I work as a Clinical Psychologist, ask me anything (within reason)
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Reply 20
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Original post
by pernamHi Greg, what sort of experience did you have prior to applying and what areas/roles do you recommend the experience be in to get onto the dclinpsy course? Thanks!!
I worked in the NHS doing CBT, did a few Assistant Psychologist roles and worked for a homeless service. I also did a postgrad cert in Research Methods. This might sound like a lot of experience but this was done over 24 months (i changed job everytime I saw a better opportunity). Personally I would not get too caught up in my own experience, as everyone has a different path and it is what you take from these experiences that counts more. For example on my doctoral interview we did not speak about these experiences at all, but instead focused on a previous volunteering role during my degree. Courses dont want every applicant to be the same, if anything they actively try to look for a diversity of experiences and backgrounds.
I would keep your options and eyes open to different experiences/roles, sure go for asst psychologist roles as these really do help you to see what the job could be like (apply across charitable sector as well as NHS), but dont get too caught up on it. You can learn so much and from so many wonderful people in other roles, like HCA, charities, prisons etc. Go in with an open mind and try to learn about yourself as well as the people you may work with.
Greg
Reply 21
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Original post
by Autumn223Do you work for the NHS? If so what is your honest experience? It’s a very seemingly volatile environment for staff at the moment.
I always used to want to become a Clinical Psychologist, but my passions have taken me elsewhere down a forensic route.
I always used to want to become a Clinical Psychologist, but my passions have taken me elsewhere down a forensic route.
It is not without its challenges though.
Long wait times are a significant stressor but i try not to get caught up in things I cannot change. Burnout is common also, but will depend on who you have around you and your own ability to care for yourself. I love the health service and will return to them again, as for better or for worse it is often at the sharp edge of mental health support and it when it works is an amazing thing, something private work does not regularly satisfy.
Greg
Reply 22
Original post
by greg tonyAs above please feel free to ask my any burning questions around how to get into this field.
Take care,
Greg
Take care,
Greg
Hey Greg,
Thank you for asking to help.
I am an international student and I recently completed my 3 year bachelors degree in psychology. I am planning to do Msc in Clinical Psychology now from University of South Wales. I want to work as close as possible to the role of Clinical Psychology.
Do you think it will be hard for me to get a job after msc in clinical psychology since it is not bps accessible?
Also, can I apply for GBM from bps after this MSc Clinical Psychology and work as an assistant psychologist?
I am in a disaster right now trying to figure out which way to take and what to do since the courses are expensive for international students already and I cannot afford not getting a job after studying.
Please advise and help,
Shaili
Reply 23
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Hi, what's your favourite part about your job? What are the biggest challenges? How is your own mental health affected by your work?
Reply 24
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Original post
by shailiHey Greg,
Thank you for asking to help.
I am an international student and I recently completed my 3 year bachelors degree in psychology. I am planning to do Msc in Clinical Psychology now from University of South Wales. I want to work as close as possible to the role of Clinical Psychology.
Do you think it will be hard for me to get a job after msc in clinical psychology since it is not bps accessible?
Also, can I apply for GBM from bps after this MSc Clinical Psychology and work as an assistant psychologist?
I am in a disaster right now trying to figure out which way to take and what to do since the courses are expensive for international students already and I cannot afford not getting a job after studying.
Please advise and help,
Shaili
Thank you for asking to help.
I am an international student and I recently completed my 3 year bachelors degree in psychology. I am planning to do Msc in Clinical Psychology now from University of South Wales. I want to work as close as possible to the role of Clinical Psychology.
Do you think it will be hard for me to get a job after msc in clinical psychology since it is not bps accessible?
Also, can I apply for GBM from bps after this MSc Clinical Psychology and work as an assistant psychologist?
I am in a disaster right now trying to figure out which way to take and what to do since the courses are expensive for international students already and I cannot afford not getting a job after studying.
Please advise and help,
Shaili
Hi Shaili,
You need to check if your undergrad is BPS accredited or can be reviewed to check for equivalency by the BPS first. Most masters arent BPS accredited, these are reserved for conversion masters only (you only need one BPS accredited course, so if your undergrad is fine you dont need a masters to be BPS accredited, and vice versa).
Check the above first, aftet that you need to ensure you have the right to work in the UK also. If you fulfil both of these, you can apply for Asst psy roles (just make sure you clearly state both on your application).
Greg
Reply 25
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Original post
by sadrienHi, what's your favourite part about your job? What are the biggest challenges? How is your own mental health affected by your work?
Great questions Sadrien!
My favourite part is working therapeutically with teenagers, in particular drawing on creative tools like music or art to help them come to terms with difficult moments and experiences. The biggest challenges are dealing with a lack of resources, both time and supports (like family support, waiting times, options post intervention/diagnosis). It can be a very draining job, so sometimes I feel burnout and overwhelmed. Luckily I work in a supportive team, and also use writing, fitness and my own personal supervision to meet my needs and build up my reserves again. Also, you only need one moment every few months where you bare witness to someone changing their life to feel energised again. The biggest lesson ive learnt over my career so far is that if you want others to learn new ways of caring for themselves you need to model it first and foremost.
Greg
Reply 26
I’ve noticed a lot of clinical psychology jobs are advertised as clinical/counselling/forensic doctorate HCPC required. I’ve looked into the counselling psychology doctorate and I think the humanistic approach is more suited to me. My question is, when I actually go to a job interview for such an advertised job would the clinical qualification be more preferred by recruiters?
Reply 27
Hi Greg, would you mind commenting on work experience (1) gathered and accumulated during summer breaks vs (2) working full-time asst Psych roles after graduating from BSc/MSci? How is (1) regarded when applying for DClinPsych? Secondly, will work experience gathered overseas be counted when applying for DClinPsych (must they all be UK-based work experience)? Thirdly, I have read about someone who had graduated from Cambridge (most likely with a first), went on to do a Masters at UCL and was immediately accepted at Oxford to do DClinPsych, presumably getting accepted at first application. From what I have read on here, this seems like quite an exception and I am wondering what would make a DClinPsy applicant stand out so exceptionally to be accepted?
Reply 28
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Original post
by Kay7475I’ve noticed a lot of clinical psychology jobs are advertised as clinical/counselling/forensic doctorate HCPC required. I’ve looked into the counselling psychology doctorate and I think the humanistic approach is more suited to me. My question is, when I actually go to a job interview for such an advertised job would the clinical qualification be more preferred by recruiters?
It all depends on what role you are actually going for. Each of these specialisations are very, very different, but there are some key skills/experiences that can be transferable, like perhaps therapeutic skills, team skills, organisational or research skills etc. Each specialisation may have more experience in different areas or populations (so generally clinical will have a broader experience across lifespan, whereas forensic and counselling often more focused on adult populations), but that will differ a lot depending on the person also. So what i am basically saying is, whether you get the job will probably depend more on what specific skills and experience you have rather than just what specialisation you have.
Hope that helps,
Greg
Reply 29
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Original post
by BubblesBBHi Greg, would you mind commenting on work experience (1) gathered and accumulated during summer breaks vs (2) working full-time asst Psych roles after graduating from BSc/MSci? How is (1) regarded when applying for DClinPsych? Secondly, will work experience gathered overseas be counted when applying for DClinPsych (must they all be UK-based work experience)? Thirdly, I have read about someone who had graduated from Cambridge (most likely with a first), went on to do a Masters at UCL and was immediately accepted at Oxford to do DClinPsych, presumably getting accepted at first application. From what I have read on here, this seems like quite an exception and I am wondering what would make a DClinPsy applicant stand out so exceptionally to be accepted?
Hello,
Regarding your last query about being accepted on to the Clinpsy in record fashion, it is rare of course but does happen. I would be wary of trying to copy this route though, as there are a multitude of factors intrinsic to the individual that are far more important than simply ticking the same boxes. For what it is worth I was accepted on the clinical doctorate 18 months post my undergrad, so you may assume I had a similar path/experience than this other individual. However, what is often hidden in these accounts is the intrinsic factors like I alluded to, namely that I took psychology as a second career and had another career to draw upon. Even if this other person was straight into Psychology and got on at circa 23, it does not mean they didnt have valuable lived experience to draw upon as a child/young adult etc, not all important experiences are paid or on your CV. Some course are also more focused on research skills and some valuable more therapeutic skills, so course choice does make a big difference. Regardless, it is not a race and taking time to develop yourself as a person and a potential practitioner is invaluable. I still draw on experiences I had pre doctorate, and you cant truly know you want to do this job until you have had the privilege to work and sit alongside both psychologists but more importantly different people who need our support. Taking your time now and giving yourself to grow in these spaces is always time well spent.
1/2 as above are just as valuable, it all depends what you have learnt from it and how you can reflect and incorporate these into your work. My doctoral interview only focused on one volunteering role i had pre-doctorate (was a rich example where i learnt a lot about myself and the psychologist i wanted to be). Nearly all doctorates require at least 1 year fulltime experience, but often most candidates have 2 to 3 years. An asst psy role is great as it allows you to see what the real job can be like first hand, but is not mandatory so dont focus too much on getting one. Apply of course but keep your options open.
Regarding experience abroad, i cant see what it wouldnt count. Just make sure you hit the pre-residence requirements (normally 3 years in UK pre doctorate).
Greg
Reply 30
Original post
by greg tonyHello,
Regarding your last query about being accepted on to the Clinpsy in record fashion, it is rare of course but does happen. I would be wary of trying to copy this route though, as there are a multitude of factors intrinsic to the individual that are far more important than simply ticking the same boxes. For what it is worth I was accepted on the clinical doctorate 18 months post my undergrad, so you may assume I had a similar path/experience than this other individual. However, what is often hidden in these accounts is the intrinsic factors like I alluded to, namely that I took psychology as a second career and had another career to draw upon. Even if this other person was straight into Psychology and got on at circa 23, it does not mean they didnt have valuable lived experience to draw upon as a child/young adult etc, not all important experiences are paid or on your CV. Some course are also more focused on research skills and some valuable more therapeutic skills, so course choice does make a big difference. Regardless, it is not a race and taking time to develop yourself as a person and a potential practitioner is invaluable. I still draw on experiences I had pre doctorate, and you cant truly know you want to do this job until you have had the privilege to work and sit alongside both psychologists but more importantly different people who need our support. Taking your time now and giving yourself to grow in these spaces is always time well spent.
1/2 as above are just as valuable, it all depends what you have learnt from it and how you can reflect and incorporate these into your work. My doctoral interview only focused on one volunteering role i had pre-doctorate (was a rich example where i learnt a lot about myself and the psychologist i wanted to be). Nearly all doctorates require at least 1 year fulltime experience, but often most candidates have 2 to 3 years. An asst psy role is great as it allows you to see what the real job can be like first hand, but is not mandatory so dont focus too much on getting one. Apply of course but keep your options open.
Regarding experience abroad, i cant see what it wouldnt count. Just make sure you hit the pre-residence requirements (normally 3 years in UK pre doctorate).
Greg
Regarding your last query about being accepted on to the Clinpsy in record fashion, it is rare of course but does happen. I would be wary of trying to copy this route though, as there are a multitude of factors intrinsic to the individual that are far more important than simply ticking the same boxes. For what it is worth I was accepted on the clinical doctorate 18 months post my undergrad, so you may assume I had a similar path/experience than this other individual. However, what is often hidden in these accounts is the intrinsic factors like I alluded to, namely that I took psychology as a second career and had another career to draw upon. Even if this other person was straight into Psychology and got on at circa 23, it does not mean they didnt have valuable lived experience to draw upon as a child/young adult etc, not all important experiences are paid or on your CV. Some course are also more focused on research skills and some valuable more therapeutic skills, so course choice does make a big difference. Regardless, it is not a race and taking time to develop yourself as a person and a potential practitioner is invaluable. I still draw on experiences I had pre doctorate, and you cant truly know you want to do this job until you have had the privilege to work and sit alongside both psychologists but more importantly different people who need our support. Taking your time now and giving yourself to grow in these spaces is always time well spent.
1/2 as above are just as valuable, it all depends what you have learnt from it and how you can reflect and incorporate these into your work. My doctoral interview only focused on one volunteering role i had pre-doctorate (was a rich example where i learnt a lot about myself and the psychologist i wanted to be). Nearly all doctorates require at least 1 year fulltime experience, but often most candidates have 2 to 3 years. An asst psy role is great as it allows you to see what the real job can be like first hand, but is not mandatory so dont focus too much on getting one. Apply of course but keep your options open.
Regarding experience abroad, i cant see what it wouldnt count. Just make sure you hit the pre-residence requirements (normally 3 years in UK pre doctorate).
Greg
Thank you, Greg for taking time to reply to my questions. I really appreciate it.
Reply 31
Hi I'm 40 and currently studying psychology but it's not what I expected as I want to work within the mental health side of things what do I do
Reply 32
Original post
by greg tonyAs above please feel free to ask my any burning questions around how to get into this field.
Take care,
Greg
Take care,
Greg
Hello Greg, I am a college student.
I wanted to know, if I take no gap years or breaks, at what age can I reach my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist? Also, is the psychology degree at the ou worth it for right after college? I'm so interested in this career path but I am not sure if it is right for me because I have a lot of goal in my life that I want to achieve at an early age. So is there another career in psychology that I can choose if I am no longer interested and is on demand internationally (specifically in west asia) ?
Thank you.
Reply 33
Original post
by greg tonyAs above please feel free to ask my any burning questions around how to get into this field.
Take care,
Greg
Take care,
Greg
Hi Greg,
I am planning on beginning an undergrad in Psychology (BSc) this year and am wanting to work up to being able to get onto the ClinPsyD. I am currently deciding between the University of Bath and Durham for my degree but am unsure which one to go for (both offer a placement year). Do you have any advice? Additionally, what other things other than the work placement would you recommend me to be doing in the next few years during my university experience that could help with the competitiveness of getting onto the doctorate?
Reply 34
17
Original post
by Loutive1984Hi I'm 40 and currently studying psychology but it's not what I expected as I want to work within the mental health side of things what do I do
Applied knowledge comes within specific practical roles, most of the undergrad is quite abstract and only fits together once you move into real world roles. Dont read too much into, the degree is not the job.
Greg
Reply 35
17
Original post
by unsupportedHello Greg, I am a college student.
I wanted to know, if I take no gap years or breaks, at what age can I reach my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist? Also, is the psychology degree at the ou worth it for right after college? I'm so interested in this career path but I am not sure if it is right for me because I have a lot of goal in my life that I want to achieve at an early age. So is there another career in psychology that I can choose if I am no longer interested and is on demand internationally (specifically in west asia) ?
Thank you.
I wanted to know, if I take no gap years or breaks, at what age can I reach my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist? Also, is the psychology degree at the ou worth it for right after college? I'm so interested in this career path but I am not sure if it is right for me because I have a lot of goal in my life that I want to achieve at an early age. So is there another career in psychology that I can choose if I am no longer interested and is on demand internationally (specifically in west asia) ?
Thank you.
The quickest possible time to be qualified as a Clinical Psychologist would be 24 ish, but this is very unlikely and not desirable. Remember when you do the doctoral trg you will be working often without any direct observation with very complex difficulties, and expected to do a publishable doctoral standard piece of research (often independently), if you feel you would be up for this straight after your undegrad and can evidence these skills to an interviewer than go for it. Its a long career, no point rushing.
Greg
Reply 36
17
Original post
by nashbridgeHi Greg,
I am planning on beginning an undergrad in Psychology (BSc) this year and am wanting to work up to being able to get onto the ClinPsyD. I am currently deciding between the University of Bath and Durham for my degree but am unsure which one to go for (both offer a placement year). Do you have any advice? Additionally, what other things other than the work placement would you recommend me to be doing in the next few years during my university experience that could help with the competitiveness of getting onto the doctorate?
I am planning on beginning an undergrad in Psychology (BSc) this year and am wanting to work up to being able to get onto the ClinPsyD. I am currently deciding between the University of Bath and Durham for my degree but am unsure which one to go for (both offer a placement year). Do you have any advice? Additionally, what other things other than the work placement would you recommend me to be doing in the next few years during my university experience that could help with the competitiveness of getting onto the doctorate?
Choose the one you think you will perform best at/like the most. In psychology the uni you get your degree at does not matter, as long as it is BPS accredited.
Regarding your 2nd question, focus on getting the highest classification you can above all else, as this will have a huge bearing on your chances. After that, id advise speaking to a clinical psychologist (search online) and getting some wisdom about the role and what it looks like day to day (somepeople really get strange ideas about what job actually is, and you want to make sure you actually want to do it). Dont get too caught up on specific jobs, people and mental health is everywhere, so choose a role helping others that suits your interests (i did a role for Mind simply meeting people for a coffee that was amazing and with so much learning).
Lastly, be good to yourself as you will need really solid ways of coping for the career, so the best work starts at home and with you.
Take care,
Greg
Reply 37
Hi Greg,
I did a master conversion course in Psychology. I am unsure which path I should go to in terms of clincial or educational psychology. I worked in education for several years with no clinical experience. I am taking a gap year before I apply for further studies. I would like to understand how is it like to work as a clinical psychologist. I can't apply for assistant psychologist post at the moment as there are issues with other commitments, any other suggestions for relevant work that are related to clinical psychology?
I did a master conversion course in Psychology. I am unsure which path I should go to in terms of clincial or educational psychology. I worked in education for several years with no clinical experience. I am taking a gap year before I apply for further studies. I would like to understand how is it like to work as a clinical psychologist. I can't apply for assistant psychologist post at the moment as there are issues with other commitments, any other suggestions for relevant work that are related to clinical psychology?
Reply 38
17
Original post
by Sjah49Hi Greg,
I did a master conversion course in Psychology. I am unsure which path I should go to in terms of clincial or educational psychology. I worked in education for several years with no clinical experience. I am taking a gap year before I apply for further studies. I would like to understand how is it like to work as a clinical psychologist. I can't apply for assistant psychologist post at the moment as there are issues with other commitments, any other suggestions for relevant work that are related to clinical psychology?
I did a master conversion course in Psychology. I am unsure which path I should go to in terms of clincial or educational psychology. I worked in education for several years with no clinical experience. I am taking a gap year before I apply for further studies. I would like to understand how is it like to work as a clinical psychologist. I can't apply for assistant psychologist post at the moment as there are issues with other commitments, any other suggestions for relevant work that are related to clinical psychology?
Hi,
Working as a Clinical Psychologist can be hugely rewarding but also incredibly draining and stressful. My average week involves seeing 15 clients for therapy (moderate to higher risk difficulties like suicide or multiple traumas), writing reports (circa 10 pages if for an assessment), going to around average 3 meetings (1 to 2 hrs each), undertaking some research/reviewing new research and then every so often training or consulting other team members. A key part of my role is supporting other professionals to take a more open minded and wider view of difficulties, such as moving away from a simple diagnosis of depression or personality difficulties to one what incorporates the persons lived experience and experiences. This can be the most difficult but important part of the job.
Of course my week schedule depends on my role/area of expertise (i work in secondary child services) and some roles are more managerial or more therapeutic. However, in general a Clinical Psychologist does not just see clients for therapy and will take on both managerial and service wide initiatives, with the focus on advocating for clients/peoples needs in whatever way possible.
As above, to answer your 2nd question, as a Clinical Psychologist is regularly a jack of all trades across research, therapy and advocating roles etc you can gain very valuable experience in any role that has either one of these, so charities that work with people with difficulties (be that physical or mental), research roles, or therapy roles etc. Dont get too caught up on job titles (like Psychology asst or Asst Psychologist etc), if you can get supervision and direct exposure to a Clinical Psychologist great, but its not mandatory to do so.
Greg
Reply 39
Original post
by greg tonyAs above please feel free to ask my any burning questions around how to get into this field.
Take care,
Greg
Take care,
Greg
hey Greg,
I graduated with a BSC in psychology last year with a 2.1 however it was a low 2.1. Currently, I work as a support worker within an NHS mental health service and i have relevant research experience and have been a co-author on three publications so far. I am wondering if my low 2.1 scores will effect how likely it is that I will be able to get on to the doctorate when i apply in a year or two. I am trying to avoid getting a master's as i feel having clinical experience is super important and it is also something I enjoy. Any advice you have will be greatly appreciated
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