The Realities of Clinical Psychology Training (What Trainees Don’t Always Hear)

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore the realities of clinical psychology training beyond getting onto the course. I’m joined by final-year trainee clinical psychologist Taniya Welmillage, and together we discuss placements, supervision, competency pressure, imposter syndrome, wellbeing, leadership, and how life continues alongside training. We explore constant moving, team cultures, long commutes, therapy for trainees, and how trainees decide what is non-negotiable for their mental health. This episode is ideal for aspiring psychologists, trainee clinical psychologists, and anyone wanting a realistic, compassionate insight into training. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why getting onto training isn’t the whole story 01:25 – Constant change, placements, and adjustment fatigue 03:16 – Being called “the trainee” vs being seen as a person 04:39 – Team cultures, safety, and belonging 06:14 – Buildings, resources, and how environments shape experience 08:53 – Juggling competencies, learning, and performance pressure 10:05 – Authenticity vs ticking boxes on placement 11:46 – Relocation, commuting, and the hidden toll of training 14:10 – Flexi working, boundaries, and protecting wellbeing 15:52 – The importance of trainee friendships and support 18:33 – Life milestones during training 20:51 – Reducing the “shoulds” and living your life alongside training 26:38 – Therapy for trainees: is it useful and accessible? 31:07 – Absorbing what’s useful and becoming your own psychologist Connect with Taniya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniya-w-8a010a169/ 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk ⚡ Want More? Check These Out! 🔹 Join the Aspiring Psychologist Membership: Learn more here 🔹 Download my FREE Psychology Success Guide: Grab your copy here ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this video! © Dr Marianne Trent