Feeling unqualified for PsyD due to lack of clinical experience?
Hi! I want to apply to PsyD and probably also MFT programs for next fall. I'm apprehensive about applying because I feel that I lack clinical experience.
I went to a good school for undergrad studying Cognitive Science and Applied Developmental Psych and completed my MA in Child/Human Development on a research track a few years ago, with a high GPA in at both schools. Most of my experience has been doing qualitative research focused on children and families. Research is what I was interested in at the time! I have 900+ hours working in supervised fellowships at early childhood schools that were in my schools' departments. After my MA, I fell into a job as a nanny and have been with the same family for 3 years, starting when the child was a few months old. I work closely with the parents and feel like I am a parent coach for them but also a therapist at times. I think this job has really made me interested in clinical work but just worry I lack the kind of formal clinical/mental health experience that programs might desire that would indicate knowledge/understanding (e.g., assessments, therapy, crisis line, managing cases, inpatient).
I'd love to work clinically with young children (0-5 ish) providing therapy and psychological assessments; I'm equally interested in doing therapy with parents and adult individuals, from my experience as a nanny and in my own experience in therapy. I'd love to hear other peoples' take on my situation and I appreciate any and all thoughts!!