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Clinical psychologists work with people of all ages on a wide range of psychological difficulties in mental and physical health.
This can include anxiety, pain management, depression, psychosis, personality disorder, eating disorders, addictions, learning disabilities and family or relationship issues.
Psychology is the study of how people think and behave – a combination of science and practice. Using direct observation, interviews and techniques such as psychometric testing, you’ll make an assessment of a patient’s problem. Psychological intervention requires shared decision making with the service user, and often carers and family members.
You will work in partnership with service users to design and implement interventions to overcome their condition or improve their quality of life. This will usually take place over a series of individual, couple, family or group sessions. Clinical psychologists deliver psychological therapy but also use their scientist-practitioner training to address psychological issues by training practitioners, supervising staff, undertaking research or clinically leading teams.
Clinical psychologists are trained to work with individuals, families and groups of different ages experiencing psychological distress or behavioural problems which disrupt their everyday functioning and wellbeing. They aim to reduce distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being, minimise exclusion and inequalities and enable service users to engage in meaningful relationships and valued work and leisure activities.
As a clinical psychologist, you will draw on your scientific knowledge to bring about positive change. Clinical psychologists are trained in cognitive behavioural therapy as well as at least one other major psychotherapeutic approach. You will provide individual therapy, and work with couples or families, as well as teams and services. You will also provide supervision and support to other professionals and teams and develop services and carry out research.
