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I work as a Clinical Psychologist, ask me anything (within reason)

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Reply 40

Original post
by mishisweet
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

Well done on getting a 2.1. Dont worry whether it is high or low, most courses just request a 2.1. Courses generally take a very holistic view of applicants, so you are right to build up practical and research experience also, these are equal to any degrees you get.

Definitely do not do a masters unless you are really interested in the topic, it is unlikely to add any more weight to a doctoral application. It sounds like you are doing the right hings so far, so dont second guess yourself too much. I would recommend really doing your research on the doctorate, such as looking at which course will suit you (some are very academic, some more therapeutic) and honing your application to these courses. If you havent already, id recommend engaging in personal therapy, as this is something you will do during trg and as a qualified. You can learn a lot by working on yourself, not just from clients.

Good luck,

Greg

Reply 41

After complete bachelor in psychology then we done master in mental health nurse is mean we become a mental nurse.

Reply 42

Original post
by Jharana Khatri
After complete bachelor in psychology then we done master in mental health nurse is mean we become a mental nurse.

You dont need psychology to be a Mental Health Nurse, these are different fields and not part of the same career path. So you only need a qualification in Nursing (Mental Health), either at undegrad or postgrad level.

Greg

Greg

Reply 43

Original post
by greg tony
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

Thank you so much for the reply and advice 😀

Reply 44

Original post
by greg tony
Well done on getting a 2.1. Dont worry whether it is high or low, most courses just request a 2.1. Courses generally take a very holistic view of applicants, so you are right to build up practical and research experience also, these are equal to any degrees you get.
Definitely do not do a masters unless you are really interested in the topic, it is unlikely to add any more weight to a doctoral application. It sounds like you are doing the right hings so far, so dont second guess yourself too much. I would recommend really doing your research on the doctorate, such as looking at which course will suit you (some are very academic, some more therapeutic) and honing your application to these courses. If you havent already, id recommend engaging in personal therapy, as this is something you will do during trg and as a qualified. You can learn a lot by working on yourself, not just from clients.
Good luck,
Greg

Hi Greg,

Thank you so much for the advice. It really put my mind at ease. I have seen things online that say you might need a high 2.1 and got slightly worried. I will also take on board your advice thank you so much.

Reply 45

Original post
by greg tony
As above please feel free to ask my any burning questions around how to get into this field.
Take care,
Greg


Do I need l a level psychology in order to do better in a psychology degree as I would love to do psychology but didn’t pick it for a level!

Also what work experience do you recommended for age 17-18 if going into psychology, Thank you !

Reply 46

Original post
by UNI17c
Do I need l a level psychology in order to do better in a psychology degree as I would love to do psychology but didn’t pick it for a level!
Also what work experience do you recommended for age 17-18 if going into psychology, Thank you !

No you don't need a level psych- they will give you a grounding in the knowledge you need as part of the degree and it does t require any prerequisite stuff except knowing that you like it and proving that.

You also don't need work experience and it's very difficult to get anything directly relevant anyway pre university

Reply 47

I'n uk there is scope for psychology

Reply 48

Hi! Do you "need" need? No. The first year of introductory Psychology would teach you the foundation of Psychology. However, depending on university student intake, some cohorts can largely have first year students who took Psychology at A levels or IB. It doesn't really become apparent who has Psychology background and who doesn't until it's time for group work or group discussions. It is completely up to you how well you want to do your pre-readings so that you can participate in discussions meaningfully. If you take A Levels Math, it would be a huge advantage because of the statistics involved and also some statistical computer programming. It is also fine if you don't have Math, you will be alright.

Work experience pre-university is not needed at all. Supercurriculars (eg readings) are however very beneficial when you write your Personal Statement. Check the university websites of the universities that you intend to apply to, for their guidance on what they expect in your Personal Statement.

Reply 49

Original post
by greg tony
As above please feel free to ask my any burning questions around how to get into this field.
Take care,
Greg

Hi Greg,

I am 31, have had a 10 year career in retail after finishing my textiles degree. I am now doing a free level 2 counselling skills course at my local college.

I am considering whether I do a psych conversion course, or continue the counselling route. I spoke to a psychologist I know who said to carry on with counselling as it’ll be cheaper and quicker. But I don’t want to just do the easiest route if it’s not right for me..

Do you have experience with counsellors too? What do you think the main differences are within the role and job setting? Are both roles in demand? Do you have any other thoughts or opinions about it?

Thanks in advance.

Liv

Reply 50

Original post
by Livvv1
Hi Greg,
I am 31, have had a 10 year career in retail after finishing my textiles degree. I am now doing a free level 2 counselling skills course at my local college.
I am considering whether I do a psych conversion course, or continue the counselling route. I spoke to a psychologist I know who said to carry on with counselling as it’ll be cheaper and quicker. But I don’t want to just do the easiest route if it’s not right for me..
Do you have experience with counsellors too? What do you think the main differences are within the role and job setting? Are both roles in demand? Do you have any other thoughts or opinions about it?
Thanks in advance.
Liv

Hi Liv,

Well done for changing directions, i made a similar change after 9 years in a very different field. It is tough but your previous experiences can be helpful even if they do not seem related (people skills, maturity etc). I am interested in your textile degree and practical experience after, what did you do in both?

Yes I have good experience with counsellors, so can help you with this. Regarding what the Psychologist said, it is accurate in some ways, as lot quicker to become a Counsellor, but would be even quicker to do nothing, so dont worry too much about time unless you have to (you are not old).

Counsellors are psychotherapists, so primarily only do therapy day to day, whereas a Clinical Psychologist will do therapy, formal assessments (diagnostic, intellectual, trauma etc), conduct research, train other staff and take a leadership role in services. So the day to day will look very different. Clinical Psychologists are jack of all trades, whereas Counsellors are often much more expert in certain types of therapy. Counsellors generally work in primary care services (so lower level difficulties, doesnt mean it is not complex though) whereas Clinical Psychologists work across lifespan and level of complexity (so can work in inpatient etc, but obviously you can chose your area post qualifying). There are significant pros and cons to each, it is quicker and less competitive to be a Counsellor but then post qualifying it is far more competitive (more Counsellors than jobs in most areas), the opposite is true for Clinical Psychologists (very competitive to become fully qualified but then there are many more jobs than people). Regardless of the afforementioned, the cream always rises to the top in both professions so dont let competition put you off.

I would really think about what sort of role you want day to day and where your skills and interests are.

Hope this helps,

Greg
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 51

Original post
by greg tony
Hi Liv,
Well done for changing directions, i made a similar change after 9 years in a very different field. It is tough but your previous experiences can be helpful even if they do not seem related (people skills, maturity etc). I am interested in your textile degree and practical experience after, what did you do in both?
Yes I have good experience with counsellors, so can help you with this. Regarding what the Psychologist said, it is accurate in some ways, as lot quicker to become a Counsellor, but would be even quicker to do nothing, so dont worry too much about time unless you have to (you are not old).
Counsellors are psychotherapists, so primarily only do therapy day to day, whereas a Clinical Psychologist will do therapy, formal assessments (diagnostic, intellectual, trauma etc), conduct research, train other staff and take a leadership role in services. So the day to day will look very different. Clinical Psychologists are jack of all trades, whereas Counsellors are often much more expert in certain types of therapy. Counsellors generally work in primary care services (so lower level difficulties, doesnt mean it is not complex though) whereas Clinical Psychologists work across lifespan and level of complexity (so can work in inpatient etc, but obviously you can chose your area post qualifying). There are significant pros and cons to each, it is quicker and less competitive to be a Counsellor but then post qualifying it is far more competitive (more Counsellors than jobs in most areas), the opposite is true for Clinical Psychologists (very competitive to become fully qualified but then there are many more jobs than people). Regardless of the afforementioned, the cream always rises to the top in both professions so dont let competition put you off.
I would really think about what sort of role you want day to day and where your skills and interests are.
Hope this helps,
Greg

Hi Greg,

I did a Bsc in textiles and then began a career focusing on construction and quality of garments in various companies-mainly sportswear and technical clothing. During this time I’d been considering a change, doing volunteer roles working as a mentor with children in schools and childline.

I think it would be the cost that would be more of a concern for me than time, finance would be something I’ll have to look into further.

Thanks for your advice. I’m trying to find people’s experiences, read job descriptions and try to get an idea of what’s best for me. Doing my level 2 is also helping me gain an idea of the counselling role at least!

Do you find that whether you do an online course vs in person has an effect on opportunities? I do prefer in person learning but I imagine online would be much more accessible and flexible.

Liv

Reply 52

Original post
by Livvv1
Hi Greg,
I did a Bsc in textiles and then began a career focusing on construction and quality of garments in various companies-mainly sportswear and technical clothing. During this time I’d been considering a change, doing volunteer roles working as a mentor with children in schools and childline.
I think it would be the cost that would be more of a concern for me than time, finance would be something I’ll have to look into further.
Thanks for your advice. I’m trying to find people’s experiences, read job descriptions and try to get an idea of what’s best for me. Doing my level 2 is also helping me gain an idea of the counselling role at least!
Do you find that whether you do an online course vs in person has an effect on opportunities? I do prefer in person learning but I imagine online would be much more accessible and flexible.
Liv

Hi Liv,

That sounds like an interesting career, i also ask to see if Art Therapy may be a good fit, as you generally need an art based background to do these types of careers. Might be worth looking into it.

Regarding online course, I did my undergrad via OU so never held me back. Yes funding is always difficult, as it is expensive for whatever you train in.

Goo luck,

Greg

Reply 53

Original post
by greg tony
As above please feel free to ask my any burning questions around how to get into this field.
Take care,
Greg

Hi,
I’m currently going into my 3rd year of psychology. I’m 27 so adulting is hitting hard and I’m wondering whether to go down the OU route for my masters in order to do this, would this affect my chances of getting into the nhs training or the home office training(Unsure of which route to go down as of yet) I also have 3-4 years in health care as of now, is there any advice you can give me to make my application stronger?

Thanks

Reply 54

hey, year 13 student and an aspiring clinical psychologist here, how long did you get work experience before applying for oyur doctorate? And where did you get the work experience?

Reply 55

Original post
by Ejdavies
Hi,
I’m currently going into my 3rd year of psychology. I’m 27 so adulting is hitting hard and I’m wondering whether to go down the OU route for my masters in order to do this, would this affect my chances of getting into the nhs training or the home office training(Unsure of which route to go down as of yet) I also have 3-4 years in health care as of now, is there any advice you can give me to make my application stronger?
Thanks

Firstly, you dont necessarily need a masters to get on the Clinical Psychology Doctorate trg, most do have it but it is not a pre-requisite. Whether you do it via the OU or another uni makes absolutely no difference. Psychology is effectively uni blind, so it does not matter where you study as long as it is accredited (for undergrad or conversion masters).

Regarding advice, i cant give you specifics based on what you have said so far. However, would always advise getting research or direct clinical (therapy exposure, trg etc) experience if you can, as these are key skills for being a Practitioner Psychologist also.

Greg

Reply 56

Original post
by rutted-piling
hey, year 13 student and an aspiring clinical psychologist here, how long did you get work experience before applying for oyur doctorate? And where did you get the work experience?

I applied and started the doctorate 2 years after finishing my undergrad (accepted at 18 month point). However, a note is that I did have a previous career in another field pre doctorate (alongside around 1 year of volunteering in mental health units), so this no doubt helped me develop key skills like reflection and knowledge of myself (key skills you will also need for the doctorate and beyond). Within the circa 18 month span between undergrad and doctorate, i packed quite a bit in, so did a postgrad cert in CBT and a postgrad cert in research, did a CBT role in NHS, did additional hours as a homeless worker, then moved to an Asst Psy role in a forensic setting, then briefly started an Asst Psy role with children (just prior to application). I also volunteered as a researcher for a domestic abuse charity.

I wouldnt get too caught up on the specifics of what I did, as there are many different journeys to the doctorate. Yours will be unique. The average age of getting on the doctorate is around 27, so this should give you an indication of the level of competition but also the importance of growing as a person alongside clinical/paid experience. These are arguably more valuable than any job or qualification.

Greg

Reply 57

Hi. I hope you are doing well. I am a non-UK international individual with a non-psychology masters degree. I wish to pursue a career in Psychology and people have suggested accredited conversion courses. However, I came across many threads here which stated that I need a proper psychology masters degree after the conversion degree along with several years of experience ( all of this makes it around 6 years) before I can get into the doctorate (I am interested in the clinical aspect and not research). I have these queries if anyone could please answer them.
1) As an international individual, how many out of these supposed years would I be self-funding myself and how many would be paid/salaried?
2) As an international individual, what are the job prospects at the entry/starter level after the conversion degree?

Reply 58

Original post
by Azzy88
Hi. I hope you are doing well. I am a non-UK international individual with a non-psychology masters degree. I wish to pursue a career in Psychology and people have suggested accredited conversion courses. However, I came across many threads here which stated that I need a proper psychology masters degree after the conversion degree along with several years of experience ( all of this makes it around 6 years) before I can get into the doctorate (I am interested in the clinical aspect and not research). I have these queries if anyone could please answer them.
1) As an international individual, how many out of these supposed years would I be self-funding myself and how many would be paid/salaried?
2) As an international individual, what are the job prospects at the entry/starter level after the conversion degree?

Hello,

Firstly you dont require a separate masters after the conversion, course generally just require a 2.1 and above on a BPS accredited course (a conversion ticks this box). However, it is important to realise how competitive the doctorate is, and it is not unusual for people to have additional qualifications over and above the minimum requirements (some have multiple degrees like research masters and even PhDs). I would not get too caught up in comparing to others though, as most people have a different path to the doctorate. What you will need though is robust evidence you can hit the ground running as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist when you start the doctorate. You will be effectively be producing 2 published doctoral level bits of research (a systematic and empirical) by yourself (very little support) as well as working with the full spectrum of mental health (children through to older adults experiencing everything from anxiety through to some very complex trauma). So courses will want to see evidence you have the abilities to excel (directly evidenced in roles/knowledge and via reflection).

So what i am saying is dont make the mistake of seeing the experience or qualifications pre doctorate as just a hoop to jump through, they are there to help you grow and learn and without them you would be unlikely to do the job/course. You might realise you are weaker in research after your conversion, so then you should do either a research specific qualification or go for jobs where there is practical research (Asst psy, Research Asst etc). Likewise you may realise you dont have therapeutic skills, so might consider a qualification in therapy and/or a role working therapeutically (PWP, Asst Psy etc). These are just general roles but there are a raft of others, so again look around and think about what core skills you need and then look for roles that can help you develop these. An example being for me I needed more research experience as i was rubbish at it, so i found a voluntary role as a researcher in a small charity. This was very valuable and it can stilll mean a lot even if it doesnt sound as fancy as an Asst Psy etc.

Answers to your other 2 questions below;

) As an international individual, how many out of these supposed years would I be self-funding myself and how many would be paid/salaried?

Make sure you have the right to work/Visa etc first, and look into the requirements around the doctorate (google it). These are all paid roles (doctorate, 3 year paid role as a Trainee) and nearly every other role i mentioned above. They are jobs like any other, no one expects you to work for free.

2) As an international individual, what are the job prospects at the entry/starter level after the conversion degree.

Depends on you, but as above it is very competitive and salaries are generally low in Psychology titled roles (Asst Psy, PWP etc), so it is unlikely you will be earning near 30, and most roles will be closer to 20k until you have more experience. A trainee or qualified psychologist job is significantly better paid (google these). Again just ensure you have it nailed down reference your right to work and if you are applying for jobs state how you have a right to work on application (too many good candidates get overlooked as HR cant see evidence applicant can legally work in UK).

Hope this helps,

Greg



To answer

Reply 59

Original post
by greg tony
As above please feel free to ask my any burning questions around how to get into this field.
Take care,
Greg

Hi, hope you’re doing well. I have done my bachelor’s in psychology from Pakistan and now i have applied for a MSc Mental health: psychological therapies at QMUL but i have heard that a non-BPS accredited masters in UK is worthless. I also want to become a clinical psychologist but i didn’t want to do psychology masters conversion course to gain GBC membership to become eligible for DClinPsy. Is it possible that pakistani students be given this membership if they try to apply for it?

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