1. My route into Clinical Psychology and Beyond
Dr Gemima Fitzgerald

2. Considering clinical psychology as a career
It can feel daunting – so competitive
Diversity: “you’re not the type Gemima”
Why will you be a good psychologist?
How to stay motivated: BE CURIOUS!!! be process- focused, not just destination-focused
Grit - goals
Psychology one of the most popular degree subjects in UK – CP one of the most popular career choices.
Talk about what a cp does. Personal qualities
Problem solvers – not for everyone – distress, stressed, poor functioning, unhealthy/unhelpful environments, insecure attachment styles, difficulties forming adult relationships, boundaries, mood, anxieties, difficulties managing health, fear of death, loss, bizarre experiences. I think I’m pretty unshockable these days!
Indirect work – with systems around the client – families, schools, staff teams, carers
Helping teams with a formulation for a patient/problem
Lots of different approaches – not one size fits all!
Resilience: sometimes being a lone voice in a medical environment - you can make a big difference!
Mental well-being and ill-being – where understanding and applying psychological thinking/theories/tools may help

3. How to help your clinical application
Training is a 3 year doctoral clinical course – funded by the NHS (although there are a few self-funding places now). Most people work as an assistant CP for 1-2 years after completing their psychology degree
Your application should have a narrative that makes sense
Clinical and research skills. As well as a BPS accredited psychology degree, at least a year’s work experience
Reflection skills. Even more important than what you have done is what you have learned from what you have done
Life experiences. Nothing, successes or failures, is wasted. Understanding, not ‘othering’.
CPs are problem solvers – but v important to not be ‘othering’
Think like a psychologist. Practice on yourself! Be your own psychologist.
Show you are adaptable and can cope well under pressure

4. Clinical training Biggest learning curve ever
This pic sums up my feelings whilst training
Personal reflections
How it was as a single parent
Imposter syndrome (70% of successful people). Break the silence, stop competing and trying to be perfect, reframe failure as learning
Staying motivated
University of Surrey: 2 days a week lectures (9-5) + assignments. 3 days a week placements: adult MH, LD, Child, Older Adults, Specialist Placement
Thesis (MRP)
ASSESSMENT
FORMULATION – understanding, reflecting, relating well to others
INTERVENTION EVALUATION

5. Be curious – find out what most sparks your interest
The processes involved in becoming more resilient
Including developing self awareness, meaning, belonging, acceptance - being ok with not being ok (accepting vulnerability), self compassion, assertiveness
My focus on resilience

6. There are so many different settings you can work in
There are so many different settings you can work in. But this is what I did:
Hospice – palliative care and bereavement
Hospice – bereavement lead
Developing skills in therapy, management, leadership, teaching
Requests to speak at conferences, TEDx talk
Starting my own business
My career path

7. A Fortnight in my life….. Week 1: Talk in detail
Monday
See clients in my clinic with a range of mental health or stress related difficulties
Tuesday
Contract with an NHS Trust to support people with life-limiting illnesses and their family members
Wednesday
Facilitate several supervision groups for counsellors in a hospice
Thursday
Facilitate reflective practice sessions for various staff teams in the Homelessness sector
Friday
Facilitate an all-day Resilience Workshop

8. A Fortnight in my life….. Week 2:
Mon. – Wed.
Co-facilitate a 3 day Resilience Building Residential course for family carers of people living with dementia
Thursday
Contract with an NHS Trust to support people with life-limiting illnesses and their family members
Friday
AM: Run a Stress Management workshop for counsellors/nurses
PM: Home early!

9. Any questions or comments?