It's great to hear that you're considering a degree in clinical psychology and want to prepare yourself in advance. Dabbling in the subject through textbooks is an excellent idea to get a head start. Here are some fundamental and widely recommended textbooks for clinical psychology:
"Psychology" by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall - This comprehensive introductory psychology textbook covers various topics, including clinical psychology, and will provide you with a solid foundation.
"Abnormal Psychology" by Ronald J. Comer - This book delves into the study of abnormal behavior and mental disorders, which is a core aspect of clinical psychology.
"Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice, and Culture" by Andrew M. Pomerantz - A comprehensive textbook that covers the scientific basis, clinical applications, and cultural considerations in clinical psychology.
"Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Case Approach" by Nancy L. Murdock - This book introduces various theoretical approaches to counseling and psychotherapy, which is essential for understanding different therapeutic modalities.
"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)" - This is not a traditional textbook, but it's a vital resource used by clinical psychologists for diagnosing mental disorders.
"Theories of Personality" by Jess Feist, Gregory J. Feist, and Tomi-Ann Roberts - This book explores different personality theories, which is an important area in clinical psychology.
"Research Design in Clinical Psychology" by Alan E. Kazdin - This textbook covers research methodologies and designs commonly used in clinical psychology research.
"The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Psychology" edited by David H. Barlow - A comprehensive and authoritative collection of articles covering various aspects of clinical psychology.
Before purchasing any textbooks, I recommend checking the syllabus of the specific degree program you're interested in. This will help you tailor your reading list according to the requirements of the program and make the most efficient use of your time and resources.
Additionally, as you mentioned dabbling, you may also consider exploring popular psychology books written for a general audience. They can provide valuable insights and make the subject more approachable. Some renowned authors in this area include Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Kahneman, Oliver Sacks, and Irvin D. Yalom.
Remember, the field of psychology is vast and continuously evolving, so feel free to explore various topics within psychology to find what interests you the most. Good luck on your academic journey!