What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Psychology is the study of the human psyche and of human functioning more broadly. Psychologists study all forms of intrapersonal and behavioural processes as well as interpersonal processes and how our functioning is shaped by groups and social factors.
A Clinical Psychologist is able to develop and utilise the breadth of psychological research and thinking to make sense of the emergence and maintenance of mental health problems, and to elucidate ways out of these vitality sapping experiences. Clinical Psychologists work in a range of academic and clinical roles. Some Clinical Psychologists work as therapists using talking therapies based on various psychological theories. Clinical Psychologists are not medical doctors and neither diagnose nor prescribe medication.
As far as qualification training is concerned, a Clinical Psychologist will have completed a bachelors degree in psychology, several years postgraduate research or clinical experience followed by a three year professional doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Qualification training thus usually spans an average of eight years after which most psychologists continue post qualification specialisation training. Clinical Psychology training differs from other (usually single approach) therapy trainings in that it provides a comprehensive and multi theoretical grounding across all areas of clinical psychology practice across the lifespan as well as a strong grounding in academic research. Clinical Psychology training thus enables psychologists to work reasonably creatively rather than in manualised formats, which can be particularly useful with more complex difficulties.