What is a Clinical Psychologist?

Clinical Psychologists are required to undertake a three year doctoral training course in order to qualify, register and practice. This is in addition to a first degree in Psychology and experience of working in mental health settings. Clinical Psychologists are trained to work with children and adults in a range of settings and have to complete several clinical placements. The doctoral training programmes cover a range of therapeutic  approaches, usually with cognitive behavioural therapy as one of the core therapies. 

 

Clinical Psychologists are trained to work with individuals, groups and systems to make sense of behaviour, thoughts and emotions, within the context of a person’s experiences and current circumstances. Through listening and talking Clinical Psychologists are skilled through assessment which leads to the development of what we call a psychological formulation, which is a joint understanding of what is troubling you and how these difficulties have come to be.  A formulation then helps us decide what might help and guides change. 

 

Clinical Psychologists tend to work intergratively, which means they draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, depending upon what approach is best suited to the individual. This is all done within the context of a trusting therapeutic relationship.

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