To train as a Psychologist or Psychotherapist?

[Wilderflower]

Hi all, thank you for taking the time to read this! I have decided that next year I will train in a specialist role and have applied for two training programmes. I am trying to decide what route to take in my career change and trying to weigh up all the pros and cons.

One which is leads to the route of becoming a Psychologist and one that leads to Psychotherapist/ Counsellor.

There are two (very different) roles, I know, but I have met the entry requirements from the programme (eg. The right qualifications, work experience and training). The interview process is complex and long and I think it will be wiser to prepare and attend one rather than both.

I have always dreamed of becoming a psychologist and worked incredibly hard building on my knowledge and experience. A few years ago, I wanted to apply for the same programme but after some big changes to my life, I put the dream on hold.

I started working in the field of Mental Health and it got me thinking of other roles. When the opportunity arose to train as a psychotherapist, I was initially really excited and completed some training to build up my experience and make myself a stronger candidate.

Admittedly, the psychology route is longer and competitive ( 4 years) but employment prospects is good, although perhaps slim. I have worked alongside many who have completed similar training and they often say how the training has led to other opportunities too. I also feel more ‘confident’ going into this programme as my I’ve been working towards this goal for a long time.

The psychotherapy training is 3 years in total and I can practice as a Counsellor after the first 2 years. There are multiple roles which come up in my area that pay very well so there is a lot of job prospect. I feel slightly out my depth as this feels newer to me, but I am confident in my abilities.

Just weighing up options. I think I’ve rambled on enough! Any advice would be helpful

Do you mean clinical psychologist? Have you applied for the DClin this year? Why don’t you see how far you get and let that guide your choices?

I’ve been offered interviews and the dates are close together, so wanted to prepare for one, as opposed to both.

I considered clinical psychology training but in the end opted for psychotherapy. Without sounding too mercenary if you are planning to do private practice you can earn just as much practicing psychotherapy as with psychology. If you plan to work in the NHS as a psychologist it is rare to earn more than a band 8a (£47-53,000), unless you become a Consultant Psychologist. As a psychotherapist I can work privately 25 hours a week or so at £60 per hour and make a decent salary.

“There are multiple roles which come up in my area that pay very well”

In counselling? Really? I think you’ll find there’s a lot of competition for full time jobs. You also need to do a lot of voluntary work to get the hours to qualify.

Honestly I’d go with psychology - better earning prospects.

Can I just ask how you would qualify as a psychologist in 4 years? Do you already have a BSc in psychology?

If like Skade, you are thinking about working privately, please do not do clinical psychology or one of the psychotherapy trainings that the NHS pays you to train in. They are fantastic and highly competitive trainings, but they train you to work in the public sector- with everyone- not just those that can afford to pay. To use these trainings to then just work privately, is really not okay.

Sorry, this may not be relevant to you- but it is ethically really important.

In terms of clinical psychology or psychotherapy- it depends on the psychotherapy training and what you are interested in doing- age group, modality, depth, flexibility, long term/ short term work etc

Counselling/psychotherapy training does not sound like it will be as rigorous as clinical psych training but the NHS funded psychotherapy trainings are- but are also long. It really depends on what kind of work you want to do.