Spotlight on Clinical Psychology

Dr. Don Stewart

Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor

University of Manitoba Counselling Service

One of the things that most attracted me to the field of psychology was the range of experiences that the field has to offer. Not only are there many different branches of psychology (e.g; clinical, counselling, school, industrial-organizational, experimental), there is tremendous diversity within each branch. My area of expertise -- clinical psychology -- has many different facets, including assessment, treatment, consultation, research, and teaching/training. This means that, on any given day, I am called upon to fulfill a variety of roles. Typically I will have four or five psychotherapy sessions each day, along with case consultations, diagnostic interviews, supervision of psychology interns, and some administrative duties such as committee or staff meetings. At certain times of the year I devote energy to psychological research in my areas of interest.

Because of these diverse demands, extensive and rigorous academic and practical training is required for entry into the profession. To be registered as a clinical psychologist in Manitoba (and most other provinces and U.S. states), one must have a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from a recognized educational institution, complete several hundred hours of supervised clinical experience, write comprehensive registration exams, pass an oral registration exam, and have one to two years of full-time supervised post-doctoral experience as a clinician. Typically it will take six to ten years of post-graduate and postdoctoral training to qualify for registration. Combined with a four-year undergraduate program, then, it takes most students a total of 10 to 14 years to become a full-fledged clinical psychologist.

The daily activities of clinical psychologists are varied and usually rewarding, but there can be a high level of stress associated with the position. Good organizational and time management skills, good interpersonal skills, resourcefulness, resiliency, and an ability to "think on your feet" are basic requirements. Interest in helping others, solving problems, and contributing to society are other prerequisites.

If you are interested in a career in this area, planning should begin very early in your academic program. An honours degree in psychology is the usual requirement for admission to graduate clinical psychology programs, along with a graduate school admission test (GRE) and letters of recommendation. Admission to graduate programs is very competitive, so excellent GPAs are required, and successful applicants usually have volunteer experience as a research assistant or community worker to supplement their academic accomplishments.

Whether you decide clinical psychology is worth the time and effort it takes is an individual decision based on your interests, resources, and ability to delay gratification.

Should you decide to pursue this career, however, you will be entering an exciting profession at the forefront of mental health services and research.

For further information on careers in psychology, drop by the Counselling Service.

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