Applying to DClinPsy 10+ years since last attempt - seeking advice and reassurance on chances?
Hi everyone, I know it's a bit early but I’m looking for some perspective on my chances for the 2027 DClinPsy intake.
My journey has been a bit of a long one: I did my undergrad psychology degree (2.1) in the mid 2000's, followed immediately by an MSc (pass). Following a number of years experience, including AP, support work, and IAPT, I applied 3 times in the early 2010s.
The first year I got an interview (blew it: anxiety got the better of me) and interview reserve list, but the following two years resulted in no interviews. I became quite disheartened by this seeming regression, and decided to step away to focus on a different career path and raising my family.
Fast forward to now: I’ve spent a number of years as a High Intensity therapist and worked my way up to Clinical Lead for an NHS Talking Therapies service. I’ve realized the fire to qualify as a Clinical Psychologist never really went out, and I want to give it one last, serious shot.
However, I have a couple of concerns:
Research Experience: It’s been a long time since my undergrad/masters. In my current role, I act as a PI for research trials within our service, but I don’t have recent "academic" research experience or publications (although will be named when research is published). Is being a PI in a clinical setting viewed as "substantial" enough recent experience?
Academic Reference: I haven't been in formal education for a decade. My course leader for HIT CBT training has agreed to be my academic referee but I'm concerned about the strength of this as my training did not involve any research? Beyond this, I think it's unlikely my degree/MSc supervisor will remember me well enough to comment and my main supervisor has passed away.
Clinical experience: short of a year out of the NHS as an AP and work as a support worker early in my career, my experience is predominantly in IAPT/Talking Therapies. As a Clinical lead, I believe I have plenty to draw on, but am a bit concerned that having specialised limits me.
What are people’s thoughts on my "profile" given the leadership experience but the gap in education and limited range of experience? Any suggestions on what I should focus on between now and the 2027 cycle to bridge these gaps?
Or if anyone would be happy to share their experiences of a winding path to training, I'd love to hear it. I've somehow managed to convince myself that I've had my chance and need to accept that it will never happen.
Thanks in advance!