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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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?

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?

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