on Clinical Psychology in 1991 - 92, and Dr. Howes was Chair in 1993 - 94.

Send reprint requests to Dr. T.M. Vallis, Department of Psychology, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, 5909Jubilee Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2E2.

APPENDIX: DEFINITION OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Approved by: Clinical Section May, 1993, CPA Board of Directors May, 1993

Preamble

The Section on Clinical Psychology of the Canadian Psychological Association has identified a need to define the skills, activities, and training of clinical psychologists. It is believed that such a definition will facilitate the development of the field in several ways. First, a definition will enable advocacy efforts within the profession by identifying training requirements and providing a platform to discuss strategies for maintaining/improving competency, autonomy, etc. Second, a definition of clinical psychology may stimulate discussion with other professional psychology groups, and, in this way, facilitate the development of criteria for specialty designation, a current issue for professional psychology. Third, a definition will aid in public education. An all - too - often heard comment regarding clinical psychology from non - psychologists is that they are unaware of our training, skills, and value.