Paola Carr-Walker

Clinical and Forensic Psychology

I have worked as a psychologist in different capacities for six years. My experience is varied as I originally began my career as a forensic psychologist then moved into clinical psychology. I completed a Masters degree in forensic psychology after completing my undergraduate psychology degree. As part of this training I completed work placements in a prison, a drug and alcohol court diversion scheme, and in a police psychological assessment centre. I then went on to work full-time in a high secure male prison. Work as a Forensic Psychologist involves carrying out assessment of prisoners’ or mentally ill offenders’ offending behaviour, risk assessment, and delivering individual or group therapeutic programmes.

Recently, I have just completed the three-year doctorate in Clinical Psychology, which is more concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties. Clinical psychology can work with individuals, couples, or families, or can involve working with larger organisations such as schools or hospital wards. There are many different areas in which clinical psychologists work: adults in the community, children and adolescents, older adults, people with learning disabilities, forensic services, drug and alcohol services, paediatrics, neuro-disabilities, children in care etc.

To become a chartered clinical psychologist you must complete a doctorate course – there are about 27 around the country. The course involves attending learning about all the above areas, completing coursework (case reports, literature reviews, and dissertation), and 3 days per week on placements where you get an opportunity to practice your skills under supervision. I chose to spend the last year of my training on placement in a forensic hospital with mentally ill and dangerous patients.

Places on doctorate courses are very competitive. For anyone considering a career in clinical psychology, I would give the following basic advice:

1. You need a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree psychology from a British Psychology Society recognised course (the university prospectus or department will tell you if this the case).
2. Get work experience or shadow a psychologist.
3. Try to speak to clinical psychologists to get an idea of their work and role within the health service. Find out what interests you about this career.
4. Most people who get on the clinical psychology doctorate courses have worked as assistant psychologists. There are also various assistant psychologists support groups which can be helpful when it comes to applying for the training course.
5. After completing your undergraduate degree, become a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
6. Search the BPS website (www.bps.org.uk) for information on starting a career as a psychologist, important documents to read, and vacancies. All places on clinical psychology doctorate courses are applied for through the Clearing House (www.leeds.ac.uk/chpccp, 0113 343 2737). Get their prospectus to find out which courses would be suitable for you and examples of successful applicants’ previous experience.