Any clinical psychologists or trainees?

[Aaliah1234]

Hi all,

Are there any clinical psychologists or trainees who could offer some guidance and advise as i would like to pursue the doctorate.

Am I completely crazy to want to do this with a child (we are trying to conceive as well). I’ve looked into the route to do this ( I’m currently a biology teacher) but I’ve got little to no support with my son so this is what I worry about.

I’m 29 and I know it will take me at least 3 years to actually get onto the doctorate (chances of this are slim as it’s very competitive). I would need to do a conversion and have relevant work and research experience to at least apply.

Is the course doable for someone with a young children? What about the job itself? Are there opportunities for part time work?

Also as I’m a teacher the school holidays are never a problem for me in terms of childcare so how do people manage this. I know some people have support from their parents or in laws (not possible in our case)

I’ve always wanted to study further but I’m not sure if I’m being overly ambitious about this.

Honest advise and opinions please

In short, OP, yes it's possible to complete training and to work post-qualifying with young children. You just have to be good at time management!

School holidays are the same as any role - manage as you can with paid or family child care and annual leave. Although there are plenty of part time roles available and I've known a couple of qualified CPs on term time only contracts.

I'm reluctant to give too much detail of my own experience, for fear of outing myself! But feel free to PM.

Why not educational psychology?

Hi there, I'm a Clinical Psychologist in a leadership role and a single parent and it's hard work but I make it work in terms of childcare etc (just about!) The nhs is generally pretty good in terms of maternity and flexible working etc.. I thnk your experience as a biogy teacher will be a great 'USP' when eventually applying for the doctorate. In my experience mature trainees with lots of hands on work experience are a great asset to a team when they are on placement..As well as the conversion degree get as much and as varied experience in the field as you can eg Assistant psych roles, voluntary roles, in different fields including both adult and child work if possible (this may be for much less pay than you are used to as a teacher though). It is competitive to get on the doctorate but it's definitely possible . I would say go for it!
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