What to Expect in Career as a Clinical Psychologist?

Qualifications required to be a clinical psychologist

When I first perused the field of psychology, there was a brief period of time I was confused about it’s future aspects. It wasn’t until the 2nd year, 4th semester of my graduation degree when I realized that I wished to build my career as a clinical psychologist.

I would like to mention the fact that I am still a masters student in psychology and that, I am still not a licensed therapist. The experience I am about to share are from my internships that I did in the specific field.

Before I share my experience in this field, I would first like to brief up about the qualifications required to be a clinical psychologist:-

First of all, pass the 10+2 exam preferably with Psychology as one of the subjects. If you do not have an option to opt psychology in your +2 then it’s okay, because in your graduation years, you will be anyways covering the basics of psychology. Do not worry.

Complete a Bachelor (BA or BSc) in Psychology degree (the curriculum of which focuses on “personality development, psychotherapy, stress management and neuro-psychology”)

Specialization starts at postgraduate level. Here, try to take up M.A. or M.Sc. in clinical psychology or counselling psychology. If you are doing M.A or M.Sc. in applied psychology, then also no problem. You can choose your specialization in your M.Phil. program also.

Often, people from different field wishes to peruse the same career as a clinical psychologist. I am talking about people who did not have psychology as their subject in 10+2 or graduation. It is still possible for them to take up  this field of psychology in masters, if you have completed graduation with any subject.

However, my personal experience says that it is difficult for people to cope up with the subject without a prior background of psychology. Hence, I wouldn’t recommend taking up this subject in masters, but if you are willing to do so, and is passionate about the subject, then by all means, go ahead.

Career in clinical psychology can be started after masters. If you are willing to approach for government jobs, then sit for the exams, for eg: UPSC exam in psychology. But doing an M.Phil. in respected field is always well and good.

M.Phil. provides a lot’s of hands on experience to the field, which is very necessary for gaining the skills as a clinical psychologist. Not only that, if you are completing M.Phil. from a RCI recognized university, then you are becoming a licensed clinician just as you pass out from the course. This allows you to set up your own clinic.

However, the rules for becoming a clinical psychologist has gone through some changes recently. There had been recent talks on this topic, stating that M.Phil. degree will be removed, though the decision from the board it still not sanctioned.

There is a possibility that some other degree will be provided in place for M.Phil. looking into the importance of this course, but this is not yet decided.

By now, you will be already a practicing clinician, however, if you further wish to study and gain higher degree in the field of clinical psychology, then you have two options for doctoral degree in the filed. The first is Psy.D., (Doctorate in Psychology) and Ph.D. (Doctorate in Philosophy).

The difference between the two degree is it’s applicability in the field. Psy.D. is comparatively a new field in India and is helpful and more significant, if you wish to be a clinical psychologist and continue practicing in clinical settings.

On the contrary, if you wish to do research work on this field, a Ph.D. is more helpful. It’s not like if you had completed a Psy.D. degree, then you are not eligible for research. By all means, you are eligible for both as a clinician and as a researcher, but the choice is yours, which one to choose for the further degree.

For more information, you may refer to (https://www.waldenu.edu/online-doctoral-programs/phd-in-psychology/resource/whats-the-difference-between-phd-in-psychology-psyd)

Psy.D is generally a four years course, but if you had completed M.Phil. then the first two years is skipped and you are directly admitted to third year. For further information you may visit (http://rehabcouncil.nic.in/writereaddata/psydclpsy.pdf.)

Ph.D. course is generally 4-5 years.

Please take note that whatever information I have spoken in the above paragraphs are centered to India only.

What to expect as a clinical Psychologist

You will be treated with dignity and respect. You will carefully listening to your client and help him/her  understand and change the difficulties that they may be facing. Your job is to identify the root of the problem and reach to the depth of it either through talking or by applying psychometric tests if needed. You may find yourself planning therapies for the client just to help him overcome his difficulties and help him be more insightful about them.

The aim of the therapy sessions is to promote physical and mental wellbeing of the client. During therapy, a psychologist must respect the privacy of the client. Always remember, clinical psychologists are bound by ethical guidelines that generally prevent them telling any third person what the client had said to them or what they are undergoing during the sessions without the client’s consent.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. The most important is that, if you believe that the client may be in danger (e.g. harm to themselves or to others) you can tell other relevant people even if its a ‘no’ from the client.

On certain circumstances, you may need collaboration with a psychiatrist or from a psychologist. In that case, you can share confidential information of the client. Also, while sharing information with the third party, you may refer to just initials of the client or can usually do in a way that avoids identifying the client.

By all means, try to provide empathy to the client, be polite and welcoming and provide him/her with a non-judgmental environment. Remember, that the relationship between client and therapist is on official terms. The purpose of a therapeutic relationship is to assist the individual in therapy to change his or her life for the better. Try to make clear the boundary of professional and personal boundary to the client. By no means cross the line, it is unethical to continue personal relationships outside the clinic.

My experience in this field

Overall I have enjoyed this field so far. I have not directly dealt with clients without any supervisions from my guides, but I had witnessed the truest emotions in the four walls of the cubicles. Seeing clients coming out of their fears and limitations slowly and steadily with the ongoing sessions, gave me a different level of happiness and satisfaction.

It’s not always that we see success with all the clients, but we have to accept it, after-all, failures are also a part of life as success. At times, I had experienced fatigue and distress due to work overload, and had bad days as well during my working hours, but at the end of all, I have always enjoyed working with clients, helping in planning therapy sessions and assisting my supervisors during the execution of the therapy. Its a bliss to see and experience recovery in-front of your own eyes.