How long did it take you to train as a Psychologist?

[LostHerSheep]

I've just turned 39 and lockdown has made me reassess my career. I'm a teacher and I don't love it any more. I have 2 dc, husband, ok (not amazing) finances.

Degree and masters in psychology, experience of working with kids and adults as a teacher, in schools, colleges and secure units.

Ideally I'd like to do Forensic or Clinical psychology (not educational).

Having spoken to a couple of friends in related fields it feels like I'm too old, everyone is 23ish straight from uni. (They haven't said this, it's what I've taken from the conversations)

Anyone out there done this and if so how long did it take you? Hoping my life experience and work history means I have something to offer that a 23 year old may not have? (Clutching at straws?)

Can you afford a pay cut? If so I would start applying for assistant psychologist jobs ASAP. You've got a really high chance of getting one and to be honest that's your best bet to get you on the clinical course (I doubt you'll get on with just a few hours volunteering- that tends to be the step people take to get assistant posts but I'm not sure you'll need it)

What was your masters out of curiosity? They almost always want a masters these days so that should help you.

OP, with a fair wind, I finish the clinical doctorate next month, woop! I am 47. It is entirely possible. Out of the 10 of us on training, 3 of us are Mums. I was the oldest, but there were others late 30s/early 40s. A couple of late 20somethings. Average was I think about 33 at starting. Tbh the 20somethings were both incredibly mature, and being with all of them for such an intense time has kind of reverse-aged me. I've loved it.

It's taken me 7 years from the moment I decided I wanted a Life #2, but I had to do the conversion MSc, which you won't need to. I spent 3 years doing assistant roles.

That's the classic route, but there are some courses - e.g. Lancaster, Staffs - which do online entrance tests, and then interviews. The majority of the courses do, I think, shortlist via a points system, with points going for assistant psych/research assistant roles. But I do think all your experience sounds great, and I'm sure a lot of courses would take it into account.

As a pp said, why not apply this year, as a bit of a mock. Then you can see what experience you would have liked to have had, to be able to write about, and go and get that. And also lots of the courses offer feedback after shortlisting.

In terms of the actual clinical training, I think my age has almost entirely been beneficial. When I'm sat opposite patients, they see someone who has lived. I think it brings immediate credibility and assumed wisdom which the younger ones, maybe unfairly, have to earn. All my supervisors have referred to my age positively. The only downside actually has been in hospitals, with patients etc, everyone has assumed I'm a consultant, so have spent a lot of time explaining I'm just in training!

Go for it. Please. The NHS needs people like you. It has absolutely been the best decision I ever made.

PM me if you like.

I am not a trained Psychologist (yet!) but I am partway through the pathway for becoming a Forensic Psychologist. You need:

1. A Psychology degree which should be BPS accredited (This takes 3 years full time or up to 6 part time - I did mine in 4 part time whilst working)
2. A masters in Forensic Psychology (or other chosen type of Psychology). This needs to be accredited too and takes a year full time.
3. Two years supervised practise (I think this is correct from my research)

Alongside this I have done some part time volunteering in a young offenders institute to help gain some experience in a forensic setting. I will be looking for other areas to volunteer in too.
I would definitely go for it if it is something you really want to do, it's never too late to retrain! Just be prepared it will take 5+ years to train.

Yes stinking makes good point about courses changing their approach: google the Lancaster course for example. But if you have family commitments you might want to look up the courses nearest to you and see what their criteria are.

There also used to be something called the "alternative handbook" with more info but I can't seem to find the link for anything more recent than 2018

I missed that you'd worked in secure settings. Have you come across any psychologists you could ask to have a coffee with? most are friendly towards prospective applicants because we remember someone taking the time with us.

Btw Have you looked at the clearing house website yet?

www.leeds.ac.uk/chpccp/courses.html

@stinkingbishop - its very encouraging to hear that your age has been a bonus and you were not an outlier. thanks for your comments. I think perhaps the average age is a little younger in the secure unit I had wondered if that was the norm across the board. It does make sense that Clinical might be more diverse.

Thanks @Newstart20. From what I've heard, the forensic route is often more than two years practice. Clinical sounds more structured so even though it is longer on paper I wonder if they are actually similar in the end. Good luck with your journey.

thanks @evidenceoranxiety, I'll have a look around for the Alternative Handbook. Yes I'm restricted to my location given that CP involves placements, i do have to be realistic about what i can juggle with the family. Thanks for all your comments.

Thank you to everyone who has replied; I started today quite low and have ended it feeling really encouraged & with new ideas. :O)