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Worst and Best Jobs to get Clinical Experience to apply for a Doctorate in Clinical P

  • 30-10-2013 9:17pm
    #1
    annob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 ✭


    Hi All,

    New to posting here. But I have recently gone on the long journey of applying to become a Clinical Psychologist. I have read on many groups and forums that the journey has been treacherous for many. In order to get on to a program, one has to obtain relevant clinical experience in the field. This can involve working as a research assistant, assistant psychologist, a health care assistant, a social care assistant or a rehabilitation worker. The avenues to gain this experience is varied, working in diverse fields from mental health settings, care homes and residential units, to day care centres, colleges and many more. Some positions are paid, some are pro bono. Some are exploitive and others are supportive and can further your personal and professional growth.

    I suppose the reason I`m starting this post is to find out from individuals on a similar trajectory to myself, what organisations have benefited or hindered you in this journey to becoming a credible applicant for a clinical Psychology program.

    I'll start...

    My best experience:
    Pieta House.
    Wage: None (volunteer) Pro-bono.
    Position: Psychology Worker

    Reason:
    Very supportive, excellent working conditions and relevant clinical experience. Supervision. Direct link with university program. Ethos of organisation non exploitive, encouraging professional competencies and personal growth.

    My worst experience:
    Residential Services in Stamullen
    Wage: 10euro per hour relief staff, 13.50euro per hour full time.
    Position: Rehabilitation Assistant

    Reason:
    Exploitive, lied to at interviews. Job suppose to be rehab orientated but was largely social care. No worthwhile experience, but plenty of cleaning, cooking and cleaning of faeces, challenging behaviour very littlo Staff support from management. Huge turnover in Staff, easy come easy go mentality. Beware could put new psychology graduates off working in the profession.

    Feel free to continue the format I have included in order to prevent the exploitation of inexperienced early career psychologist and to reward the organisations who do support people in progressing in the field.


Comments

  • #2
    Jimmy Bottlehead
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,122 ✭✭✭✭Jimmy Bottlehead


    Hope it's ok to bump this topic, but I'm due to start the Higher Diploma in Psychology in DBS in September, with a possibility of following it with the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology if I both love the H. Dip and also feel I'd be a good candidate for the field.

    I have previously volunteered for Childline as a call facilitator, and loved the experience.

    To boost my chances of acceptance to the D.Psych.Couns course in 2 years time, I would like to put some blocks in place from now if I do choose to pursue it.

    What experience and organisations will help boost an application to the Doctorate program?
    I'm talking to Pieta House at the moment, but am waiting to hear if one can take calls without a counselling/psychological qualification.

    Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


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