University of Dublin Trinity College Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology (D. Clin. Psych.)

Why Choose TCD? Integration of Academic/Clinical/Reflective practice Promotion of active involvement of trainee –Development of own interests Acceptance of different models Partnership with HSE and others

Course Staff Head of School: Dr. Howard Smith Course Director: Dr. Kevin Tierney Lecturers: Dr. Charlotte Wilson Dr. John O’Connor Lecturer in Statistics & Methodology: Dr. David Hevey Director of Clinical Coordination: Sinead Fitzgerald Clinical Co-ordinator: Mary Fell John Davenport Course Administrator: Ann Matthews Course Secretary: Sheila McCormack

Course to-date The course or its predecessors (the BPS Diploma course & the M.Sc in clinical psychology) have been in existence on a continuous basis since The course is responsible for the training of more than 30% of the clinical psychologists in Ireland who hold formal qualifications. Graduates of the course work throughout all of the health boards, the voluntary sector, the prison service, the education sector and university sector.

Course Objectives To train clinical psychologists who will possess the following qualities: –A broad based approach –Ability to work with a wide range of client groups –High quality research skills & ability to apply them to clinical practice. –Good understanding the context in which clinical psychologists operate –Highly developed interpersonal skills –Effective communication skills –Ability to contribute to psychological knowledge –Effective ambassadors for the profession –Cultural sensitivity –Ethical approach to work

Course Structure The course comprises three major components: –Academic training –Research training –Clinical placements Students spend approximately 59% of course time on clinical placement Remainder is divided between the taught academic programme and research activity.

The Training Model Reflective Scientist-Practitioner –Practitioner: Interpersonal skills –Scientist: Evidence based approaches Applying scientific rigour to clinical work Contributing to body of scientific knowledge –Reflective: Personal awareness & learning through structured reflection on practice

Placement 1 Adult Placement 2 Adult Therapeutic Skills and Practice Personal & Professional Development Adult Clinical psychology Advanced Topics in Adult psychology Research Methods & Statistics Placement 3 Child Placement 4 Intellectual Disability Child & Adolescent Clinical psychology Clinical Psychology & Intellectual Disability Placement 5 Lifespan Elective Placement 6 Elective Specialist Topics in Clinical Psychology Psy 821 Thesis Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 PlacementAcademic Research Block Small Scale R

Research Methodology & Statistics Lectures & seminars present students with the relevant knowledge & conceptual background to design, conduct, analyse and report research findings Qualitative and Quantitative methodologies Computer-based exercises provide students with the necessary skills to enter, analyse and interpret data Small Scale Research Project (Year 1) –Service-led research D. Clin Psych Thesis (Year 3) –Literature review –Research dissertation (of publishable quality)

Clinical Placements Child and Adolescent Services Primary Care Community Services Child & Adolescent Mental Health Adult/Older Adult Services Primary Care Community Services Psychiatric Hospitals General Hospitals Intellectual Disability Services Community Services for Children & Adults Residential Services for Children & Adults Specialist Placements Older Adult Clinical Neuropsychology Services for Children with Autism Health Psychology – Child and Adult Forensic Settings Specialist Psychotherapy Settings

Role of Clinical Psychologist Psychological assessment and formulation of individual, system or service problems Treatment using psychologically based techniques Evaluation of the outcomes of clinical intervention Consultation with other health professional to support them in their client work. Teaching and training of (i) psychologists and (ii) other health professionals Research including service evaluation

Role of Clinical Psychologist Contributing to policy development and service planning Participation in the design and implementation of health promotion / prevention strategies Management of services both directly and through participation in supervisory boards / committees Supervision of both psychologists and other health professionals Participation in investigation / inquiry processes Provision of expert opinion for the courts and other quasi-judicial processes

Range of care groups Infants, children and their families with developmental, emotional, intellectual & physical disabilities and problems Adolescents with a wide range of difficulties from adjustment problems to serious mental health difficulties Adults with mental health problems ranging from less complex presentations through to severe and enduring mental health difficulties Families and couples with significant relationship difficulties Adults with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities Older adults and their carers Victims of sexual and other abuse- both child and adult Refugees and asylum seekers Emergency response to people exposed to traumatic events

Minimum Requirements 2.1 PSI accredited psychology degree 6 months relevant post-graduate clinical experience (supervised) Eligibility for employment in EU English Language competency Garda clearance Satisfactory references

Application evaluation 1) Academic Qualifications –Degree grade/classification –Taught PG courses 2) Research Qualifications –Undergraduate research –Research assistant (either whole-time or part-time) –Presentations and publications –Research degree 3) Clinical Experience –Postgraduate experience with relevant client groups in care-giving context –Supervised experience (supervised by a psychologist) –Psychology assistant (supervised by a clinical psychologist) 4) References –Academic –Clinical

Application Evaluation To qualify for next round –Minimum in each of 4 areas –Minimum overall score

Stage II Selection centre Academic tasks –Essay –Research task –Others Group discussion Minimum standard in each task Minimum overall score

Stage III Interview (course team & employers) Clinical knowledge Clinical Suitability Interpersonal qualities Readiness for training

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Why Choose TCD? Integration of Academic/Clinical/Reflective practice Promotion of active involvement of trainee –Development of own interests Acceptance of different models Partnership with HSE and others

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