I'm quite taken aback by how much many young aspiring psychologists seem self-conscious about what age you should be to apply. Whether you are 25 or 40 before getting on to the doctorate, it shouldn't matter. I'm 35, worked in various NHS mental health services as a support worker since 2008 (the last 2.5 years as an Assistant Psychologist) and now I'm ready to apply. I don't feel too old at all and I was not ready at 25 for it. It is not a race. No doubt most of us will have to navigate many barriers along the route to becoming a CP so I suggest focussing on more important concerns such as reflecting on your experience, what its taught you, and why you want to be a CP (nonetheless, what you would do if you wasn't going to be a psychologist? And how long and far are you willing to go to get on training?). It's important to know what you're willing to compromise/sacrifice in order to pursue the doctorate AND, essentially, what you are not willing to give up. As privileged and desirable a career as a CP is to me, I would not be willing to sacrifice my relationships to the people in my life i love, risk poverty or miss out on other important life decisions (eg. Have kids, buy a house) just for a job. A job is one aspect of a person's life and doesn't define who you are. I also believe that there are many other ways compassionate, caring and intelligent people can contribute to the world other than just as CP. Personally, I find this perspective helpful. Try not to compare yourself to others and think wisely people. Good luck.
Great comment above - I can relate to not feeling ready at the age of 25..... and then certain life events took over, so I wasn't focused (able to focus) again until my late 30's. I'm 45 now and have just started as a Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologist - it's fantastic that there is now a further option for aspiring psychologists. I found Saba's story about her mother's journey into CP really helpful. Can I also add, having only just found this channel yesterday evening...I've already watched several video's, have found it hugely interesting and inspiring, and I can't wait to watch more.
Wow Aika, your energy is so contagious 😅🤗 - I just found your channel and I’m addicted! Such a beautiful, eloquent and intelligent young lady! Keep it up 😉
I was a support worker for 5 years, working a range of needs; emotional & behavioural, Neurodiversity & acute MH. I can heavily relate to the bad practice seen in MH hospitals, especially as a MSc student. I was in 1 hospital for what.. 6 months max, before I ended up walking. I now work as a well-being practitioner for a digital mental health service. I’m almost 28, & I don’t think I am ready for a doctorate. Some may say I am late to the game, but what it truly comes down to knowing when the time is right despite your age. Everybody is different. For me, I want to make sure that when.. even if a doctorate happens, that I can 100% focus & commit
Please continue doing more videos like this! There really helpful...especially during lockdown. Being able to hear from others working and studying in the industry. :)
Thank you so much for this vdieo! you guys are so cute! I still have so much doubt about WHY I am doing Msc second time, what I will do later. And I think the age is not so important in this point. Because I am 29 and I am still figuring out many things about myself and my life. It is never "too late" for starting a new journey. When I came in UK, i was 26 and it was my first experience staying away from family and living a new country. I learned many things.. still learning. I don't know what my new step will bring but i know i am not alone, and everyone in here is not alone. ❤️😍
I loved this video. So real and candid. Thank you. I've just started my career path to DClinPsy at Buckingham University on the undergraduate psychology programme at the age of 41... I'll be following your path
This was so fun and relatable!! As someone who moved here when I was 10 and is from a south Asian background (Pakistani) like Saba, I initially struggled when I decided to go down the Psychology route coz it seemed like I “failed” because I couldn’t be a ‘traditional’ doctor, lawyer or engineer. Having to overcome that was SUCH a challenge but glad I stuck through it! Now all that’s left is to make the field more diverse, shouldn’t be too hard eh 🤣🤷🏽♂️
could you please do a video on direct vs indirect work (like does working with parents count as indirect or is it only ohter MDT staff) and how to reflect about indirect work. Thanks love your videos
Hey! I'd love if you could do a video / instagram post on the differences between the DClinPsych and DCounsPsych courses. I'm finding it quite difficult to distinguish between the two in terms of theory, job prospects, earning potential etc. Thank you!
Really helpful, thank you! The only thing I would say is that people with lived experience (or any disability and/ or neurodiversity) are often UNUSUALLY tuned in to how it feels to be a client and have experience of noticing and managing how we react to things. I am terrified of showing any emotion at work in case people think I'm too ill to be there- other people can say when they are having a bad day without fearing repercussion or scrutiny. Anyone (irrespective of whether they have been unwell) is capable of the bad type of transference. I think it's really important not to convey the implicit or explicit message that those with lived experience are likely to do this more. Basically, we ALL need to take responsibility for looking after ourselves/ each other at work- PEACE!
I'm really scared that after I finish high school I might not get into a very good university or college to study psychology especially bec I live I'm south Africa. And wat if I stuy psychology and never get a job either will that all be for waste. I wanna be a pediatric psychologist and idk I'm just so passionate about it but the odds are too much💀any advice
Heeey guys ❤️ I just applied to university for my undergrad in psychology. And big thanks to you ! I took gap year because I didn’t know which way I should go and what would fulfill my life, then I stumbled upon your channel and the rest is history. I want to become clinical psychologist like you ❤️
I'm just so appreciative and thankful to you for providing such an amazing and helpful content. Its so refreshing to see new and diverse perspectives on the psy journey. Loved every bit of this and definitely want more!
Absolutely loved this video!! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I have graduated from my Master's in August and after many many job applications have finally been offered a support worker role to work with individuals living with Autism, which I'm so excited about. I can't wait to get more experience and apply my theory and skills to the practical world. I look forward to more videos🥰
Hey, this video was great fun and a lot of interesting points were discussed. My admiration for Saba's mum as well for getting into Clinical Psychology while being a housewife/mum. What age is the oldest person on the course? I am 37 now and thinking about getting into that career hopefully in the next few years. Thanks
Hi Saba. I hope I heard your name correctly. Well done for getting through. I just wanted to ask as a work coach I deal with the clinical population but helping them back into work. I have an issue with getting my clinical supervisor reference - we have a work psychologist I work with. If I asked them for a reference would that count?
Really interesting video! Thanks Saba for sharing your story and thoughts, really helpful 😊 Thanks Aika for the time and effort you devote to this channel 🙌🏼
This video was such a lovely one to watch this time of year when clinical applications are a source of stress. Hearing you both reflect on your inpatient services experience really helped as i am having these thoughts myself currently. It would be great to see more videos with the two of you :)
I'm quite taken aback by how much many young aspiring psychologists seem self-conscious about what age you should be to apply. Whether you are 25 or 40 before getting on to the doctorate, it shouldn't matter.
I'm 35, worked in various NHS mental health services as a support worker since 2008 (the last 2.5 years as an Assistant Psychologist) and now I'm ready to apply. I don't feel too old at all and I was not ready at 25 for it. It is not a race. No doubt most of us will have to navigate many barriers along the route to becoming a CP so I suggest focussing on more important concerns such as reflecting on your experience, what its taught you, and why you want to be a CP (nonetheless, what you would do if you wasn't going to be a psychologist? And how long and far are you willing to go to get on training?). It's important to know what you're willing to compromise/sacrifice in order to pursue the doctorate AND, essentially, what you are not willing to give up.
As privileged and desirable a career as a CP is to me, I would not be willing to sacrifice my relationships to the people in my life i love, risk poverty or miss out on other important life decisions (eg. Have kids, buy a house) just for a job. A job is one aspect of a person's life and doesn't define who you are. I also believe that there are many other ways compassionate, caring and intelligent people can contribute to the world other than just as CP. Personally, I find this perspective helpful. Try not to compare yourself to others and think wisely people. Good luck.
Very well put - thank you for sharing 👏🏻
Great comment above - I can relate to not feeling ready at the age of 25..... and then certain life events took over, so I wasn't focused (able to focus) again until my late 30's. I'm 45 now and have just started as a Trainee Clinical Associate Psychologist - it's fantastic that there is now a further option for aspiring psychologists. I found Saba's story about her mother's journey into CP really helpful. Can I also add, having only just found this channel yesterday evening...I've already watched several video's, have found it hugely interesting and inspiring, and I can't wait to watch more.
Wow Aika, your energy is so contagious 😅🤗 - I just found your channel and I’m addicted! Such a beautiful, eloquent and intelligent young lady! Keep it up 😉
I was a support worker for 5 years, working a range of needs; emotional & behavioural, Neurodiversity & acute MH. I can heavily relate to the bad practice seen in MH hospitals, especially as a MSc student. I was in 1 hospital for what.. 6 months max, before I ended up walking. I now work as a well-being practitioner for a digital mental health service. I’m almost 28, & I don’t think I am ready for a doctorate. Some may say I am late to the game, but what it truly comes down to knowing when the time is right despite your age. Everybody is different. For me, I want to make sure that when.. even if a doctorate happens, that I can 100% focus & commit
Thanks for sharing, Jason! Best of luck with your journey.
@@TheOxfordPsych thank you! 😊
I started my BS hons in psychology i'm in my 2 semester I'm really inspired by you love your videos so much ❤💯✌🏻
Please continue doing more videos like this! There really helpful...especially during lockdown. Being able to hear from others working and studying in the industry. :)
💓💓💓
Thank you so much for this vdieo! you guys are so cute! I still have so much doubt about WHY I am doing Msc second time, what I will do later. And I think the age is not so important in this point. Because I am 29 and I am still figuring out many things about myself and my life. It is never "too late" for starting a new journey. When I came in UK, i was 26 and it was my first experience staying away from family and living a new country. I learned many things.. still learning. I don't know what my new step will bring but i know i am not alone, and everyone in here is not alone. ❤️😍
Thank you for sharing and u got this! 🥰
This video was so helpful! You’ve answered so many questions I’ve had over the years. AMAZING
loved this!!! would love another video like this!
I loved this video. So real and candid. Thank you. I've just started my career path to DClinPsy at Buckingham University on the undergraduate psychology programme at the age of 41... I'll be following your path
Best of luck!!
Can i have your whatsapp no
Scottish accent?
Oh not not another scottish accent comment xD
This was so fun and relatable!! As someone who moved here when I was 10 and is from a south Asian background (Pakistani) like Saba, I initially struggled when I decided to go down the Psychology route coz it seemed like I “failed” because I couldn’t be a ‘traditional’ doctor, lawyer or engineer. Having to overcome that was SUCH a challenge but glad I stuck through it!
Now all that’s left is to make the field more diverse, shouldn’t be too hard eh 🤣🤷🏽♂️
Happy for you! Yes, thats the plan :)
as somone from south Asain background and changing career I was able to relate the Saba experience. thank you for this video so helpful :)
Glad to hear that :)
Vance MCCOY. That is you Target.
It was extremly interesting to have another perspective on all of these questions. :)
could you please do a video on direct vs indirect work (like does working with parents count as indirect or is it only ohter MDT staff) and how to reflect about indirect work. Thanks love your videos
Not sure this would be enough for a video! Perhaps I will address it one day on instagram
Hey! I'd love if you could do a video / instagram post on the differences between the DClinPsych and DCounsPsych courses. I'm finding it quite difficult to distinguish between the two in terms of theory, job prospects, earning potential etc. Thank you!
Think there’s a great video on this by GetPsyched (trainee counselling psych on TH-cam)
Really helpful, thank you! The only thing I would say is that people with lived experience (or any disability and/ or neurodiversity) are often UNUSUALLY tuned in to how it feels to be a client and have experience of noticing and managing how we react to things. I am terrified of showing any emotion at work in case people think I'm too ill to be there- other people can say when they are having a bad day without fearing repercussion or scrutiny. Anyone (irrespective of whether they have been unwell) is capable of the bad type of transference. I think it's really important not to convey the implicit or explicit message that those with lived experience are likely to do this more. Basically, we ALL need to take responsibility for looking after ourselves/ each other at work- PEACE!
That’s an amazing point Marianna - thank you!!!
I'm really scared that after I finish high school I might not get into a very good university or college to study psychology especially bec I live I'm south Africa. And wat if I stuy psychology and never get a job either will that all be for waste. I wanna be a pediatric psychologist and idk I'm just so passionate about it but the odds are too much💀any advice
Loving the content Aika!
Totally unrelated, but I love your choker necklace - where’s it from? x
Heeey guys ❤️ I just applied to university for my undergrad in psychology. And big thanks to you ! I took gap year because I didn’t know which way I should go and what would fulfill my life, then I stumbled upon your channel and the rest is history. I want to become clinical psychologist like you ❤️
I'm just so appreciative and thankful to you for providing such an amazing and helpful content. Its so refreshing to see new and diverse perspectives on the psy journey. Loved every bit of this and definitely want more!
Absolutely loved this video!! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I have graduated from my Master's in August and after many many job applications have finally been offered a support worker role to work with individuals living with Autism, which I'm so excited about. I can't wait to get more experience and apply my theory and skills to the practical world. I look forward to more videos🥰
Thank you!! And best of luck x
Hey, this video was great fun and a lot of interesting points were discussed. My admiration for Saba's mum as well for getting into Clinical Psychology while being a housewife/mum. What age is the oldest person on the course? I am 37 now and thinking about getting into that career hopefully in the next few years. Thanks
39 ish is the oldest I believe!
Hi Saba. I hope I heard your name correctly. Well done for getting through. I just wanted to ask as a work coach I deal with the clinical population but helping them back into work. I have an issue with getting my clinical supervisor reference - we have a work psychologist I work with. If I asked them for a reference would that count?
Saba says yeah, should do! Ask the work psychologist!
🥰 Finally watched this! Thank you guys I'll be excited for the next one!
Also hope you're both managing okay right now ✨
Aww thanks! Think we're managing ok (so far). Hope you are well too¬
Really interesting video! Thanks Saba for sharing your story and thoughts, really helpful 😊 Thanks Aika for the time and effort you devote to this channel 🙌🏼
Aw thanks!!
Loved the video thank you ! Maybe this could become a series ? X
Yay!! Hopefully 🙏
You two are amazing! Let me be your flatmate too! 😁
This video was such a lovely one to watch this time of year when clinical applications are a source of stress. Hearing you both reflect on your inpatient services experience really helped as i am having these thoughts myself currently. It would be great to see more videos with the two of you :)