A Clinical Psychologist aims to reduce your distress and improve your psychological wellbeing. A variety of psychological approaches can be drawn upon to support you to make positive changes in your life. Assessment and Intervention is tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences. Approaches may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic based intervention, Systemic work, Narrative Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Training
Clinical Psychologists achieve a degree in Psychology at university before gaining further experience working in relevant healthcare settings. This is followed by 3 years of Doctorate clinical training in an approved training scheme at university. During this time they work with patients/clients under supervision from experienced psychologists and study for an academic doctorate. They complete training placements with adults, children, older adults and people with learning difficulties.
Clinical Psychologists are trained in clinical supervision and can offer this as part of their role. All practicing clinical psychologists will be Health and Care Professions Council – HPCP – registered and will be chartered members of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Work
Clinical psychologists will work psychologically with a wide range of problems and client groups – from eating disorders to schizophrenia and dementia – as well as working with a variety of mental health difficulties and presenting problems including anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bereavement and trauma focused work.