Clinical Psychology: A rough guide

Fleur-Michelle CoiffaitTrainee Clinical Psychologist, University of Edinburgh & NHS Lothian

PsyPAG Division of Clinical Psychology Representative

Monday, 14 May 2012

Overview• What is it?

• What does it involve?

• How do I get into it?

• How hard is it?

• How do I increase my chances?

• Questions

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Background

• Using psychological theory and research findings to understand and work with psychological distress and dysfunction

• Promoting psychological wellbeing

• Facilitating development of others’ psychological knowledge

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History

• Initial focus on psychological assessment and psychometric testing

• Following WWII, increased need for psychological interventions

• 1980s and 1990s saw proliferation of psychological therapies

• Shift back towards research, consultation leadership and management

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• Therapy and direct work (e.g. CBT, group therapy, psychodynamic therapy, etc)

• Systemic working with families and significant others

• Consultation for other professionals

• Supervision of others, including other professionals

What do clinical psychologists do?

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What do clinical psychologists do?

• Research in a clinical setting

• Teaching and training students, other psychologists, other professionals

• Involvement in developing guidelines and policy at organisational, local and national level

• Court work as an expert witness

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Where do clinical psychologists work?

• Predominantly in the NHS but also in for private healthcare and forensic units

• General hospitals, outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric wards, rehabilitation wards, residential services, hospices, Department of Health and many more....

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Who do they work with?

• All ages, from infants to older adults

• People with psychiatric diagnoses, learning disabilities, brain injuries, degenerative diseases, sexual problems, chronic pain, physical health problems, addictions, offenders, people in the armed forces...

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How do you train as a clinical psychologist?

• BPS accredited undergraduate degree (BSc/BA) or conversion diploma in Psychology with GBC

• Ideally a 2:1 or above

• If a 2:2, supplementary postgraduate degree (e.g. MSc, MRes, MA, PhD)

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How do you train as a clinical psychologist?

• 12 months+ relevant work experience

• BPS accredited Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (3-5 years)

• So 7+ years training all together!

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Why would you want to do all that?!

• Challenging, rewarding role where you apply your psychological knowledge

• Variety of jobs in a range of settings and lots of opportunities to specialise

• Flexibility of role and part-time working

• Emphasis on CPD and continued learning

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Why would you want to do all that?!

• Subsidised doctoral training with fees paid and starting salary of c £24k rising each year of training

• Newly qualified psychologist salary c £30k

• Earn £60k+ as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist

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What does the training involve?

• Rotational placements in core areas: learning disabilities, adult mental health, children and families and older adults

• Specialist / elective placement(s)

• Exams and coursework, including research projects, case reports and essays

• Doctoral thesis - extensive piece of self-directed research

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How do you get into it?

• Focus on getting a good undergraduate degree / conversion diploma whilst maintaining a good work-life balance

• Look for volunteering, befriending or support work opportunities

• E.g. university research departments, charities, care homes, special schools

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How do you get into it?

• Volunteering good way to gain experience for paid roles

• Graduate psychology roles - research assistant, assistant psychologist, IAPT jobs such as psychological wellbeing practitioner

• Ideally supervised by a clinical psychologist and based within the NHS

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How do you get into it?

• Postgraduate courses, e.g. MSc in Foundations of Clinical Psychology, MRes

• Think creatively about finding opportunities to work in settings related to clinical psychology or where you may come across clinical or other applied psychologists

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How hard is it?

• People will tell you its extremely difficult and will probably say not to bother

• Reality is that it is very competitive due to being a popular career choice

• Up to 200+ applications for any one assistant psychologist post

• 25% of doctorate applicants gain a place

• Not easy, but by no means impossible!

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How do I maximise my chances?

• Work hard academically but enjoy your studies and maintain a work-life balance

• Look for opportunities to gain relevant experience

• Speak to clinical psychologists and network

• Attend a local assistant psychologist group (usually open to all, not just graduates)

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Are there any similar careers?

• Educational or counselling psychology

• Academic psychology / research / teaching

• Other therapist roles such as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, High Intensity Therapist, Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology (Scotland only)

• Psychotherapist

• Mental health nursing

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Useful websites

www.bps.org.uk/dcp

www.clinpsy.org.uk

www.leeds.ac.uk/chpccp

www.jobs.nhs.uk

www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk

www.jobs.ac.uk

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Questions?

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Further readingBeinart, H., Kennedy, P. & Llewelyn, S. (2009). Clinical psychology in practice. Chichester: BPS Blackwell.

Cheshire, K. & Pilgrim, D. (2004). A short introduction to clinical psychology. London: Sage.

Hall, J. & Llewelyn, S. (2006). What is clinical psychology? Oxford: Oxford University Press

Monday, 14 May 2012