Working with a trainee psychologist: what you need to know

Now, more than ever, people are seeking psychological support. But finding affordable therapy, or any therapy, is proving difficult following the pandemic because there are so many people needing help and not enough qualified professionals, especially specialists in areas such as eating disorders. 

 Having trainee psychologists is one way we can help with this problem. Trainee counselling and clinical psychologists are people who already have a degree and experience, and are now completing a doctorate in counselling or clinical psychology. This involves intensive teaching and training over three years, including placements where these trainee psychologists can really develop their skills, through the training and supervision of experienced clinical and counselling psychologists. This means that we can skill up the next generation of eating disorder psychologists, but also means that clients can access good quality but more affordable therapy. However, sometimes people can be nervous about seeing a trainee psychologist. 

 We sat down with trainees past and present to think about the benefits of seeing a trainee, and to hear about their experiences of working at The London Centre. 

So what are the benefits of working with a trainee psychologist?

•  Trainee therapists are enthusiastic, passionate and engaged in their work. Although beginning a career in therapy can be nerve-racking, and the training can be long and difficult, many trainees will already have spent many years preparing for the doctorate, studying undergraduate and masters degrees, and engaging in clinical jobs as research or psychology assistants and volunteering. They are enthusiastic about being able to put all their years of education into practice. What's more, as trainees have less experience, they are less likely to base things on past clients to make sense of new clients' difficulties. This means that they will generally be open to divergence and new explanations or understandings, and hold fewer assumptions.

• Trainees generally have smaller caseloads than qualified clinicians, as they need more time for supervision and their studies. For example, as a trainee I tend to have a caseload of up to six clients at the London Centre, whereas a full time clinician will have a much larger caseload. As a result, trainees have significantly more time to plan their sessions and reflect on ways of tailoring their work and the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. A smaller caseload can also mean greater scheduling flexibility, which can be a big advantage for clients. 

• Trainee psychologists are closely supervised by highly experienced clinicians. Supervision is a space where they discuss their client work and work with their supervisor to devise best treatment plans or ways of working. Trainees at the London Centre are very fortunate to have weekly supervision with highly specialised eating disorder psychologists who closely monitor their work. As a result, they learn skills and techniques, and the best ways of applying them. Supervision is also a space for trainees to discuss difficulties they are experiencing within their work, and supervisors help them to work through these, and ensure that clients' well being is prioritised. Therefore, by working with a trainee you can be sure that you are receiving the most up to date, evidence-based, tailored treatment that is approved by a senior clinician. Trainees’ ready access to highly skilled clinicians and their "student" mindset means that they are open to learning, and may be more willing to ask for help with their cases and keen to receive feedback from both supervisors and clients about their work. 

• All counselling psychologists are required to have their own personal therapy throughout most of their training. This helps increase therapists' self-awareness and emotional resilience. Importantly, it also offers a powerful form of experiential learning where trainees experience what it is like to be a client. This helps trainees reflect on themselves, and how their ways of being, difficulties or experiences contribute to the therapeutic encounter. In turn, this has many advantages for clients, as trainees are likely to be acutely aware of the importance of monitoring themselves, and open to feedback and improving their therapeutic stance. 

•  Finally, a big advantage for clients working with trainees is the lower cost.

And for those who might be considering a trainee placement working with eating disorders, what might you expect?

“I began working at TLC in the second year of my counselling psychology doctorate. Having a keen interest in eating disorders and body image concerns, I wanted to gain experience working with these difficulties in a supportive setting. TLC was an ideal place to learn and develop, particularly because I was working alongside highly specialised clinicians and received very frequent and supportive supervision. Being part of this community has really nurtured my passion for working in this particular field, as I have been inspired by such dedicated and skilled professionals. I really feel like I have learned from the best! TLC takes pride in offering evidence based treatment to clients, but they also hold a core client centred ethic. There is an acknowledgment that different therapeutic approaches suit different people at different times. This really aligns with my values as a practitioner, and as a result at TLC I have been able to develop a flexible, client-centred approach, prioritising the therapeutic relationship and clients' individual needs above all.”

“Working as a Trainee Psychologist at TLC, has provided me with a broad range of learning opportunities within a specialized area of mental health. The service has excellent resources and materials that have contributed immensely to my learning and development, and most importantly, in my work with clients. As many of my fellow trainees are able to understand, the role of a trainee is not the most straightforward process. With numerous deadlines, amongst other commitments, the journey can be one that is challenging to say the least. My time with TLC has been an immensely positive one and has complimented my academic learning in the following ways

·  Excellent support and opportunities to ask questions during supervision

·  User friendly guides and resources for trainees and clients

·  Flexibility

·  Welcoming and knowledgeable team

·  Privilege of working with a range of clients suitable for trainees. 

Having extended my placement with the service, I look forward to continuing my learning with TLC."

If you are interested in working with a trainee counselling psychologist, you can read more about all our clinicians, including our trainees, here.

And if you are keen to have a placement at The London Centre, we will be offering more placements next year.