Ahhh Holly you're such a don! You've done so much processing in such a short period of time - really glad you're feeling in a better space now. Re the life goals/plan thing... in my cohort, over a 1/3 started the course with kids, we've had 3 pregnancies announced, people have got engaged, people have moved, bought, and sold houses... life 10000% can march on irrespective of where you are in you application journey. My old supervisor told me that getting a reserve place - as much as it is a kick in the teeth - is basically the course saying "you're good enough to be here, we just don't have enough space for everyone that made the cut". That's on the system, not you, although it freeeeekin SUCKS that it's the applicant that has to pay the price. LOVED THIS VID, YOU'RE GREAT, WELCOME BACK xxxx
Thank you so so much for this! That really helps reduce some of my worries re: kids haha! I massively appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment! THANKS SO MUCH xxxx
YOU ARE AMAZING!! This is a great example of how flawed the system is. We all know you would make a fantastic trainee. Keep these videos coming (even in the embarrassment) because they're helpful for soooo many people xx
My god, I relate to this so much. Especially the embarrassment part, it’s so refreshing to hear someone speak about this. Oftentimes family and friends don’t quite understand the process so it’s important for us to be able to talk about it and hear other people’s stories.
Thanks so much! Yes absolutely! Family and friends believe in us so much it's mind-baffling when you don't get a place! I have to explain that everybody is fantastic! Thanks so much! Glad you can relate!!!
A very brave and honest account, thank you. I can relate totally, I got on last year after 6yrs myself, so had a lot of the same feelings. As you say, luck is also a big factor. I also know a lot of people who had similar journeys, some persisted and got on, some decided to walk a different path. Although, I don’t agree that everyone offered an interview is ready for training. When I had my first interview 4yrs ago, in hindsight I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. But if you get a reserve, they know you’re ready. Hang in there if it’s something you want to keep going at. It’s worth it!
thank you so much for sharing your experience, the path to the doctorate is truly so challenging even when we're in great positions to apply, it can become quite daunting and demotivating too. we should always take each day as it comes and never give up on our dreams! i've learnt to prioritise my mental health during my own journey as its not worth sabotaging over any career, when the time comes, it'll come! there is NO set timeframe for clinical training at all. we're all at different stages and they're just as valid as the next persons'. once again, thanks for sharing. :)
Yes to the sad playlist and feeling your feelings! Found myself nodding along throughout. It is such a broken system, there are too many amazing pre-qualified psychologists and not anywhere near enough opportunities. You’re brilliant and resilient! You have got this! 💖✨
Thanks for sharing your story, it's quite eye opening and gets me to realise how challenging this whole journey is (and how much harder I need to be working even if things seem "on track"). You'll get there!
Yeah it definitely can be difficult. But lots of people apply when they are ready and get on first time, so my experience isn't always the most common one! Just be mindful that working hard is only one aspect and not necessarily the most important one! Make sure you look after yourself - that is the most important :) Thanks so much! x
I can’t explain how helpful this is… First time applying this year but I also was unsuccessful in applying for my own AP role, which absolutely broke me. I absolutely feel you- the anger, the embarrassment, the questioning. But thank you so much for your honest reflections, just to make someone else feel less alone is such a wonderful thing… thank you :) The very best of luck x
Thank you so much for your comment! It absolutely can be soul-destroying! This was so cathartic and helpful for me I have to say! Thank you. And good luck to you too! x
I really appreciate your raw honesty, I got one reserve and one rejection after applying this year for the second time its really painful after putting my all into it but it's important to remember that we are all more than clinpsy and have a lot to offer the world.
I needed to hear this so much, you have no idea! Thank you for sharing! I’m at a similar place, albeit my 3rd application. Managed to get one interview for the first time this year but didn’t get an offer for a place which made me feel a lot, a lot worse compared to the last 2 years when I had 0 interviews… it’s such a hard process!
Hols you so have this. You are meant to wait for the best things in life. You are enough. You are more than enough. You are just meant to learn thinks in this time that will help the people you want to help in the future. I think back to that weekend we spent together many many moons ago. Your amazing sense of humour, your passion for learning, your kind and caring nature. You girl are epic and you will get this. People like you always do in the end because hard work always wins and is always worth it. X
Holly, thanks for sharing your thoughts and reflections, it's so insightful and also inspiring to see the resilience and strenght. I also really appreciate the honesty and transparency, as you say, what we usually are the successes and it can be difficult to keep a balanced view of the process. I'm also glad you are feeling better now, and had a good break to process it all!
Thank you so much for sharing this Holly, it takes some real courage to be so open and honest like this (especially online). As disappointing as being on a reserve list can be, it tells you that you are absolutely 'good enough' to be there and completely deserving of a place. Crossing my fingers for you for this year and next, you WILL get there!!
Oh my word!! I didn't get an EP doctorate place this year, interview last year but didn't this year. I was gutted. And actually, exactly like you, instead of my life revolving around the lengthy process, I plan to get on with living, and the doctorate will happen at some point alongside. Like you, I feel like I've missed out on that necessary dollop of luck that we need alongside our skills. You sound like you're in the same headspace as me. Best of luck for next year!
Your videos have massively helped me overcome my own fears. I didn't pass the interview today, but that's okay, I've learnt, and I will be better next time. People like you, or Sharon, or "PsychAssist" give me the motivation to keep on trying, again, and again, and again. Thanks for your continuous work. You will succeed. ❤️❤️❤️
This is actually embarrassing to write TWO YEARS later but I’m so sorry I didn’t see this comment! Thank you so so much ❤️❤️ I hope things worked out ok!!!
I applied 4/5 times over the course of at least 10years. One year I got 3 interviews , all really intensive,day long affairs & got offered a reserve place only. The next year I got only one interview offer but managed to finally get on finally at the age of 35. It was a Rocky old ride but worth it in the end. But it’s so hard when there’s no guarantees. I really felt like it was the only career I really wanted though so I felt I had to see it through. I feel for all the other people going through this exceptionally difficult process. It’s hard to engage with sometimes because it does bring back so many difficult feelings for me. And I still feel that imposter syndrome all the time &, to some extent, the fear that it could still all be taken away from me if I don’t meet requirements- which has been particularly difficult with children in a pandemic! I wish you all the best going forward.
Thanks so much for your comment. I'm really pleased you got there! It is a tough old road isn't it?! And I absolutely feel the imposter syndrome thing - I'm not sure mine will ever go away. I used to think when I get onto DClin, it'll go away, I know myself better now! It's good to hear success stories though! Thanks :)
Aww Holly, you really helped me so much during my application process and I am still truly grateful till this day. Don’t give up, see it as your too good for them, it will happen, trust me, trust yourself, you will get on and reflect back at this and smile. Xxx
Thank you so much for making th is video Holly! It was really helpful to hear your thoughts and reflections on the application process. I have my fingers crossed that you might still get a place this year, but understand that unfortunately that is quite unlikely. I applied for the second time this year and have yet to get any interviews 🙄. I too struggled to get my head around this for a while and went through similar emotions and thoughts that you described, so thank you for articulating them so eloquently. I would be really grateful for some videos on application tips and interested in the mentoring scheme you mentioned!
Hiya - thanks so much! I'm really pleased it was helpful! Fab :) Look out on the Facebook page - facebook.com/clinicalpsychologycommunityuk - and Instagram (@clinicalpsychologycommunityuk) for info on the mentoring stuff in the next few weeks :) Thanks so much xxx
Your reflections are amazing! Thank you for sharing, it's really helpful. Have my fingers crossed for you cus you will make an amazing Psychologist. Just from listening to you, I can just see that.
I'm so pleased! I'm glad it's helpful for people - as I said, most applicants each year are unsuccessful so hopefully this makes sense for some people!! Thank you xxx
Wow, I wish I had the courage to speak with such transparency about my failures. This video will be helpful for when I get rejected from Masters next year haha
Must be other career routes? Mental health nursing? Grad medicine? Saw a guy who got into grad medicine who said clinical psychology was a lost cause it's too competitive and the barriers put in place to people getting in are just ridiculous. Things can only get worse in clinical psychology. The job itself is pretty glorified when in reality the actual reality of the job is not even worth the amount of effort you put in to get there. You have great experience you have a great degree you have a publication but still you do not meet the criteria. If I was you I would focus your energy on getting a alternative route into mental health.
Thanks :) It's definitely something I thought strongly about on my break, but actually, it is the job I want to do over other roles, I just need to put a bit less pressure on it! Thanks :) x
Why DipPsy courses are provided by just nhs only? Why universities can’t run this course like Medical degrees. Holy, you should have applied for Med instead and do the psychiatrist. It is much better than DipPsy. Don’t waste your time more.
Ahhh Holly you're such a don! You've done so much processing in such a short period of time - really glad you're feeling in a better space now. Re the life goals/plan thing... in my cohort, over a 1/3 started the course with kids, we've had 3 pregnancies announced, people have got engaged, people have moved, bought, and sold houses... life 10000% can march on irrespective of where you are in you application journey.
My old supervisor told me that getting a reserve place - as much as it is a kick in the teeth - is basically the course saying "you're good enough to be here, we just don't have enough space for everyone that made the cut". That's on the system, not you, although it freeeeekin SUCKS that it's the applicant that has to pay the price.
LOVED THIS VID, YOU'RE GREAT, WELCOME BACK xxxx
Thank you so so much for this! That really helps reduce some of my worries re: kids haha! I massively appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment! THANKS SO MUCH xxxx
YOU ARE AMAZING!! This is a great example of how flawed the system is. We all know you would make a fantastic trainee. Keep these videos coming (even in the embarrassment) because they're helpful for soooo many people xx
Thanks so much :) Heart busting with happiness at the response. Thank you xxx
You are not alone in this really long journey, well at least for some. I got on a course last year after I applied 9 times (accross 10 years). Xxxxx
My god, I relate to this so much. Especially the embarrassment part, it’s so refreshing to hear someone speak about this. Oftentimes family and friends don’t quite understand the process so it’s important for us to be able to talk about it and hear other people’s stories.
Thanks so much! Yes absolutely! Family and friends believe in us so much it's mind-baffling when you don't get a place! I have to explain that everybody is fantastic! Thanks so much! Glad you can relate!!!
A very brave and honest account, thank you. I can relate totally, I got on last year after 6yrs myself, so had a lot of the same feelings. As you say, luck is also a big factor. I also know a lot of people who had similar journeys, some persisted and got on, some decided to walk a different path. Although, I don’t agree that everyone offered an interview is ready for training. When I had my first interview 4yrs ago, in hindsight I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. But if you get a reserve, they know you’re ready. Hang in there if it’s something you want to keep going at. It’s worth it!
Thanks so much! Glad you got a place after persisting! :)
thank you so much for sharing your experience, the path to the doctorate is truly so challenging even when we're in great positions to apply, it can become quite daunting and demotivating too. we should always take each day as it comes and never give up on our dreams! i've learnt to prioritise my mental health during my own journey as its not worth sabotaging over any career, when the time comes, it'll come! there is NO set timeframe for clinical training at all. we're all at different stages and they're just as valid as the next persons'. once again, thanks for sharing. :)
Yes to the sad playlist and feeling your feelings! Found myself nodding along throughout. It is such a broken system, there are too many amazing pre-qualified psychologists and not anywhere near enough opportunities. You’re brilliant and resilient! You have got this! 💖✨
Thanks so so much! Hugely appreciate it! Love a sad playlist - Chasing Cars gets me every time haha!
Thanks for sharing your story, it's quite eye opening and gets me to realise how challenging this whole journey is (and how much harder I need to be working even if things seem "on track"). You'll get there!
Yeah it definitely can be difficult. But lots of people apply when they are ready and get on first time, so my experience isn't always the most common one! Just be mindful that working hard is only one aspect and not necessarily the most important one! Make sure you look after yourself - that is the most important :) Thanks so much! x
Lucky number 7! I admire your resilience and have found your videos so helpful
Hahaha yes! That's the plan! Thanks so much - I'm really pleased they are helpful!
I can’t explain how helpful this is… First time applying this year but I also was unsuccessful in applying for my own AP role, which absolutely broke me.
I absolutely feel you- the anger, the embarrassment, the questioning.
But thank you so much for your honest reflections, just to make someone else feel less alone is such a wonderful thing… thank you :)
The very best of luck x
Thank you so much for your comment! It absolutely can be soul-destroying! This was so cathartic and helpful for me I have to say! Thank you. And good luck to you too! x
I really appreciate your raw honesty, I got one reserve and one rejection after applying this year for the second time its really painful after putting my all into it but it's important to remember that we are all more than clinpsy and have a lot to offer the world.
Absolutely! And I really mean it when I say it's taken me to this point to fully accept and feel it! We will get there! xx
I needed to hear this so much, you have no idea! Thank you for sharing! I’m at a similar place, albeit my 3rd application. Managed to get one interview for the first time this year but didn’t get an offer for a place which made me feel a lot, a lot worse compared to the last 2 years when I had 0 interviews… it’s such a hard process!
I’m glad it was helpful! It’s such a difficult process isn’t it. Remember it’s the system, not you! Sending lots of strength ❤️
Hols you so have this. You are meant to wait for the best things in life. You are enough. You are more than enough. You are just meant to learn thinks in this time that will help the people you want to help in the future. I think back to that weekend we spent together many many moons ago. Your amazing sense of humour, your passion for learning, your kind and caring nature. You girl are epic and you will get this. People like you always do in the end because hard work always wins and is always worth it. X
Holly, thanks for sharing your thoughts and reflections, it's so insightful and also inspiring to see the resilience and strenght. I also really appreciate the honesty and transparency, as you say, what we usually are the successes and it can be difficult to keep a balanced view of the process. I'm also glad you are feeling better now, and had a good break to process it all!
Thanks so much lovely! I hope this does balance out the picture a bit :) Thanks so much xx
Thank you so much for sharing this Holly, it takes some real courage to be so open and honest like this (especially online). As disappointing as being on a reserve list can be, it tells you that you are absolutely 'good enough' to be there and completely deserving of a place. Crossing my fingers for you for this year and next, you WILL get there!!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it :)
Thank you for being so open and authentic with your experiences! Sending lots of love, Lee xoxo
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!
Thanks for this honest video, really hope you get on next time, you deserve a place!
Thanks Natasha!
Oh my word!! I didn't get an EP doctorate place this year, interview last year but didn't this year. I was gutted. And actually, exactly like you, instead of my life revolving around the lengthy process, I plan to get on with living, and the doctorate will happen at some point alongside. Like you, I feel like I've missed out on that necessary dollop of luck that we need alongside our skills. You sound like you're in the same headspace as me. Best of luck for next year!
Ah thanks! Good idea - great to get some perspective!
Your videos have massively helped me overcome my own fears. I didn't pass the interview today, but that's okay, I've learnt, and I will be better next time. People like you, or Sharon, or "PsychAssist" give me the motivation to keep on trying, again, and again, and again. Thanks for your continuous work. You will succeed. ❤️❤️❤️
This is actually embarrassing to write TWO YEARS later but I’m so sorry I didn’t see this comment! Thank you so so much ❤️❤️ I hope things worked out ok!!!
I applied 4/5 times over the course of at least 10years. One year I got 3 interviews , all really intensive,day long affairs & got offered a reserve place only. The next year I got only one interview offer but managed to finally get on finally at the age of 35. It was a Rocky old ride but worth it in the end. But it’s so hard when there’s no guarantees. I really felt like it was the only career I really wanted though so I felt I had to see it through. I feel for all the other people going through this exceptionally difficult process. It’s hard to engage with sometimes because it does bring back so many difficult feelings for me. And I still feel that imposter syndrome all the time &, to some extent, the fear that it could still all be taken away from me if I don’t meet requirements- which has been particularly difficult with children in a pandemic! I wish you all the best going forward.
Thanks so much for your comment. I'm really pleased you got there! It is a tough old road isn't it?! And I absolutely feel the imposter syndrome thing - I'm not sure mine will ever go away. I used to think when I get onto DClin, it'll go away, I know myself better now! It's good to hear success stories though! Thanks :)
Aww Holly, you really helped me so much during my application process and I am still truly grateful till this day. Don’t give up, see it as your too good for them, it will happen, trust me, trust yourself, you will get on and reflect back at this and smile. Xxx
Aw thanks so much! I really appreciate the comment and I'm glad I was able to help! x
Thank you so much for making th is video Holly! It was really helpful to hear your thoughts and reflections on the application process. I have my fingers crossed that you might still get a place this year, but understand that unfortunately that is quite unlikely. I applied for the second time this year and have yet to get any interviews 🙄. I too struggled to get my head around this for a while and went through similar emotions and thoughts that you described, so thank you for articulating them so eloquently. I would be really grateful for some videos on application tips and interested in the mentoring scheme you mentioned!
Hiya - thanks so much! I'm really pleased it was helpful! Fab :) Look out on the Facebook page - facebook.com/clinicalpsychologycommunityuk - and Instagram (@clinicalpsychologycommunityuk) for info on the mentoring stuff in the next few weeks :)
Thanks so much xxx
Love this video. Thank you Holly. I have failed a few times now, but have hope I will get there someday.
Thanks so much! Honestly, it's like a badge - did you even apply for the DClinPsy without some rejection?! We can do this!!! x
Your reflections are amazing! Thank you for sharing, it's really helpful. Have my fingers crossed for you cus you will make an amazing Psychologist. Just from listening to you, I can just see that.
Thanks so much - I really appreciate you taking the time to write!
This is really inspirational. Exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you. x
I'm so pleased! I'm glad it's helpful for people - as I said, most applicants each year are unsuccessful so hopefully this makes sense for some people!! Thank you xxx
Wow! Admirations for your raw honesty and openness.
Thank you so much! x
Thank you so so much for your honesty
Thanks :) These stories must be told!!
I'm late to the party here but I just wanted to say thank you for making this. I applaud your courage!
Welcome!! Thanks so much!
Wow, I wish I had the courage to speak with such transparency about my failures. This video will be helpful for when I get rejected from Masters next year haha
Stay as positive as you can! Everything crossed for you!
And yet......now you're in!!!! |Wahoooooooo!!!
I actually will need to issue some sort of apology hahaha I cannot believe it!!!
Must be other career routes? Mental health nursing? Grad medicine? Saw a guy who got into grad medicine who said clinical psychology was a lost cause it's too competitive and the barriers put in place to people getting in are just ridiculous. Things can only get worse in clinical psychology. The job itself is pretty glorified when in reality the actual reality of the job is not even worth the amount of effort you put in to get there. You have great experience you have a great degree you have a publication but still you do not meet the criteria. If I was you I would focus your energy on getting a alternative route into mental health.
Thanks :) It's definitely something I thought strongly about on my break, but actually, it is the job I want to do over other roles, I just need to put a bit less pressure on it! Thanks :) x
Why DipPsy courses are provided by just nhs only? Why universities can’t run this course like Medical degrees.
Holy, you should have applied for Med instead and do the psychiatrist. It is much better than DipPsy. Don’t waste your time more.
Thanks for your comment :) I don't want to do medicine - I'm too squeamish! As the video says, I'll keep applying and live my life (no time wasted!!)