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

Thank you for this information. This is interesting, I will look into this. Do you think this means the only way into being a psychological therapist for instance will be to go through Clinical Psychology?

No not at all. A Psychologist of any type (Counselling, Clinical or Educational), is only one small cog, and there are loads of psychological therapists. A Clinical Psych is not really just a therapist anyway, as this regularly makes up a tiny part of the role. If you want to be a therapist id consider the other roles.
Greg

which other roles you would consider to be a therapist? Also kindly tell how to reach there? Thanks

HI.I wanted to ask if u r able to check my personal statement for psychology bsc and if u could tell me what i can do to improve it and make it attractive to get accepted by unis especially russel group if i can apply. If u dm and have time?Thank you

No sorry dont provide these types of services. Just a note that Russell groups universities arent important at all for a Psychology degree, so dont get too caught up in the PR machine.
Greg

Hi there, have you done any Online Bsc or Conversion degree?
I am considering doing an online Conversion master in Arden, but ai am afraid the university ranking or the online degree be a disadvantage when I need to apply for a.Clinical Doctorate.
Could you please, share your thoughts?

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 currently doing my psychology foundation year, and I am worried about what different careers this can lead too before I commit to the full time psychology degree? Do you know what are the different career paths that this can lead too in postgrad study?
Thanks,
Grace.

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

Hi Greg,
I'm planning on starting my Psychology degree with the Open University in February with the plan of eventually becoming a clinical or educational psychologist.
I am a home educating Mum. My Eldest son has ADHD and Dyslexia and my youngest son is Autistic.
Would this be seen as any sort of experience?
I would struggle to get any other experience at the moment until my kids are a bit older. Currently 14 and 12. Just to add for context I'm 34.
Thank you
Jess

Hi Jess,
Well done on starting your journey, you sound like you have your hands full already.
Regarding experience, while your lived experience may be helpful in helping you reflect and grow as a person, it wont be treated the same as paid and professional experience. Educational is not my area, but regarding Clinical you will need most likely 2 to 3 years of paid relevant experience before you could be competitive on the doctorate. Most courses require this experience to be post degree so dont feel pressure to get this during your degree.
This pathway is still open even when you turn 40 (when your kids might be gaining more independence) so dont stack too many additional things on your plate. The most important thing you can do right now is prioritise your degree and get a high 2.1, as this is core part of suitability critieria.
Greg

Thank you so much for your response.
Also, with the OU there's a few options but the two I'm interested in are Psychology or Psychology with Counselling. Both are accredited.
Is there any benefit to doing the Psychology with Counselling?
Also, in regards to the standard Psychology degree. Would it make any difference to career opportunities etc with the modules that you choose? I'm particularly interested in the child development modules with a long term plan of working with children but would it limit my future options?
Thank you again 😊

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

Hi,
Did you complete the Dclinpsyc? and if so how was the application process and where did you go? also how much experience do you need to get onto the course? I'm going to do a placement year in my degree, plus I will have been working as a mental health support worker for 3 years by the time I'm graduating. Is this experience relevant and is that enough? Also how was the interview process. Sorry for the many questions, I'm just wondering how the application process went (if you even did the course). Also how did you get a your job? Thanks so much!

Hi Greg
I am a 38 year old woman who would like to go into studying an open university degree in psychology, however with the career path I would like to take I realise that I will need to complete a master's and then a PhD. I wouldn't then be qualified for a role that I would like for many, many years. Am I too late in life to start this sort of study and are there any other jobs I can go into with the degree in psychology only and not with a master's and PhD?
Thanks
Jodie

Hi Greg
Thank you for taking the time answering all these questions!
I am currently in year 12 doing psychology and sociology a level and criminology diploma. I am flitting between a forensic psychologist and clinical psychologist as a career path. The set up of a degree apprenticeship is also something I am interested in as you get experience whilst doing your degree. There doesn’t seem to be any level 5 apprenticeships.
Your views would be valuable on this topic of thought