Well-being and Clinical Psychology Training: An exploration of clinical psychologist’s learning experiences through clinical training and the impact post-qualification.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Clinical psychologists (CPs) can experience poor well being due to their professional demands (Bettney., 2017). Clinical psychology training programmes must support CPs in developing their ability to manage their well-being (Myers et al., 2012 BPS., 2017); however, to the researcher’s knowledge, no research explores CPs' experiences of learning about well-being through training. Thus, the current study aims to address this gap and explore the impact of this learning post-qualification. Methods: Twelve recently qualified clinical psychologists participated in semi structured interviews exploring their well-being-related learning experiences during training. Transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) to generate key themes. Findings and Discussion: Four key themes were identified across participants’ experiences. These were: implicit messages about well-being, well being is not prioritised, connection maintains well-being and inadequate preparation for post-qualification challenges. Findings highlight the importance of organisational culture and implicit communication in CPs' learning experiences. Clinical Implications: Course providers should carefully attend to what and how messages about well-being are communicated to trainee CPs during training to maximise opportunities to prepare CPs to take a sustainable approach to their well-being. Keywords: Well-being, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychologists, Training, Meaning Making