Coping with the selection process (pt 1)

It's that time again when your whole life seems to be hanging in the balance. That was me too, quite a long time ago, but I was maybe a bit older than you are.

I had decided that since I couldn't change my career to that point and probably couldn't change me too much either, I would have just one go at the clinical psychology training selection process and if I wasn't successful I would do something else.

Sounds easy I know , and I would without doubt have been disappointed if I hadn't got a place, but I knew that it was important for all sorts of reasons to keep things in perspective and also I believed that old saying that as one door closes another opens!

If that was true for me then I think it is even more true for you now.

As much as I have loved my career in clinical psychology, it is absolutely true that there are lots of other ways to have a career that satisfies our desire to be curious, to learn and understand about human behaviour, motivation, well-being and to make a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of our fellow humans.

The development of the Psychological Professions Network has brought support, collaboration and opportunity to the wide range of psychological helping professions that work with and sit alongside clinical psychology in health, while the range of roles as a practitioner psychologist is impressive.

From Educational Psychologists, to Counselling, Health and Business Psychologists, all using research and psychological theory to improve the lives of people in a range of contexts.

Many of these other career paths overlap with clinical psychology practice. Check out for example, Sarah Lewis of Appreciating Change who uses appreciative enquiry and positive psychology to help transform organisations for the better including the NHS.

And, if you are able to take a calmer approach to your application for the D.Clin. Psy then the chances are you will be able to go into it with more confidence and less nerves, which can only be a good thing!

Meanwhile the important thing is to be kind to yourself and look after you, which means doing the right things to help your body sleep well and manage stress.

Try to include some meditation or mindfulness in your day, get some exercise, a walk in the morning will give you exercise and morning light to reset your circadian rhythm and try eating foods that take care of your gut microbiome.

Getting enough sleep and good quality sleep is so important for good physical and mental health and cognitive function.

Lastly, don't neglect your social network; keep family and friends close as they will be the folk who sustain you now but also through the next steps of your career and life.

Take care and good wishes for your future careers in psychology!

Additional links and resources

• 5 tips for preparing for interviews
• The Alternative Handbook 2022: A trainee's guide to postgraduate clinical psychology courses

In addition, the Pre-Qualification Group is hosting a special online event on 10 April where DCP/PQG members can ask questions and discuss strategies relating to preparing for upcoming interviews for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology training.

Find out more about our upcoming webinar on preparing for DClin interviews