Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

To benefit patients, carers and wider society through training clinical psychologists who are skilled in evidence-based psychological assessment and intervention, who produce applied research of the highest quality and impact, and who will become leaders within the NHS.

Programme Philosophy & Aims
The programme values the scientist-practitioner model for clinical psychology, first developed here at the Institute of Psychiatry. In all aspects of the programme there is an emphasis on integration of theory, research and practice. This integration is embodied in the way the programme team and clinical academics within the Department of Psychology all provide clinical sessions within the NHS; it is embodied in the many practice placement supervisors who teach on the programme and undertake research; and it is embodied in the way the curriculum is developed and kept up-to-date through partnership with local NHS colleagues with relevant clinical expertise.

The programme takes cognitive-behavioural therapy as its main modality, reflecting both the world-leading expertise within the department and wider Institute, and its strong evidence-base. The programme also has particular strengths in family therapy and mindfulness-based interventions, and in neuropsychology.

Trainees' contributions to their own training and to developing the programme are valued highly and they are expected to take an active, mature and professional approach to becoming a clinical psychologist.

The programme aims in partnership with stakeholders to train clinical psychologists who:

• Embody the scientist-practitioner ideal.
• Are skilled in evidence-based psychological assessment, formulation and therapy.
• Will become leaders within the NHS.
• Conduct high quality applied research to advance psychological knowledge and therapy.
• Are self-reflective and self-aware.
• Use their overarching meta-competencies in a wide range of settings to respond creatively and flexibly to new challenges and to create positive change.
• Take responsibility for meeting all standards of professional proficiency and ethical conduct set out by the Health Professions Council and British Psychological Society.

Most trainees are both full-time paid employees of the National Health Service, and registered students on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at King's College. Trainees are key stakeholders in the programme, helping shape its development and evolution. Trainees are represented on key programme training committees, have meetings with senior programme staff, and chair an annual general meeting for all trainees and programme staff. Trainees are encouraged to use feedback systems to share their views on all aspects of the programme. As well as enhancing the quality of the programme, these experiences also provide opportunities to develop skills in leadership and systemic working.

There are a number of systems in place to support trainees. Before joining the programme each new trainee is contacted by their 'buddy' who is one of the current first year trainees. Hopefully, this initial contact helps to familiarise the trainee with aspects of the programme before s/he actually arrives. All trainees are allocated a personal support tutor - a qualified clinical psychologist available for confidential advice and support. The Student Services Department of King's College London offers counselling, welfare and medical services. Besides these supports. There is also a reciprocal arrangement with a neighbouring clinical psychology programme, whereby any trainee may access confidential support. Reflective practice is a key part of professional development as a clinical psychologist, and a further source of support. It provides an opportunity for trainees to reflect on training and the impact of clinical work. Reflective practice groups run throughout the programme.