r/ClinicalPsychologyUK

Hi
First time posting here. I’ve been applying for Trainee High Intensity CBT Roles and keep getting rejected.

I am really keen on getting this position because I think I would be a really good fit for the job and I am passionate about the benefits of CBT.

I would really appreciate if anyone who’s a current trainee or has already a therapist could look over my application and give me some feedback? I’ve tried requesting feedback from the places I’ve applied from but they’ve rejected my request due to high volume of applications.

Many thanks ! 🙏

Posted in a discussion space for qualified CPs (not my blog). Thought it would be of interest in this forum too.

Hi all, I'm considering Plymouth as an option for my application this year as I really love the sound of their ethos and curriculum etc. I will be moving to the UK for training but I have very limited knowledge of areas or experiences others have had training, other than the alternative handbook, so just taking the time now to consider.

As much as I was initially drawn to Plymouth - the coastline, nature, sanctuary vibe - I'm worried it might end up being very isolating. Also worried about feeling like an outsider, and wondering if it's a conservative area.. I had a negative experience during my master's in a place that was quite rural which I initially liked but the conservative values on top of that really knocked my confidence, sense of belonging and identity as a developing clinician. I moved to a bigger city and commuted from there which helped massively, but it did make me realise how feeling safe to grow personally and professionally doesn't just happen in the university, and I need to think of the wider experience.

I'm usually ok with discomfort, growing/learning from challenging experiences and even being the outsider or on the periphery socially in general. I just think training will be challenging enough and feeling safe enough to grow is so important to me, and having like-minded people around outside of the course itself will really sustain me.

Let me know what you think or if you've had any similar experiences or thoughts on other programmes! 😊

I’m a second year trainee.

We had a talk in the first week about “finding your tribe” and holding on to friendships with your fellow trainees to get you through training and the immense pressure and dread I felt in my stomach after that talk was awful.

I have made a genuine friend in my cohort (someone that I have spent time with outside of it) but other than that, it’s been pretty lonely and isolating and has often felt like high school as a high masking neurodivergent girl round 2.

Some of the cohort meet up outside of the course and get involved in each others big life events such as baby showers, weddings, birthdays etc and I’ve often felt like a massive outsider, looking in on everyone being able to connect and wondering what I’m doing wrong or what’s wrong with me.

I was just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience during training?

Hi everyone,

As a trainee, I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the shifting political landscape and what the future of our profession might look like depending on the direction the country takes.

I'm concerned about the potential of a radical structural shift (such as the policies proposed in Reform UK’s plan) which presents a fundamentally different vision for the NHS and our role within it. I wanted to open up a discussion here to get your perspectives on how these probable changes could impact our day-to-day practice.

If a plan like Reform UK’s was implemented, my basic understanding is that we would see a shift from the current ten-year strategy (focusing on building state-managed infrastructure, integrating psychologists into public community networks, and utilising mandatory EDI frameworks) toward a market-driven system. This may involve introducing a private healthcare voucher system, repealing the Equality Act 2010, and completely scrapping EDI personnel, targets, and diversity schemes across NHS trusts.

This platform directly targets the rising numbers of mental health and neurodivergent diagnoses. By viewing the surge in anxiety, depression, Autism, and ADHD as an inflation of "non-serious disorders", it aims to introduce stricter diagnostic criteria to limit state and workplace accommodations. Combined with plans to strip cash welfare benefits (such as PIP) from up to 90% of claimants with anxiety or depression, hundreds of thousands of patients would be moved onto mandatory fast-track programs designed to get them back into the economy.

It seems to me that our core clinical role would be fundamentally rewritten:

From: Delivering long-term, patient-led therapeutic care within public, community-based teams.

To: Functioning primarily as occupational gatekeepers, where our main professional focus becomes delivering short-term, work-focused therapies designed specifically to assess, stream, and approve a patient's readiness to re-enter the workforce.

As I look ahead to qualifying, I find myself quite worried about these prospective changes. Specifically, I am grappling with two major questions:

1. If our role shifts from a holistic, patient-led focus to one tied directly to welfare eligibility and mandatory employment targets, how do we maintain a safe therapeutic alliance? Will patients still feel safe disclosing the true extent of their struggles if they view us as economic gatekeepers?

2. How do we navigate our professional ethics and clinical judgment if systemic pressures dictate that the primary benchmark of "recovery" is economic productivity and workforce re-entry?

I know this is probably a bit hypothetical but I would really value the reflections of both qualified peers and fellow trainees.

Hello! I've got my first ever NHS AP role starting soon. I've never had a similar role, and was wondering (and worrying!) what sort of thing I should wear to work. What kind of shoes would be appropriate? And would smart trousers and a nice blouse be okay? Thank you in advance for any help.

I'm currently an undergrad, doing a psych conversion next year, thinking about my career options and came across clinical associates in psychology on the NHS website.

It seems pretty ideal to me in allowing me to explore a large part of what draws me to psychology in terms of planning and reviewing treatment to help with complex and challenging cases. The added benefits of having a funded master's and band 6 pay immediately after qualification are also huge.

Is there something I'm missing about this though? I am not used to the notion of careers in psychology being this accessible and quick to get into.

some questions I have:

1. is this feasibly something I could apply for and expect to get into straight after my conversion course? how competitive is the application process and do they expect more than a BPS qualification and some work experience? I know that it's meant to be a "bridge" between clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals but I don't know how this actually works in practice application wise. For the record by the time I finish my conversion course I should have about 18 months experience volunteering for Samaritans.

2. is this a good route to get into a clinical psychology programme? not that I'm necessarily planning on using it as a stepping stone, but it would be good to know now how that works out in practice. Considering I wouldn't be accredited in counselling from the course would this be a barrier?

3. are there any downsides here im not considering here? like poor options for career progression, limited job opportunities/having to move wherever work is, or poor working conditions/hours?

I'm 31 and I think I want to pursue clinical psychology (I have L3 counselling skills and have done almost a year of self-injury support helpline work). I currently have an undergrad, but in a totally irrelevant field so I think I'm going to do the masters Psychology conversion. I know the path is incredibly long to become a fully qualified clinical psy, however I just worry that it's going to be difficult to cram a lot of research experience into the one year, whereas I imagine most people had the time whilst they did their BA Hons to fit this in. Wondering if it's even going to be at all possible for me on this route? I worry about doing a masters, then doing a couple of years of relevant work and still not being qualified to get into the incredibly competitive doctorate programmes.

Hello Folks! I could really do with some advice/perspectives from more experienced folks. Im currently doing a Psychology conversion course part time and im in my first year, so finish next year. I want to start applying for the training program as soon as I finish this program. Im 42 now.

In terms of background, my prior experience is:

1. I have a PhD in a social sciences field. My research looked at how women's employment can bring about their empowerment, and used the case study of Kenyan agriculture. It was a grounded piece of action research and began with exploring what empowerment actually meant to my case study population, then used that contextually-defined frame to analyse their experiences of work. I did 14 focus groups and a ton of 1-on-1 interviews and between my pilot visit and subsequent fieldwork, I interviewed over 1000 people. It was a mixed methods study and I did it all solo and not as part of a research team. While it wasnt Psychology based, it was a very psychologically rooted study in terms of how I looked at things. At the end of it, I designed interventions based on my findings for the companies whose farms I did my fieldwork on, as well as my thesis

2. Published 2 journal papers and 3 conference papers

3. Worked as a postdoctoral researcher for 1 year where I taught, designed surveys, did a systematic literature review

4. Worked as an independent consultant to do a Gender policy for a company that I worked with during my PhD. I explored gendered attitudes towards work and roles, then developed a targeted intervention plan for them to address the gender imbalances within their workforce. Mixed methods research and included statistical analysis of payroll records for 15,000 people, as well as interviews with around 250 people. I was a solo researcher again.

5. Set up my own business and did that for 10 years. My team was all neurodivergent (im AuDHD), and I worked hard to build up my knowledge and understanding in order to create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirmative workplace. I employed 25 people across 2 sites at its peak, before I hit burnout.

6. Working part time as a SEND teaching assistant in schools on a supply basis.

By way of personal history, 3 years ago I realised that in addition to being AuDHD (first diagnosis was for ADHD in 2020), I also met the diagnostic criteria for a Dissociative disorder. Difficulties accessing psychological support led me to go into a deep dive into trauma treatment protocols so I could heal. I did as many trainings as i could access, read countless books, and am now comfortable doing deep Parts work, IFS, Somatic therapy, DBT, structural dissociation theory, and psychodynamic therapy. As is the way with these things, when I realised who I was, I also realised how badly I had messed up my kids and how dysfunctional my marriage and home life were. So as I was working on integration for myself, I was also learning how to help my family heal and grow.

Now, I no longer meet the criteria for any dissociative disorders and have earned secure attachment. I am fully integrated, possessed of a fully formed identity for the first time in my life, know how to communicate, find stillness, reflect, and fully regulate my own nervous system as well as co-regulate with others. My family is also flourishing and my kids are securely attached badasses! 💃

My experiences have increasingly led me to the knowledge that I want to be a psychologist. I think human beings are absolutely fascinating, and I am really good with helping people find clarity when they are in distress, not by trying to "fix" anything, but through kind and compassionate mirroring, acceptance and curiosity. I know I would make a really good psychologist.

My question is what can I do in the 18 months i have left before I finish this degree and can apply for the training program to increase my chances of succes? And do you think its realistic for me to think i could get a training place even though I havent done the usual path of AP/PWP etc? I also have a 2:2 for my undergraduate degree. Is that going to be held against me during the screening process?

Thank you!

PLEASE GIVE ME ADVICE!

I’m 24 (F) and currently an assistant manager at a Big Four firm in financial controls testing (worked here for nearly 3 years after completing my undergrad degree). Good salary, stable career, but honestly I don’t enjoy it and can’t see myself doing it long term.

I’ve just accepted an offer for the University of Edinburgh’s Psychology of Mental Health conversion master’s. My long-term goal would be becoming a clinical psychologist via the DClinPsych route.

The problem is I know how competitive clinical psychology is in the UK. There’s a real chance I could leave a secure career, spend years retraining, and still never get onto the doctorate.

I’m also still within my cooling-off period for another week, so I can still withdraw from the course offer - which is making me spiral a bit over whether I’m making a huge mistake.
I feel completely stuck between:

1. staying in a stable career I don’t enjoy

2. or risking everything for something I genuinely care about

Has anyone made a similar switch?

Would you take the risk?

Or is this genuinely a bad idea?

Please be brutally honest rather than just reassuring me.

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I've been in my first AP role for a year and I'm loving the job, but it's mostly remote in a service I'm very passionate about and is flexible. My supervisor is encouraging me to apply this year and that was always the plan, but I've been reading about how stressful the course is and I don't think I'd cope. I have a lot going on in my personal life, I'm also Audhd and feel like I'm already close to burnout.

I keep reading about people dropping out of the course because of how overwhelming it is and it's giving me so much anxiety. I don't think I'm ready to apply and I don't think I'd get on because I only have one AP role under my belt and the application process itself is a lot of work. But I'm also worried about delaying applying and what if I'm doing the course in my late 20s? what if I get pregnant during the course? etc etc.

Do people really put their whole life on hold to do the Dclin? Is it true there's no work/life balance? I get burnt out so easily and already had to take 2 months off in my last job as a wellbeing practitioner. Would I even get through the course? I'm so passionate about the work I do, but I know other AP roles would drain me very quickly. I get overwhelmed by bright hospital lights and I struggle in unpredictable environments. I know once qualified I'd be able to find a work life balance that really works for me and I'd love my work. But getting through training feels so daunting.

I am a Clinical Psychologist in community adult mental health.  At the mid-end of last year I was involved in a set of interviews for APs. We had a lot of applications from people really early in their journey.  They had lots of raw talent and potential, but no easy access to Clinical Psychologists or people in the clinical psychology world.  One of the ways this showed up was that they not had a chance to explore more broadly about clinical psychology and what working in clinical psychology involves. 

One thing that I thought might help would be to offer some workshops that  look at some of the aspects not just of clinical psychology, but of actually being an AP, CAP, Clinical Psychologist, what we do, and how we do it. 

I’m at the trying out stage and have a free taster workshop next Saturday (23^(rd) May, 10.30) – and for full disclosure, later workshops would be paid, but I’d be looking to keep costs really affordable.  I want to see if this is something people would find helpful, and if what I’m offering hits the mark.

If people are interested, you can comment below or DM me.

I hope that this post holds to the spirit of this subreddit, and may help some people on their journey.

Hello!

Are there any Occupational Therapists (OTs) on here who are either completing a DClinPsy or are working as a Clinical Psychologist? I am starting the DClinPsy this year, and have a few questions (e.g. preserving my OT license while or after training and dual-practising once I qualify, managing the transition from OT to ClinPsych, etcetera).

Ta in advance!

After 3 unsuccessful rounds of applications (no interviews) and as I approach 30, I have decided that it doesn’t make sense to continue on the DClinPsy route. I have been a Band 4 for 4 years and I would really like to see some progression. My backup was always going to be the CAP, however, all research recently around the role is leading me to believe it may not be very fruitful, and I have never been able to find an open training position.

I currently work as a Research Assistant, my first research role, but frankly it is boring, and I don’t want to continue down this field. I miss psychology and mental health and I want to go back, but I feel like I don’t have any options left. There is the potential to do an apprenticeship in my current trust but it would likely send me down a whole new career path. I’m considering it but I don’t think I would be happy.

I would really appreciate any advice on a path I could take (even if training requires you to pay) that could further my career in mental health psychology. I’m kind of at a loss now and I don’t really have anyone to turn to as I don’t have a supervisor. Thanks :)

Hi. Just wondering if I should try and remain optimistic after both my interviews offering me reserve offers. One of which I have been ranked 26. The other does not say what number I am. I’m mindful 26 is quite high and have basically accepted defeat on that one :( but doesn’t give me much hope for the other…Any wisdom/support would be most appreciated!

Hi everyone!

I was very fortunate to receive an offer for the DClinPsy today. I also have a diagnosed disability under the Equality Act 2010.

I have a few questions if anyone has the capacity to field them:

1. Given some of the doctorate is in university and some on placement, am I eligible for both Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and Access to Work?
2. Can I access a student railcard even though the doctorate is paid?
3. Do I have to keep renewing my Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the BPS while I am doing the doctorate?
4. Does anyone else studying now, or due to start, come from another mental health profession like me? Would love to find other registered professionals to learn more about navigating the professional change!

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I know it's a bit early but I’m looking for some perspective on my chances for the 2027 DClinPsy intake. 

My journey has been a bit of a long one: I did my undergrad psychology degree (2.1) in the mid 2000's, followed immediately by an MSc (pass). Following a number of years experience, including AP, support work, and IAPT, I applied 3 times in the early 2010s. 

The first year I got an interview (blew it: anxiety got the better of me) and interview reserve list, but the following two years resulted in no interviews. I became quite disheartened by this seeming regression, and decided to step away to focus on a different career path and raising my family.

Fast forward to now: I’ve spent a number of years as a High Intensity therapist and worked my way up to Clinical Lead for an NHS Talking Therapies service. I’ve realized the fire to qualify as a Clinical Psychologist never really went out, and I want to give it one last, serious shot.

However, I have a couple of concerns:

Research Experience: It’s been a long time since my undergrad/masters. In my current role, I act as a PI for research trials within our service, but I don’t have recent "academic" research experience or publications (although will be named when research is published). Is being a PI in a clinical setting viewed as "substantial" enough recent experience? 

Academic Reference: I haven't been in formal education for a decade. My course leader for HIT CBT training has agreed to be my academic referee but I'm concerned about the strength of this as my training did not involve any research? Beyond this, I think it's unlikely my degree/MSc supervisor will remember me well enough to comment and my main supervisor has passed away.

Clinical experience: short of a year out of the NHS as an AP and work as a support worker early in my career, my experience is predominantly in IAPT/Talking Therapies. As a Clinical lead, I believe I have plenty to draw on, but am a bit concerned that having specialised limits me.

What are people’s thoughts on my "profile" given the leadership experience but the gap in education and limited range of experience? Any suggestions on what I should focus on between now and the 2027 cycle to bridge these gaps?

Or if anyone would be happy to share their experiences of a winding path to training, I'd love to hear it. I've somehow managed to convince myself that I've had my chance and need to accept that it will never happen.

Thanks in advance!

Does anyone know how much the UCL reserve offer list tends to move from previous years, I want to get an idea to level my expectations?

This year there are 29 names on the list.

Thanks!

Hello everyone,

I’ve been looking around for people's experiences when applying to the doctorate in clinical Psychology.

For myself, I am graduating from a BPS-accredited course this year with a high 2:1, possibly a first. I have been given a conditional offer for a master's in clinical and health psychology at the University of Liverpool, which I will most likely get. I have also just got a part-time job as a residential crisis support worker, which I will do alongside my master's for at least the next year.

However, that still feels nowhere near competitive enough for the doctorate, from what I have been reading.

For reference, I will be applying to the doctoral programs at the University of Lancaster, the University of Manchester, and the University of Liverpool.

All this being said, it is likely I will have to work for a few more years after my master's to have good chances of being accepted to these programs

Thanks!!