Exploring Identity Factors in Pursuing a DClinPsy Degree

Exploring Identity Factors in Pursuing a DClinPsy Degree

In the realm of clinical psychology, efforts are being made to promote diversity and support underrepresented groups. This drive for inclusivity is seen in various initiatives and policies across academic institutions, professional organisations, and grassroots movements.

At the University of Plymouth, the Breaking Through mentoring scheme is designed to support psychology students from racially minoritized backgrounds entering clinical psychology. Similarly, the University of East Anglia's BRAVE program aims to foster mentorship, role modelling, and representation for BAME clinical psychology applicants.

Academic institutions are also promoting diversity through structural policies. For instance, the University of Exeter has senior leadership roles with EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) responsibility, diverse management teams, committees focused on inclusion, and innovations such as decolonizing the curriculum and hosting EDI speaker series.

Financial support is another key aspect of these initiatives. The Rosemead School of Psychology in Los Angeles received a $2.4 million grant to fund the Culturally Competent Connections Program, which supports doctoral students through specialized training in culturally responsive care.

Outreach efforts are also crucial. At the University of Surrey, clinical psychology trainees conduct community outreach, such as school talks, to inspire and support young people from marginalized backgrounds to enter the field.

Professional organizations are also playing their part. The British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Association of Clinical Psychologists UK are holding conferences and publishing guidance on inclusion. They are also organizing events like webinars and roundtable discussions highlighting best practices in culturally competent psychotherapy.

However, trainees from minority or marginalized backgrounds can still experience a sense of being an outsider due to the majority culture being white, female, straight, middle-class, and able-bodied. Some trainees report challenges such as inadequate accommodations for individuals with disabilities or learning needs.

To address these issues, some training courses have set up peer networks, alum mentorship, and additional tutoring for students who may be struggling during training. Additionally, grassroots groups like the Black People in Psychiatry & Psychology Network, LGBTQ+ practitioner groups, and disability advocacy groups within psychology have been formed to provide mutual support and lobby for change.

Being open about one's identity can also become a source of strength and solidarity for trainees, who have formed peer support networks and affinity groups to share experiences and coping strategies.

In 2020, Health Education England (HEE) introduced an Equity and Inclusion plan that provided funding to every DClinPsy training course with specific requirements, including employing an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead and running a mentoring scheme for ethnic minority applicants.

Programs are slowly improving in fostering an environment where "bringing your whole self" is welcomed, but as of now, this greatly depends on the specific course and individuals involved.

One such initiative is the mentorship program for aspiring clinical psychologists with disabilities who are planning to apply to Newcastle's DClinPsy in 2024 or 2025. This program, like many others, aims to provide the necessary support to ensure a more inclusive and diverse future for clinical psychology.

References: 1. Culturally Competent Connections Program 2. Community Outreach by Clinical Psychology Trainees at the University of Surrey 3. Promoting Diversity at the University of Exeter 4. AEDP Institute's Diversity Scholarship Program 5. Best Practices in Culturally Competent Psychotherapy

1. Clinical psychology is actively working to advance diversity and inclusion, particularly in underrepresented groups.
2. The University of Plymouth's Breaking Through mentoring scheme supports psychology students from racially minoritized backgrounds entering clinical psychology.
3. The University of East Anglia's BRAVE program focuses on mentorship, role modeling, and representation for BAME clinical psychology applicants.
4. Universities are implementing structural policies to promote diversity, such as senior EDI roles, diverse management teams, and inclusive committees.
5. Financial support is essential for these inclusivity initiatives, with grants like the $2.4 million for the Culturally Competent Connections Program at the Rosemead School of Psychology.
6. Outreach efforts, like community talks by clinical psychology trainees, inspire and support young people from marginalized backgrounds.
7. Professional organizations, such as the British Psychological Society and the Association of Clinical Psychologists UK, publish guidance on inclusion and host events on best practices in culturally competent psychotherapy.
8. Trainees from minority or marginalized backgrounds may still face challenges due to a majority culture that is predominantly white, straight, etc.
9. Training courses have implemented peer networks, alum mentorship, and additional tutoring to support students facing struggles during training.
10. Grassroots groups like the Black People in Psychiatry & Psychology Network, LGBTQ+ practitioner groups, and disability advocacy groups within psychology provide mutual support and lobby for change.
11. Sharing experiences and coping strategies within peer support networks and affinity groups can boost trainees' sense of strength and solidarity.
12. Programs like the mentorship program for aspiring clinical psychologists with disabilities at Newcastle's DClinPsy, aim to create a more inclusive and diverse future for clinical psychology, with initiatives like the Equity and Inclusion plan by Health Education England.

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