Interview with a Trainee Clinical Psychologist
19 Aug, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- The role of a Trainee Clinical Psychologist.
- The career path of a Trainee Clinical Psychologist.
- Challenges Trainee Clinical Psychologists face and how to overcome them.
- Where the latest Clinical Psychologist jobs are and how to apply for them.
Clinical Psychologists play a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychological and emotional issues. They also engage in research to advance psychological knowledge and improve mental health services.
A survey of 5,700+ members of the British Psychological Society revealed that many psychologists fear that financial constraints, widespread vacancies and excessive workloads may be putting patient care at risk.
We caught up with this Trainee Clinical Psychologist to uncover more about their role and to hear firsthand the challenges they face and concerns they have.
Tell us about your career so far.
I graduated with a BSc from the University of Kent in 2016. I then worked as a Support Worker in Suffolk. This was in a residential care setting for individuals with learning difficulties. This experience was hugely valuable and I attribute many of the communication skills I have today to things that I learnt in that role.
After a year in that role and saving up for a masters, I did an MSc in Rehabilitation Psychology at Nottingham University. I managed to get a first in this and worked with my supervisor to publish several pieces of research on return to work after a traumatic brain injury and return to work after a stroke.
I wouldn’t recommend a masters to everybody as a must, however for me personally I think it added a huge amount to my application.
I then worked as a Support Worker in a medium secure hospital before working as an Assistant Psychologist. This was across two wards, a female and a male brain injury admission ward.
After around one year, I went to work in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) and worked here for 3 years.
I started as an Assistant Psychologist before becoming a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner and eventually a Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.
I got a place in the doctorate at Birmingham in 2023 and will be starting my second year in September 2024.
What does a typical day in your role as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist look like for you
It’s a really mixed bag based on the day. I have days where I have more systemic work, for example formulation meetings or reflective practices with the nursing team on the ward. This involves reflecting on challenges and problem solving as a team.
I’m currently involved in service development work such as creating a sensory room for the ward. In short, there is no typical day; it's hugely variable and comprises multiple elements.
What inspired you to become a Clinical Psychologist?
The main thing that inspired me to become a Clinical Psychologist was my family history of accessing physical health services. The caring and supportive staff at the NHS made me want to pursue a career where I can make a difference too.
What challenges do you commonly face in your role and how do you overcome them?
Austerity measures are one of the biggest challenges for me. Naturally, cutbacks mean that many healthcare professions aren’t getting the funding that they’ve had in the past and this can increase the workload on people that are currently working as psychologists.
The main way that I overcome this challenge is by making sure that I have a good work life balance. I work extremely hard but also ensure that I do things I enjoy when I finish work and at the weekend.
What advice would you give to aspiring Trainee Clinical Psychologists?
Enjoy the journey. It’s very easy to get focused on the end goal or getting on to the doctorate. You will get on the course at the right time for you.
Those earlier roles in support work or Assistant Psychologist jobs are so valuable and teach you so much about yourself and the role.
Another piece of advice would be don’t put your life on hold. It’s an amazing career and it’s worth pursuing but it also doesn’t define your value.
It’s highly competitive to get onto the course and the vast majority of people, including myself, will have failed before getting on.
In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make a successful Clinical Psychologist?
In my opinion, the key quality or value that makes a successful Clinical Psychologist is to have a genuine passion and desire to help people. Anybody can learn the information, complete degrees, placements and write essays.
Having that underlying compassion is absolutely essential and is clear to see. Additionally, being an effective communicator both verbally and written is really important, particularly given that we often have to adapt communication.
This is the case for both service-users where we need to adapt communication to their needs, but also to other professionals. For example, writing reports for services or commissioners compared to writing reports for families.
What specific areas of clinical psychology do you find particularly rewarding?
I’m still a fairly open book and I’ve found everything that I’ve done so far rewarding. Neuropsychology in particular I find very rewarding as it’s very clear to see the benefit you’re making towards people's lives.
Whilst clinical psychology comprises many elements including research, service development and leadership, I’ll always find the direct clinical work the most rewarding and that’s why I worked towards this career.
Do you have any specific goals or aspirations for your career as a Clinical Psychologist?
My specific goals and aspirations within clinical psychology are to pursue a career as a Clinical Neuropsychologist. I’ve always been fascinated by acquired brain injury through a combination of personal and professional experiences.
Qualifying as a Neuropsychologist will require one further postgraduate qualification at the end of my doctorate. I may give myself a few years break in between finishing this course and beginning the next one though.
Clinical Psychologist jobs
If you’re searching for your next Clinical Psychologist job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Clinical Psychologist recruitment services
As healthcare recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a Clinical Psychologist vacancy, why not get in touch with our healthcare specialist, Natalie Boaler on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Share your experience
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If you work in the healthcare sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
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