Reflections on Training as a Clinical Psychologist: A Working Parent’s Perspective

Hello! I’m Bekky, a Clinical Psychologist working in an older adult inpatient service across both dementia and functional mental health wards. I wanted to share my story because I know how daunting it can feel to pursue clinical psychology training while navigating parenthood. When I was applying, I received plenty of discouraging feedback – so I hope that by sharing my experience, other working parents might feel more confident that this path is possible, meaningful, and deeply rewarding.

My Path Into Clinical Psychology

I always knew I wanted to work in a job where I could support people. While studying, I worked as a Healthcare Assistant, and this sparked my passion for mental health. Over time, I became increasingly interested in understanding why someone might be experiencing difficulties, and how psychological approaches could help improve their quality of life.

My route into training wasn’t exactly traditional. I interviewed for my place on the doctorate while heavily pregnant with my first child. I received a lot of unhelpful feedback – people telling me not to interview, suggesting I wouldn’t manage. Despite that, I was offered a place and given the option to defer so I could spend my maternity leave with my baby before starting the course.

Completing my training with a young child was certainly an experience, but not one that I regret at all. I think more parents should be encouraged to apply and not be put off. Being a parent on training gives you a different experience. For example, being a parent helped me maintain a manageable work-life balance. I knew my baby needed me and this really helped me prioritise what was important in the moment, a skill I feel I’ve carried with me into qualified practice.

Please don’t be put off from applying to the doctorate if you are a parent – it is absolutely manageable and you will get there!

Why Older Adults?

I always knew that I wanted to work systemically. I enjoy working with the different teams and people around a person. However, I didn't think I would work in older adults when I first started out. I was lucky enough to have a placement in my final year of training which secured the deal for me, and I haven’t looked back!

I love the variety of the work. My role changes from day to day, so no two days are ever the same. I get to work with teams, families, and individuals, and I really value being able to make a difference to someone’s quality of life, whatever that may look like for them.

What My Role Looks Like Now

Team Working

A large part of my role involves attending MDT meetings and best‑interest meetings for individuals that our Psychology team supports. Much of my work is carried out in consultation with the ward team.

For example, when supporting someone with advanced dementia, I help the team understand the person’s behaviour by offering team formulation and reflective sessions. A key part of this involves developing Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans.

To create these plans, I gather information from:

• ward staff and their day‑to‑day experiences
• direct observations on the ward
• feedback from families

I use this to complete a functional analysis of behaviour and then work with staff to ensure the plan is practical, effective, and genuinely usable. When patients are ready for discharge, I liaise with care homes so they can continue using the plan to support the person in the next stage of their care.

Individual Work

I offer assessments and psychological interventions to patients who may benefit from them. However, not everyone is ready for formal work right away, and I value being able to spend time building rapport and trust. Sometimes simply sitting with someone, showing up regularly, and offering presence can be just as meaningful as structured intervention.

Family Work

I also support carers of people admitted to our ward. This might involve conversations by phone or when they visit the ward. I can offer individual support to carers who are struggling with what is happening to their loved one.

We also run a monthly carers' group, open to anyone with a relative admitted to our service. It provides a space for connection, support, and shared understanding – something many carers value enormously.

Final Reflections

Being a parent on the clinical psychology doctorate brought challenges, but it also gave me strengths I didn’t anticipate. It helped me hold boundaries, maintain perspective, and remember what really matters. If you’re a parent thinking about applying, I want you to know:

You can absolutely do this. Training is achievable, meaningful, and compatible with family life.