In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore the realities of life after qualifying as a clinical psychologist. I’m joined by trainee clinical psychologist Taniya Wellmillage, and together we discuss job uncertainty, unemployment after qualification, fixed-term contracts, stigma, and the emotional impact of moving from trainee security into an unpredictable job market. I share my own experience of signing on after qualifying, and we explore NHS versus private practice, moral injury, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to appear successful. This episode is essential listening for trainee and newly qualified clinical psychologists, and for anyone wanting an honest, compassionate insight into post-DClinPsy life.

Timestamps

1. 00:00 – The myth that qualification guarantees a job
2. 01:41 – The bittersweet reality of finishing training
3. 03:18 – Being unemployed and signing on after qualifying
4. 04:42 – Stigma, shame, and fear around not having work
5. 05:31 – Fixed-term contracts and the shock of losing security
6. 06:14 – Course expansion, funding, and job availability
7. 07:23 – The false promise of the training “ladder”
8. 08:06 – Competing roles and widening applicant pools
9. 09:09 – Part-time posts and juggling multiple jobs
10. 10:25 – Private practice as necessity, not choice
11. 11:38 – Anxiety about going independent too soon
12. 12:10 – First qualified posts and clinical responsibility
13. 14:09 – Why support matters after qualification
14. 21:03 – Reclaiming identity, interests, and values post-training

Links:

📲 Connect with Taniya Wellmillage here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniya-w-8a010a169/

🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support

📚 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.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here:

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore the realities of clinical psychology training beyond getting onto the course. I’m joined by final-year trainee clinical psychologist Taniya Welmillage, and together we discuss placements, supervision, competency pressure, imposter syndrome, wellbeing, leadership, and how life continues alongside training. We explore constant moving, team cultures, long commutes, therapy for trainees, and how trainees decide what is non-negotiable for their mental health. This episode is ideal for aspiring psychologists, trainee clinical psychologists, and anyone wanting a realistic, compassionate insight into training.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 – Why getting onto training isn’t the whole story
2. 01:25 – Constant change, placements, and adjustment fatigue
3. 03:16 – Being called “the trainee” vs being seen as a person
4. 04:39 – Team cultures, safety, and belonging
5. 06:14 – Buildings, resources, and how environments shape experience
6. 08:53 – Juggling competencies, learning, and performance pressure
7. 10:05 – Authenticity vs ticking boxes on placement
8. 11:46 – Relocation, commuting, and the hidden toll of training
9. 14:10 – Flexi working, boundaries, and protecting wellbeing
10. 15:52 – The importance of trainee friendships and support
11. 18:33 – Life milestones during training
12. 20:51 – Reducing the “shoulds” and living your life alongside training
13. 26:38 – Therapy for trainees: is it useful and accessible?
14. 31:07 – Absorbing what’s useful and becoming your own psychologist

Links:

📲 Connect with Taniya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniya-w-8a010a169/

🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support

📚 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.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses

✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now:

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore why LinkedIn matters for psychologists, even if social media feels uncomfortable or intimidating. I’m joined by Shirin Yazdian, and together we discuss visibility, authenticity, neurodiversity, advocacy, and the fear of getting things wrong online. We explore how LinkedIn can support aspiring and early-career psychologists through networking, learning, conferences, volunteering, Master’s applications, and professional development, while also addressing boundaries, professionalism, and digital footprints. This episode is ideal for aspiring psychologists, psychology students, early-career clinicians, and anyone curious about using LinkedIn in a way that feels safe, ethical, and genuinely human.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 – Why many psychologists avoid LinkedIn and why that might be a mistake
2. 01:05 – Early assumptions about LinkedIn and what changed
3. 01:42 – Humanising LinkedIn: being yourself first, professional second
4. 03:28 – Getting past the “cringe” of first posts and fear of visibility
5. 04:30 – Why LinkedIn can feel safer than other social platforms
6. 05:59 – Turning online connections into real-world opportunities
7. 08:17 – Providing value through curiosity, comments, and sharing resources
8. 09:14 – Finding courses, talks, and opportunities via LinkedIn
9. 11:19 – TEDx opportunities, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt
10. 13:38 – Practical tips for optimising your LinkedIn profile
11. 15:26 – Advocacy, values, and building a personal brand
12. 17:14 – Neurodiversity, authenticity, and choosing aligned workplaces
13. 21:44 – Being a person first, psychologist second
14. 26:50 – Final reflections and encouragement to engage

Links:

📲 Connect with Shirin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-yazdian-neurodivergent-speaker/

🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support

📚 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.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses...