Many are well acquainted with the work of psychologists, but community psychologists use a more holistic approach in their treatment of individuals and groups. While many of the factors that these professionals evaluate are recognized in the general practice of counseling or other therapies, they assume a greater importance in community-based practices. In the article below, we’ll discuss these facets in order to gain greater understanding of them, as well as answer questions about community psychology for those interested in exploring the field.
Cultural Context and Contributing Factors
While psychologists who work at the community level are still devoted to empowering and healing individuals, their focus tends to place more weight on cultural, economic, political, and environmental factors that impact both individuals and the settlements in which they live. In this light, such psychologists are often activists, as well. They take an active role in examining systemic issues and how they impact the mental health of individuals, according to the Society for Community Research and Action.
For example, they might draw on evidence of economic hardship experienced within a single settlement, a region, or a culture to help ease the difficulties experienced by a single patient or a group. They also often take part in community-based programs designed to ease such tensions and enhance the quality of life for the group or settlement. These professionals see how many features of a group living situation are influenced by factors that range far beyond the town or city limits. Systemic inequality, global and domestic economic policy, cultural attitudes towards minorities, religious affiliation and many other facets of human cultural life play a part in their professional assessments.
How They Practice
While community psychotherapy does maintain a strong bond with traditional therapy and individual counseling strategies, these professionals tend to be more active within the community. Based on their particular strengths and preferences, therapists may opt to take part in research programs, community-building initiatives, act to vet and improve such studies as directly influence their communities, and work with companies to improve employee relations through proactive programs.
Their main goal is to elevate and improve the quality of life of the entire community in order to alleviate strains and stressors experienced by individuals who are a part of that human collective. Their analytical expertise is invaluable to the evaluation and augmentation of government programs, since centrally designed initiatives are not necessarily finely focused at the community level.
Where to Find Them
While you’ll certainly find them working with individual clients at least part of the time, community psychologists are not content to simply uphold high standards of therapy in the office. You may find them working with or donating their time to community organizations, schools, and even after-school groups. They provide lectures and workshops, work in academic settings, conduct research that probes the effectiveness of program initiatives, and may even work extensively with non-profit organizations to maximize their effectiveness. But they also work with private research centers that help to develop public policy guidance based on research. Their knowledge of human behavior and the needs of individuals acting within a group setting are invaluable to the creation of compassionate, effective initiatives.
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These therapists are drawn to the work of enhancing community wellbeing from a variety of different sub-disciplines. That’s an excellent point to note, since it also enriches the practice of community building and positive, proactive programs by drawing on a variety of skill sets. Wherever there is community, you are sure to find the community psychologist, working to build, to heal, and to nurture.