A Career in Clinical Psychology?

A Career in Clinical Psychology? Program of Talks 4 th June 2014- Clinical Psychology Courses in UK Welcome Introduction to Clinical Psychology- Dr Liz Anderson, Clinical Psychology Advisor, Psychology Department, York University Dr Jo Jordan, Module Manager, Psychology Department, York University Application and training journey of a recently qualified Clinical Psychologist: Dr Sylvia Ruttledge, Psychological Medicine Dept, York Hospital 1

Aim of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being by the systematic application of knowledge derived from psychological theory and research (BPS, 2007, p.8) Practice of Clinical Psychology Unique characteristics of professional practice of clinical psychology: to make use of empirically based, ethical and reflective interventions in order to reduce human distress, by working in partnership with clients, carers, families and systems offers an alternative to other models in health care, such as medical, psychiatric, forensic or sociological is respectful of diversity, user perspectives in practice, and an awareness of social context References: a) Hall & Llewelyn (2007) What is Clinical Psychology? Oxford University Press b) Beinart, Kennedy and Llewelyn (2009) Clinical Psychology in Practice BPS Blackwell 2

Clinical Psychology A Post Graduate Profession Full-time, 3 year training programme: a) academic study b) supervised clinical practice c) research NHS Salary during training Course Fees Paid by LETB On Completion: Award of Doctor of Clinical Psychology Eligible to apply for registration with HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council), enabling protected title to practice What do Clinical Psychologists do? Clinical Psychologists are health care professionals who work in the fields of mental and physical health, with activities that include: Psychological assessment, therapy interventions Consultation with other professionals Reflective Practice Service Development and Management Teaching and Training Audit, Service Evaluation and Psychological Research Clinical Supervision Team Working and supporting colleagues to work and think psychologically Continuing Professional Development 3

What do Clinical Psychologists do? Clinical Psychologists work (Cont) in a range of settings and across a range of client groups Work clinically across the developmental lifespan Scientist-practitioners and reflective-practitioners Conduct psychometric assessment (including neuropsychological assessment) Understanding individuals and organisations from a psychological perspective Writing reports Clinical Psychologists may work within the NHS, Social Enterprise, within privately funded organisations, prisons, or in private practice. Who do they work with? Working age adults Children and families People with learning disabilities People in forensic settings Older people Plus many more client groups 4

Models of Practice Scientist Practitioner Applying psychological science to clinical practice CPs are trained in empirical research skills and critical appraisal of evidence They work as applied scientists Training courses emphasise scientific knowledge and research skills Recommended by the American Psychological Association in 1924 and endorsed at the Boulder Conference in 1949 Reflective Practitioner Ability to reflect on the work they are doing. General reflection (on the work) and self reflection (on themselves) Self reflection = ability to think about their own history, personality and assumptions and how it affects practice. Adapted from Schön (1987) Theoretical Orientations Clinical psychologists train in 2 or more approaches, including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Systemic Family Therapy Plus many more 5

Psychological Treatment Strategies Developing a therapeutic relationship with the patient (establishing credibility, sufficient knowledge of patients medical situation) Listening carefully to the feelings/problems that the patient brings (summarising, showing empathy, normalising) Assessing the difference between sadness, distress and depression Use of analogies, the rollercoaster of treatment, to create images to extend thoughts and feelings.be creative to use an analogy which fits with the patients interests and experiences in life Acknowledging the difficulties of balancing hope and life satisfaction with the possibility of recurrence and a shortened future Helping patient generate steps towards their preferred way of coping/ living their life Helping to create specific goals in line with this Psychological Treatment Strategies cont.. Increased role of empathy, the patient must feel that you understand why they are so distressed Therapist must explore distress to see what may be distorted in the patients perception of their situation Encourage emotional expression Explore realistic negative thoughts Feelings of guilt, shame, panic attacks and low mood can be effectively dealt with by CBT techniques 6

Core Competencies From 2002, CP training changed from an experiential model to a competency based approach Competency = an ability or skill (OED, 1995) In CP, it involves the interaction of four major components Core Competencies Absorbed a body of information Apply knowledge effectively in clinical practice Knowledge Skill Judgment Diligence Knowing when to apply what skill Application of all 3 in clinical practice Prioritise clients needs 7

Core Competencies 1. Transferable Skills Using evidence base to make decisions Self-awareness and reflection Critical thinking and evaluation 2. Psychological Assessment 3. Psychological Formulation 4. Psychological Intervention Develop effective working alliance Assess using clinical interview and standardised measures Develop formulation based on psychological theory and evidence as well as individual factors Use to plan intervention; revise where needed Implement intervention with individuals, families, carers and services Recognise unhelpful interventions 5. Evaluation Select appropriate evaluation methods Audit clinical effectiveness Core Competencies 6. Research Identify and appraise research relevant to practice Conduct research 7. Personal & professional skills 8. Communication & teaching Understand ethical issues Understand informed consent, difference & diversity, power imbalance and accountablity Use of supervision Communicate effectively to a variety of different audiences Prepare and deliver teaching 9. Service delivery Consultancy models Service planning and delivery Working in MDTs 8

Clinical Psychologists should.. Abide by the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct Adhere to the guidelines of professional practice set out in the Generic Professional Practice Guidelines We need to: Maintain Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) membership Take part in regular continuing professional development (CPD) Training Route in UK (excl Hull DClinPsy) Degree in Psychology (2:1 or 1 st ) Clinical/voluntary experience Assistant Psychologist post 3 year Doctoral Training Course in Clinical Psychology Admissions via Clearing House 27% successful applicants 20-24 yrs 56% successful applicants 25-29 yrs 12% successful applicants 30-34 yrs 1:6 ratio of applicants to places 9

Training route in UK (2) Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology www.leeds.ac.uk/chpccp 30 Clinical Psychology Courses- all University based Course centres: variable number of places Each applicant can apply to up to 4 courses University Course Centres for Clinical Psychology in UK Course No. Places (NHS funded) Non-funded places Course Bangor 11 Liverpool 24 Bath 17 Manchester 25 B Ham 25 Yes Newcastle 14 Coventry/ Wrawick 15 UCL-London 42 East Anglia 15 Oxford 15 East London 31 Plymouth 13 Edinburgh 28 Royal H way London Essex 10 Yes Salomons, Canterbury Exeter 15 Sheffield 18 Glasgow 23 S hampton 13 Hertfordshire 15 South Wales 14 IOP London 21 Yes Staffs 15 Lancaster 24 Surrey 29 Leeds 16 Teeside 14 Leicester 13 Trent 17 No. places (funded) 29 33 Non funded places 10

Relevant Work Experience Voluntary Work Experience Samaritans, Nightline, SNAPPY, Care Homes for the Elderly, Aspire, Mind. Paid Employment Contact your local NHS Trust (Acute or Mental Health) jobs.nhs.uk jobs.ac.uk University websites for jobs British Psychological Society (BPS) 11

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Pre-Application experience My experience Research Assistant Volunteer/ Psychology Assistant Assistant Psychologist Research experience Clinical experience Other Trainees non-assistant experience 15