Describe how applied psychology, social work, and marriage and family therapy are different from one another in terms of their focus and work with clients.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Applied psychology – Defined as “the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline [of psychology] embraces all aspects of the human experience from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services, the understanding of behavior is the enterprise of psychologists.” The main focus of applied psychology is to understand and treat psychological pathology. Also involved with the diagnosis of personality and personality reorganization. Applied psychology is subdivided into school, counseling, clinical, industrial, and community psychology. There are 56 chartered divisions.

Social work – Defined as “promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberations of people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human behavior and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work.” Focuses on community problems that may cause psychopathology rather than pathology itself.

It is also concerned with (a) social advocacy, (b) clinical practice within hospitals and agencies and (c) consultation with organizations, families, and individuals.

Marriage and Family therapy – MFT is one type of counseling specialization. Defined as “the diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, counseling, management and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems, through the professional application of marriage and family therapies and techniques.” MFTs primarily help with relationships and interactions from a systemic perspective.