Practical Psychology: For Clinical Psychologists

This book began out of a desire to see newly qualified clinicians and psychologists in training, finding approaches to therapy that, perhaps, they have not had the opportunity to engage with within their training. Although training programs for Clinical Psychologists within the United Kingdom are held in high esteem it is my experience that face to face work with clients is, to a large degree, led by the experience and methodologies employed by supervising clinicians. Psychology training around the world differs not only from country to country but often from city to city. This has been found to be especially true in Australia where I began my clinical career.

When a psychologist bases his or her clinical approach on their supervisor's work this has the potential to not only bring about incredible growth, but also, to stunt the clinician's professional growth, and thus, hinder the healing process of their clients. Also, one of the key issues that should be recognised by newly qualified clinicians and clinicians in training; is the need for therapeutic relationship building skills, that are second to none. As part of these relationship building skills it is imperative that the clinician can very quickly, read their client, in order that they may adjust the therapeutic approach(s) used, and thereby, not lose the client's trust.