How to become a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist | Career Advice by Dr Becky Spelman

[@ishahussain6668]

the most helpful video ive seen so far....straight forward and gets rid of some of the myths surrounded a career as a chartered psychologist , thank you so much

[@dr.beckyspelman]

isha hussain wow thank you

[@shrutivish9979]

I hope everyone reading this excels in their career :) my dream is to become a clinical psychologist and start my own mental health organization!

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for watching

[@lifewithalex690]

Thank you so much for this I’m a senior now I live in the US and I was confused because I want to be a psychologist and I’m jut trying to decide if this is what I want to be my career.

[@famz245]

Same

[@sarahazeez8420]

Alex S. There is not enough info out there

[@avvie24]

Me too! Haha except I already graduated with medical sciences 😂

[@tui9613]

@katelyn cel statistics and sciences like biology are good to have

[@srijeetasikder2678]

@katelyn cel that’s counselling most probably

[@suesjoy]

Thank you so much, Becky! This was very, very helpful. I am interested in becoming a CBT counselor. I received my BS in psychology many years ago! Looking forward to studying again! CBT helped me so much, as did connecting to my spiritual Self! I really enjoyed your interview with Shaun Atwood. That’s how I found you! Thanks again. Take care. -Sue

[@harperho9158]

This is the most informative video on a career path in 5 minutes! Thank you

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Wow thank you.

[@teleriroberts8055]

This video is super helpful! I do have some questions. 1. Regarding work experience, how did you come about contacting charities for the supportive roles? 2. What are the necessary skills needed to become a counselling psychologist? 3. Although they are not needed, would you recommend, for someone who has a very little information from their university regarding a career in counselling psychology, to study counselling psychology as a masters to gain the basic skills first? 4. Do you have any personal advice from your own experience as a counselling psychologist?

[@miracudrag]

This is brilliant! This is what I was looking for, thank you so much

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for your comment

[@auroragaspar4625]

Me too.

[@MO-zh2qp]

@@dr.beckyspelman can you explain what the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is?

[@ShazWag]

@@MO-zh2qp A psychiatrist is a fully qualified medical doctor who specialises in mental health. As well as being qualified to prescribe medications, they also offer psychotherapy. They're licensed practitioners (in the UK with the GMC). A psychologist on the other hand is not a medical doctor and is not qualified or allowed to prescribe medication. They can offer counselling and therapy interventions if they have received education and training in this. There are different therapies, and they won't all have specialist knowledge in all of them. Fully qualified psychologists should be registered with relevant bodies such as the BPA.

[@mitrwebb]

In the ideal world it's the way to achieve your career goals, however students often have to prioritise university and a part time job before volunteering

[@dr.beckyspelman]

mitchell webb That’s completely understandable, you can also apply for jobs and training jobs in assistant psychologists or research assistants in order to achieve the experience required after your degree is complete. It does not all have to be done whilst at university as understandably that is the priority at the given time. You can also try to get relevant part time work related to your degree or career path. Hope this helps.

[@bobbythespaceghost51]

I'm currently in my Master's in Social Psychology. I realized that I do not want to take the Ph.D route. Counseling psychology (with some cultural psychology experience) is what I want to do in my Doctorate. I'm in the U.S. Any advice???

[@ibukunakinbayode1023]

Hi.can we relate

[@yabseraweldeyohannes9875]

Maybe go get a PsyD degree. It’s not based on research, it’s more clinical stuff.

[@alexkluke6247]

This is so helpful!! I plan to become a clinical psychologist.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thats great to hear, we are pleased you enjoyed the video

[@rodewest7]

thank you for this helpful information :)

[@marissaesperal5445]

These are very helpful learning resource materials. Thank you very much.

[@CFChristian]

Your video on NPD brought it to light for me, and consequently helped me escape a toxic and abusive relationship. I feel like I need to pass on the information, and want to help those (particularly men dealing with NPD abuse) and I'm not sure if it's a) worthwhile and b) feasible at the age of 40 and having essentially no college hours that could pertain to it. I'd be curious in taking the path without any type of certification.

[@lizzielonglegs1980]

Is the full time PHD in counselling psychology like a full time job in terms of hours studying ? I really want to do it but I am worried I won’t be able to study that many hours a week ? I am about to start my second year at Open uni doing a Psychology and Counselling degree which I love and am doing well but when I attempted a psychology degree at a brick built uni it was too much for me the number of hours ? Any suggestions please ?

[@mridulakumari7777]

Thanku mam for clearance of clinical psychologist career your explanation is very beautiful

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for your comment

[@juliacatherine8649]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@Veeskiiii]

This is so helpful thank you!

[@milithapa2995]

Your videos are very inspiring and supportive for the people who’s in a dilemma for their career. Can you please make a video if Bachelors in Early Childhood Education pathway can also lead towards a psychology or counselling path. I would really appreciate that. Regards

[@happyegg143]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@dr.beckyspelman]

I am pleased you found this video helpful

[@ernesta2578]

I do regret doing my masters which did not give me accreditation and I spent so much money on it just because I was thinking I would benefit when applying to clinical psychology. Deffinetely better just going straight to accredited course whatever it is.

[@danai.ch9]

thank you for simplifying everything! :)

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for your comment

[@cee4049]

Very helpful information, thank you.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Con you are welcome any questions just ask.

[@cee4049]

@@dr.beckyspelman what sort of experience was it? And did you do all 3 at once?

[@ronnierascal12]

I did an economics undergrad but looking to do the msc psych conversion course to get onto the counselling psych doctorate at Teeside. Luckily it's possible without the psychology undergraduate degree as long as the conversion is babcp accredited.

[@DevRaj-vo9jc]

Most helpful video thanks

[@dr.beckyspelman]

You’re welcome I’m glad you liked it. Becky

[@IAMClaraLombe]

This was soooooooo helpful! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for watching

[@jannatulriya2239]

thank you for this information.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

We are pleased you found the video informative, please make sure to check out our other videos

[@jenjen7954]

Hello, in terms of self funding cost, are you able to provide an estimate of much it'll be? Please

[@FirstnameLastname-uo9mw]

Thanks for the information. I’m pursuing my masters in Cognition and Neuroscience. Is it possible for me to get through Clinical neuropsychology or ‘psychology’ degree is needed? Although I’m planning to do my internship in clinical setting.

[@sreshtabolishetty9636]

I am not economically sound so I want confirm whether I get placement after msc so that I can fund my PhD .

[@md.azizurrahmansiyam5773]

Same plan

[@Sam_A_Sam]

Useful thank you!

[@xon4yk258]

Is counselling psychologist and therapist the same thing? Even if I persue a career in it..will I be called a therapist or a counselling psychologist? Love the video btw it's so helpful ❤️🙏

[@Abigail-lg7mg]

a therapist is the same as a clinical physiologist, counselling psychology is not the same, you will be called a therapist or clinical psychologist

[@MandlaTembe]

Wow! Thank you 🙏

[@grannystuna174]

Sorry, so what if I just finished my LLB (law) degree and would like to continue in psychology? Would it be fine to continue on an accredited (by BPS) Master's degree at some university, or what would the route for me be? I think I have 3 options, but could you correct me if wrong? 1. Master's in psychology (but needs to be some institution requiring => doctorate in psychology 2. Master's in law => doctorate in psychology 3. conversion to psychology => doctorate in psychology All these sound pretty rough since I would like to associate law with psychology and do some counselling with maybe people who are traumatised and so forth. So I am beginning LLM in International Maritime Law at Swansea in October, though I still have like 20 days to change if I wanted something else.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for your comment, yes you would have to do a conversion course in psychology such as a Masters in order to then progress onto the psychology doctorate. Hope this helps and best of luck!

[@Alexa-rd4vc]

Ah wow... I'm busy doing my masters in clinical psych in South Africa. But I want to be able to work in Europe as well... and now watching this video realising I may still need to do a PhD in UK after my masters here

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Alexa, we hope you found this video helpful. You can check directly with the universities in the UK what the requirements would be as an international student

[@hananabdi8619]

I love your video. So you just did your bachelor then went straight into a doctorate? What class of degree did you need

[@rebekaholivia]

Hi Dr Becky! I was hoping you could give me some advice? I graduated with a humanities undergraduate degree back in 2017 but recently decided to go back into education and train for a career in Psychology. I came across a Psychology MSc conversion course and thought this sounded like a great stepping stone. However, I was wondering if you had any insight into how employers view those who don't go the traditional route and what advice or guidance you might have for me going forward in this field?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Rebekah, thanks for sharing. A conversion course in Psychology would be the best way going forward for a career in Psychology as it will help you to get onto the Doctorate

[@scemoboy93]

Thanks for the information. I have a question do to the fact that we are in COVID-19 period. Would working in care with people with mental health be considered as years of experience for the Doctorate for counselling psychologists? Thanks very much

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. That would most likely depend on what the universities would accept, best to check this directly with potential universities who provide the counselling psychology course :) Best of Luck!

[@thanthar654ttko5]

Thank you so much for the video, and for me I'd like to join the top up bachelor degree in the UK but before that which accredited do i need to join on onilne?

[@boxbox5371]

I have 3 days to pic a career... this was helpful

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Wow that’s quite a lot of pressure.

[@georgiacarter2042]

Thank you for this video. It's been really helpful as I've just applied to Psychology with counselling. When looking at PHD courses for Counselling Psychology, do you know why some require a certificate in counselling skills and some don't?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Georgia, usually it just depends on the university and what they are looking for.

[@georgiacarter2042]

@@dr.beckyspelman Many thanks for your response :)

[@samarar.d1340]

I would love to become a counselor, I'm very good with people since young age, I was told that by many people. Thing is I'll be 29 in the summertime I know it will take around 5 years. I wonder if I'll be needed in this career (as a beginner) because by the time I'm done with the course I'll be like 33 or 34...

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Samara, thats great that you have an interest in counselling as a career. Sometimes age can benefit you as you will have more life experience

[@sk.5]

You’ll still be 33/34 in 5 years no matter what. Age doesn’t matter you can be a 34 year old counsellor or a 34 year old who isn’t a counsellor

[@xixizhang4206]

Thank you so much! If I completed my undergraduate in the Netherland, can I have access to the UK for doctorate training courses?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Please check this with the UK universities who offer the Psych Doctorate courses :)

[@syedbukhari9703]

Thank you

[@sofiaz872]

I have studied law and work at a multinational however I would like to switch to counselling . Do I absolutely need to have an undergraduate degree in psychology to practice in the Uk 🇬🇧 for example ? A masters as I understand is not enough . Are there any countries where accreditation could be obtained easier ?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

A conversion course in Psychology or Counselling would be required, this could be in the form of a masters. If you wished to become a counselling Psychologist in the UK a Doctorate course would also be needed. In the US I believe this could be different so it is worth looking into. The main thing is the correct accreditation is obtained before being able to practice. Hope this helps

[@ti6659]

Hello. I have just graduated in psychology. I am interested in counselling psychology. I undertook a placement year where I worked as an Honorary Assistant Psychologist and student support worker and CAMHS. I will be starting my new role soon. I was wondering if I could apply for the doctorate after a year as a support worker? If not, what experience would you advise to obtain to better understanding in the role and changes to gain a place on the doctorate. Thank you.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for your comment. It would be worth applying to the doctorate courses and see if they think you have enough experience, the courses can vary on how much experience they look for in candidates some like 1 year, others prefer 2 years.

[@ti6659]

Private Therapy Clinic Thank you very much for responding

[@RB-si9bg]

Hi, I’m doing criminology and psychology and I’d like to become a psychotherapist. Is there anything you would advise me to do such as a masters in just psychology?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi there, in order to become a Psychotherapist a masters in Psychology would be great, just make sure you will be able to apply for BACP membership in order to practice. If you wish to become a Psychologist a Doctorate degree would be needed in Psychology in order to obtain HCPC registration, I hope this helps.

[@zoegoodall2158]

OK I need some advice: So I’m in early college high school student meaning after high school I’ll have two years of college (an associates degree) so I’ll basically be starting off my undergrad as a junior. How would you recommend I obtain experience such as internships, since I will be fresh out of high school?

[@Shookbanglol]

Go to support groups

[@cassanova516]

Try volunteering or getting a part time job at a group home. Most mental hospitals and facilities require you to be 21+

[@juliemayala3648]

Hello thank you for the helpful video, I wanted to know if one has phd in counselling and wanted to change route to clinical instead what will be the best route be please?

[@simplyoverit9232]

what A levels would you recommend taking? Are subjects like philosophy, politics etc useful?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Baby Xo I’m not sure as I grew up in Ireland where we have a different system rather than A-levels. But if you can take Maths or statistic that would be helpful, English is helpful for all the essay writing and biology might helpful also.

[@ShazWag]

May I ask where you did your counselling psychology course, how long it took to get your doctorate, and how much it cost? To be clear, once you have your BSc. in Psychology (which is what I'm currently in the middle of), are you saying that you gain your doctorate through doing the Counselling Psychology course - or do you first need to do this course BEFORE studying for a doctorate? Sorry for the confusion and thank you so much for your helpful video.

[@haleyann9242]

What classes should I take in high school to prepare to be a clinical psychologist?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Haley, it depends what subjects your high school offers but if they offer Psychology or sociology then that is always a good start and if not, sciences and maths could be useful. Maybe check university requirements.

[@annp5122]

Thank you so much :x

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Glad it helped

[@tristensellars504]

Very helpful thank you:)

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for your comment :)

[@BeaPK5828]

how important is the reputation of the university you take your degree in?

[@Akashic_chronicles]

How about those who would like to convert from different profession? Is there short route for those who convert from lets lawyer to psychologist? Thanks

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi, in this case a conversion course in Psychology such as a masters would be helpful, but the doctorate programme would still need to be completed in order to become a fully qualified Psychologist. Hope this helps

[@ronnierascal12]

Can you let us know about the PgDips you took?

[@user-xi8sd9ux3f]

Hi. Could you elaborate more on how many years of experience you gained before applying for doctorate, no. Of places you volunteered etc? I graduated 5 years ago. Have work experience but not all of it in the field of psychology. 1-2 year in fitness and health, 2 years as a assistant clinical manager in healthcare, volunteer work for a few months at a special needs school, and a recent internship at a mental health hospital with psychosis patients. Any tips? I’m looking to apply in Ireland. Not sure whether my experience is valid for doctorate or not? I’ll gain more in another mental hospital soon until next year. I’ve heard it’s not recommended to apply for masters and psyd at the same time? Is it true? Thank you sooo much if you read this, and for the video.

[@angeliekassoul3627]

Hello, came across this video when searching for the pathway to become a counselor. Your video is very helpful. My daughter who is currently in A Levels with Psychology, Sociology and English language would like to be a counselor to youth in the future. Does she need to do Bsc Hons Psychology or can do Ba Hons Arts ( with Psych and Sociology as major) or Ba Hons Psychology. She is looking at studying in Ireland for her undergrad and continue there to get a Counseling recognized and accredited degree later. Thank you.

[@chembenp3183]

Fun fact : all good psychologists have a charming personality and a really CALM voice. (I cud sit for hours to listen their talks becz of their voice 😇)

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for your comment

[@nakisakendall7487]

How much experience did you have? Before applying? Many courses say that they don’t accept students in their last year of undergrad studies. And many ask for at least 1 years experience full time.

[@riyapatel2443]

Hey great video! I was wondering if you could apply for both counselling doctorates at the same time as applying for clinical doctorates.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Riya, yes you can apply for both courses at the same time

[@BeingCaroline]

Could I ask, if you’ve done your bachelors in an unrelated field would the best approach be to do a a psychology related degree then go onto the doctorate training course?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi, thank you for your comment. Yes a conversion course such as a masters in Psychology would be helpful to get onto the doctorate training course.

[@PhozMix]

Hi Dr Becky Spelman, what is your advice for those taking a conversion masters course in psych?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Daniel Smith Hi Daniel, What do you mean like choosing the course? Or what do afterwards?

[@PhozMix]

@@dr.beckyspelman Apologies for lack of clarification. I received a 2:1Hons in a non-psych related subject, I'm now currently on and will be completing a Humanistic & Psychoanalytical Counselling Grad Cert next year, with the aim to go back to then take a Psych Conversion course with BPS accreditation. Currently undecided on whether to do the Post grad diploma or Masers. What would be your advise following the stages after gaining the Msc Psych conversion? I realise I'll be competing against Psych students whom have a Bsc and Msc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dan

[@vidhijoshi6507]

Mam your vedio is very usefull but please also make a vedio on counsellor in India

[@pratikkafle4983]

Do we need to have taken science stream for studying clinical psychology?

[@benj46]

Hi there , amazing video! Already helped me so much with some solid direction . Question .....would you alter this advice in any specific way for someone like myself In full time employment , 5 day week , 9 hours a day I have zero qualifications so I would be starting from scratch at the age of 38 Thank you

[@amnaaman2250]

How can I do psychology online?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

The open university may offer some online psychology courses

[@nourimo]

I'm from Egypt and I am studying clinical psychology 👻🥰

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Naira, thats great to hear!

[@aashirana6468]

in canada you cant go on to do doctorate with doing masters

[@Ciikko]

What if my undergrad is not from psychologist related? Can I still apply for grad?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Then you’ll need to do a psych conversion course, we made a video on this.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Here is the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX7HY4JviriLabc

[@Ciikko]

@@dr.beckyspelman thank you so much!

[@User-zz8of]

I’m a LLB law graduate looking to do a pgdip course such as counselling and psychotherapy at UEL accredited by the BACP. I’ve done a three year extended diploma in health and social care which I loved. Would you recommend another conversion course instead or accredited by BPC or a psychology conversion course instead. Thank you

[@01CassieGrace]

Hi Thank you for your video! I have a Ba (Hons) in counselling and I want to do the BPS accredited Psychology conversion to get onto the counselling psychology doctorate. Do I need a lot of reserach experience to get onto the doctorate?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Timea, thank you for your comment. We would recommend checking the specific entry requirements for the Counselling Psychology Doctorate as some Universities can vary in terms of what they accept/ look for. Hope this helps and best of luck.

[@sreshtabolishetty9636]

At present I am doing bsc psychology in india

[@badriyamohamud9363]

Any suggestions on good charities to volunteer with (London) - great video btw

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Badriya Mohamud thanks for your comment you can apply for our internship program if you have finished your undergrad. You just need to email Private Therapy Clinic. Thanks.

[@jordanpaige7329]

Hi! Im a mum and was considering home based learning. I got OK grades (all Bs at A level) and I was looking at the Open University Psychology with counselling degree. It is BPS accredited-would this be a suitable avenue for me to take in order to pursue a relevant career in counselling psychology? I may end up going for educational yet- I'm still unsure...

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Jordan, it's great that you want to pursue a career in Psychology, as long as the degree is BPS accredited that would be suitable.

[@Limlani]

This is exactly the route I am choosing now (as a mature single mum). How is it going for you? Did you take this route?

[@kimberleywright4188]

Hi thank you so much for posting this video. It's really helpful. I'm currently studying Psychology with Counselling at the Open University and I'm aiming to become a Counselling Psychologist. I'm going onto level 2 in October and I'm looking at volunteering at Anxiety UK to get experience. However, I want to make sure I get enough relevant experience do you have any other advice in regard to this? Also I have done a basic skills counselling course online (not accredited) but I'm a bit confused as to whether I need to do further counselling courses before going onto a doctorate. Can you advise? Thank you

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Kimberley, thank you for getting in touch, its great that you are wanting to pursue counselling psychology. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, try to also look for opportunities to gain experience face to face with clients (which can be a bit more difficult to find). In terms of entry requirements onto the Doctorate course its best to get in touch directly with the universities who provide the course and check with them as they will be able to advise you as to what they accept. Hope this helps

[@kimberleywright4188]

@@dr.beckyspelman ah thank you so much for your help, will do :)

[@carolinasantiago6343]

Hi there, I have a Bsc in IT and have been working in IT for 20 years but have always been passionate about Psychology and am strongly considering a change to what I feel I would love. I am from Ireland and have been accepted to do a 2 year part time online Psychology conversion course in the UK. The course itself is accredited by BPS, who have an agreement with PSI for accredition. I am just wondering before commiting such time and money where would I stand in terms of working in the field after an MsC. Perhaps as a private practice. Am I then required to do another MsC in a specialised Psychology field? Moving on to a PHD is not something I can do as I am working full time. Greatly appreciate your advice. Ian

[@overagedvscogirl9104]

Would love to find out too

[@roxanniemiller1725]

What are some courses I must take up in high school?. Right now I am doing math,social studies, English, English literature and biology .will that be ok?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Roxannie, yes that should be fine, it is sometimes useful to check entry requirements with Universities for their Psychology courses too!

[@sadiaafrin8566]

Hi mam. Thanks for the video. As you r from ireland so i hope you can give me the right suggestion. I am doing a higher diploma conversion course in psychology from DBS. ( 2 yr course). I really love counselling but not very fond PHD and research things. So i want to change my career to MS in psychoanalytic psychotherapy offered by DBS. It is a 4 yr training course and at the end it make me a liscenced therapist. Though for me the duration of the course seems very long. I dont want to spend lots of money and time as i am already in mid 30. Is PsyD in counselling psychology can be a better options? Please help me with my confusion. Want a better path to invest less time and money but start a job.

[@N.M.Jones-mimi]

Good morning; would you be able to explain to me the difference between counselling therapy and psychology? I am a medical Dr from overseas, and after taking a career break to raise my family I’ve decided I would love a career change and became a therapist in anxiety and OCD. where do I start? What training do I need to get to where I want? Thank you for your time in advance.

[@N.M.Jones-mimi]

I’m currently in the United Kingdom where I intend to train :)

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Nohemi, Thank you for your comment. This may vary overseas, but in the UK a Psychologist has a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology. Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counselling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and provide treatment for mental disorders. In order to become a clinical psychologist you would also need to obtain at least 1-2 years work experience in a clinic. There is considerable overlap between clinical psychologists and counselling psychologists, the main difference lies with the type of patients they see, clinical psychologists often see to more serious mental health cases (such as; psychosis). You would have to contact universities/ colleges in your area and find out directly from them the criteria for studying Psychology/ Therapy and possible conversion courses as you already have obtained a medical PHD. Hope this helped. Regards, Jade Psychological Practitioner Private Therapy Clinic

[@N.M.Jones-mimi]

Private Therapy Clinic Thank you very much for your reply; would you be able to direct me in to what type of places or clinics are the ones who offer this year of experience here in the uk? I need to find my starting point I think and then go from there finding the right contacts, but I’m struggling with finding the first one if that makes sense. Thank you again for all of you help.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

@@N.M.Jones-mimi Hi Nohemi, you can look for Assistant Psychologist posts, which would give you the relevant experience. The NHS, mental health organisations and some private clinics often advertise for these roles. Some posts may also be voluntary in order to provide you with relevant experience. Hope this helps. Kind Regards, Jade Psychological Practitioner Private Therapy Clinic

[@N.M.Jones-mimi]

Hello! Thank you very much for your time and for your help! It might seem small but for me it is very big, I have light to see the way of the first steps thanks to you. Have a great day.

[@jayanrajoriya3875]

I want to ask uh that what are the scopes in psychology field in usa like clinical, forensic, sports which field is better for the future...and also i want to ask that usa is the best country for studying psychology???

[@shashwatichavan8125]

Hello Dr, I wanted to ask you whether an international student can practice in the UK with a Counselling/clinical psychology degree eg- Dclinpsych degree ?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

As long as you are registered with a governing body such as the HCPC you can practice in the UK.

[@shashwatichavan8125]

Okay! is there any particular license examination one has to give? if yes, what is it called?

[@praveenam1575]

Hello ma’am. I’m currently pursuing my masters in physics, India. I am very interested in doing psychology ( counselling to be specific ) and taking it up as my career. I want to know how necessary it is to have an under grad degree in psychology for me to be accepted into a masters course in psychology in Europe and also in the States. Would I find it easier if I had some kind of work experience or internships under my belt before applying? I could really use some good advice regarding all this. Thank you ma’am for taking your time to respond to my message.

[@mahi_sreekumar]

I too am in the same predicament. Some advice in this regard would be so helpful for me too.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Thank you for sharing, you would be required to have either an undergraduate degree or a conversion course (masters) in Psychology in order to pursue this as a career, work experience and internships are always helpful to have as you learn a lot of skills taught on the course within the relevant setting. Hope this helps and best of luck

[@Iamchristaelaine]

Does the apply in America

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Chrissy, the best thing to do would be to check with American Universities as their requirements will most likely differ from here in the UK. Hope this helps

[@naima7192]

does it matter what I study in sixth form ?

[@sreshtabolishetty9636]

I want to study my masters in London!

[@dr.beckyspelman]

sreshta bolishetty I’m that case I’d recommend either doing a Doctorate which leads directly to HCPC accreditation or else a Postgraduate diploma or masters which leads to BABCP accreditation please avoid doing any courses which don’t lead to one of the leading accreditation’s in the UK otherwise it’s a waste of time, effort and money. Any more questions just ask.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

sreshta bolishetty I’m that case I’d recommend either doing a Doctorate which leads directly to HCPC accreditation or else a Postgraduate diploma or masters which leads to BABCP accreditation please avoid doing any courses which don’t lead to one of the leading accreditation’s in the UK otherwise it’s a waste of time, effort and money. Any more questions just ask.

[@rosalinarodriguez7778]

Hello it would mean so much if you would respond. I would love to become a therapist, can I become a therapist by just going to college and volunteering or is going to university a must ? Thanks so much !

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Rosalinda, in order to become a fully qualified Psychologist the doctorate course does need to be completed in order to gain the correct accreditation to practice. However, there are alternative therapist roles such as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, however, an accredited course would still need to be completed before practicing. Hope this helps. Regards, Jade Psychological Well- Being Practitioner Private Therapy Clinic

[@rosalinarodriguez7778]

Private Therapy Clinic Thanks for your reply !!! I am not able to go into higher education because of some disorders I have, so thanks for the advice !!!

[@caucasiancrown9598]

What about international students ? Can u plz help us

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi there, thank you for your comment. Could you expand on this? Are you looking to study in the UK or internationally?

[@JBGYT]

thank you so much ... i am only 16 and interested in being a counselling psychologist , although I am terrible at science is that important ?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

JBG no don’t worry about anything you aren’t so good at if you like the idea of being a Psychologist just study hard even if you aren’t good at some things academic, determination will get you there. Regards Becky

[@JBGYT]

Private Therapy Clinic Thanks so much :)

[@AK-dt2wc]

I am completing my BA (hons) in psychology, but not from the UK. Will I be eligible to apply to a Doctorate course in Counselling Psychology directly after completing my honors degree?

[@lidafubara6694]

Can i have an undergraduate degree in general medicine and then start clinical psychology

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi there, you would have to do a conversion course such as a masters in Psychology and then do the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Hope this helps

[@lidafubara6694]

@@dr.beckyspelman thanks for your reply

[@girlunderu]

Hi, where is best to find volunteer work in these areas? I'm looking but it's difficult, especially during covid. Any advice?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi there, great to hear you are looking to find volunteer work, you could try contacting local healthcare centres/ clinics or charities. Best of luck.

[@jasmineuppal9178]

This video has been extremely helpful for me as I am currently in my final year of university studying Psychology Bsc and I was considering applying for masters in clinical or counselling psychology afterwards. However, I will take your advice and gain the relevant experience and apply for a PhD instead. I have no work experience in the psychology field and I am not sure where to apply and gain this experience, could you advise me where to start and what experience is useful?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Jasmine, Great to hear you want to pursue a career in Psychology and found this video informative. We would suggest you apply for jobs in the clinical field, try to look for assistant psychologist posts. Even voluntary experience is valued. Hope this helps

[@mirrormepls]

Hi, being a private psychologist is my dream job and i want to get as much experience as possible since i know it's a competitive field. Is there a way to get any sort of helpful experience at 16/17, and how does the path to working in a private field differ from an NHS employed psychologist? Thanks.

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Great to hear you are interested in becoming a Psychologist, at the age of 16/17 try to look into volunteering in a health related setting if possible, alternatively taking Psychology A level will be very beneficial.

[@laylawilson5827]

Hi there, you mentioned that this was a paid course, as in your paid yourself? Do you mind me asking how much this was per year? I would also be looking to train up north. Thanks

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Layla, thanks for your comment, yes lots of the clinical psychology Doctorate courses are funded through the NHS, the amount per year can vary but there are universities up north that provide the course. Hope this helps & best of luck

[@benj46]

Hi Layla , did you manage to find much information on qualifications up north ... I’m north east and looking for the same but becoming very clouded by the minefield of information and little direction

[@marlasiacharles9149]

I want to be a pediatric psychologist. However, my school doesn’t have psychology as a subject for gcse and a levels. I’m so scared that I can’t enroll into a psychology course 🥺

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi there, thank you for sharing, its great that you wish to pursue Psychology. Psychology as A level is helpful if you have the ability to do it, however if your school does not offer this, check on some University websites as to what their entry requirements on Psychology courses are, this might give you more insight as to what the key subjects are that you should pursue. Hope this helps. Jade Psychological Well- Being Practitioner Private Therapy Clinic

[@marlasiacharles9149]

Private Therapy Clinic thank you so much :)

[@marlasiacharles9149]

Stephen Folland oh for real? That’s good

[@jayjay2167]

Need some help I am thinking about this career I barely know how to talk sometimes because I suffer anxiety and I think a lot but I am pretty good at understanding people so should I go this route ? I lack communication skills though but I have been getting better over time

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi there, Thank you for your comment. Communication skills are required in a therapists role as they are speaking to different people all the time, however, there are ways you can build and improve your communication skills.

[@soroushsoltani9486]

Hi i'm graduated in criminology in iran but my researches and essays focused on commmuniy psychology can i apply straight for doctorate in uk ?

[@Rabiha1008]

Can a special needs teacher get into a clinical psychology program? I graduated recently like 4 months ago with a double bachelors in elementary education and psychology. I have currently applied for masters in special education BCBA track. Is it possible for a special education teacher to get into a phd psychology program?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

Hi Rabiha, great that you are interested in Psychology, most Universities ask for a Psychology degree either at Bachelors level or Masters level for the Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programme, however, this would be worth checking directly with the Universities as they might be able to advise you further on the best routes to take. Hope this helps.

[@RVM2M]

Can you still be a private counsellor with a clinical psychology doctorate?

[@dr.beckyspelman]

As long as you are registered with the relevant councils such as HCPC then you are able to practice privately.