Clinical Psychology

[Humria]

I'm interested in applying to a clinical psychology course and I was wondering if anyone who worked in the field could give any insight into how they find the job.

I have an good undergraduate qualification in psychology and I'm trying to build up some experience. I've learnt a lot about how difficult it to get into the field and in that respect I don't think my expectations are unrealistic. I've read up on what the job entails and I think I have general idea of what the practical set-up is.

I'm finding it difficult though to judge how difficult this might be emotionally. I was talking to someone who worked as an academic psychologist and she was relating some of the experiences that her colleagues had as clinical psychologists. What she basically said is that by this stage (they all were in their 50s) they had all moved into a different field or suffered a mental breakdown. I always was thought that there must be some emotional strain in the profession but I'm wondering if the experiences related by this lecturer are common? It's something I'm very interested but I'm beginning to question whether I'd be able to cope with stress she seemed to suggest was part of the job on a day to day basis.

Any input would be appreciated!

[Valmont]

Originally Posted by Humria

What she basically said is that by this stage (they all were in their 50s) they had all moved into a different field or suffered a mental breakdown.

That sounds like it might be exaggerated a little bit to me.

There are some posts you might find interesting in the stickies for this forum.

[Myksyk]

I've been working as a Clinical Psychologist for 18 years now, 20+ if you count my training. The jobs you are likely to have are typically challenging, varied, enjoyable and rewarding. I am a member of the Heads of Psychology Services in Ireland (www.hpsi.ie) and so know a lot of psychologists working for long periods in their positions. I think the above description would be shared by a significant majority of them. Very few jobs offer the same degree of variety and challenge. The stickies are indeed a good place to start for more general descriptions.

[Gibs]

I know lots of psychologists, some of whom are in their 50's, and most of them have been working for many years in clinical practice and are thriving and enjoying their work.

Having said that, it's difficult to say whether or not this would apply generally to most people and there is probably a natural winnowing process that takes place as each stage of training and career development is reached. It's certainly not a job for everyone but it is a job that many people could do if they had the opportunity. In addition, it is probably true that some clinicians do move away from or reduce their clinical work as the years go by, for a variety of reasons. A good number of these are probably moving into management roles or expanding their jobs by doing some teaching or other activities.

Part of good clinical practice is having appropriate supervision and engaging in helpful self-care practices. While the job is demanding and can be emotionally draining, it is also rewarding and satisfying. For many of my colleagues, the most stressful part of their job is not the contact with clients, but dealing with the red tape and management issues within the organisations that they work for.

At the end of the day, with adequate training and support, it is very possible to sustain a long-term career as a clinical psychologist. The bigger issues are things like: will you be interested in this work 10, 20 or 30 years from now? Do you want to do other things with your time?

There is so much variety available in clinical psychology that you are always going to be able to find something interesting to get involved in. It is hard work sometimes but its not like you are going down the mines every day (it just feels like that sometimes )

If you have a strong interest in the work, then go for it