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The Aspiring Psychologist PodcastTips and Techniques to help you get on track for your career in psychology Author: Dr Marianne Trent
Essential listening for psychology students, trainees, and early-career professionals who want to build confidence, gain insight, and thrive in their psychology journey. If you're striving to become a Clinical, Counselling, Forensic, Health, Educational, or Occupational Psychologist - or youre already qualified and looking for guidance in novel areas - this podcast is for you! Im Dr. Marianne Trent, a qualified Clinical Psychologist, author, and creator of The Aspiring Psychologist Membership. When I was working towards my career goals, I longed for insider knowledge, clarity, and reassurance - so I created the podcast I wish Id had. Every week, I bring you honest, actionable insights through a mix of solo episodes and expert interviews, covering the topics that matter most: Building the right experience to stand out in applications Navigating challenges like imposter syndrome and burnout Developing clinical skills and understanding different psychology roles Applying for training courses and succeeding in interviews Exploring real stories from psychologists at different career stages This isnt just a podcast - its a support system for anyone pursuing a career in psychology. Subscribe now and start making your psychology career ambitions a reality. Explore my books, membership, and more: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Is It Too Late to Become a Clinical Psychologist? Retraining at 40+ Explained
Episode 229
Thursday, 23 April, 2026
Is it too late to become a clinical psychologist?In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I’m joined by trainee clinical psychologist Claire Dunn, who started her journey at 40 and secured a place on the doctorate at 47.Together, we break down what retraining in psychology actually looks like practically, emotionally, and strategically. Using real-life style examples of older applicants navigating career change, family life, and self-doubt.We explore pathways into clinical psychology, including conversion courses, assistant psychologist roles, NHS experience, and how to stay competitive when you feel “behind”.If you’re an aspiring psychologist wondering whether you’ve left it too late - this episode offers a grounded, honest roadmap.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Is it too late to retrain in psychology?01:13 Claire’s journey to training at 4702:23 Case study: Sarah (career change from teaching)04:30 Transferable skills and real-world experience05:41 How much do you need to want this?06:39 Studying later in life (Open University + flexibility)08:56 Balancing study, work and parenting10:35 When is the “right” time to retrain?12:20 Should you focus on study or experience first?14:32 Testing whether psychology is right for you15:25 Making the most of academic support16:19 Case study: Mark (NHS admin to psychology)18:10 Feeling “behind” and imposter syndrome19:05 Does a 2:2 limit your chances?20:31 Strengthening applications with a master’s21:51 Assistant psychologist vs further study23:02 Why academic references matter24:06 Staying connected with referees25:27 Avoiding generic references26:35 Gaining relevant clinical experience28:21 Alternative pathways (CAP / PWP roles)30:18 Is it really too late? Final thoughtsLinks:📲 Connect with Claire Dunn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-dunn-037480244/🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-coursesAsk Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page)✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing
