Clinical training: Competencies

In the UK there has been a clear move to competency based training:

So what are the competencies that a newly qualified psychologist should have attained?

This list follows the recommendations of the BPS

B	The required learning outcomes and the structure of training


 * Trainees should be able to work as clinical psychologists with the range of clients and services in a range of settings, especially those seen as having high priority.
 * Newly qualified clinical psychologists should understand and embrace the core purpose and philosophy of the profession.
 * They should be committed to reducing psychological distress and enhancing and promoting psychological well-being through the systematic application of knowledge derived from psychological theory and evidence.
 * Their work will be based on the fundamental acknowledgement that all people have the same human value and the right to be treated as unique individuals.

Thus by the end of their Training, they will have:
 * The skills, knowledge and values to develop working alliances with clients, including individuals, carers and/or services, in order to:
 * conduct psychological assessment,
 * develop a formulation based on psychological theories and knowledge,
 * carry out psychological interventions,
 * evaluate their work and communicate effectively with clients, referrers and others,B.1.1.2 The skills knowledge and values to work effectively with clients from a diverse range of backgrounds, understanding and respecting the impact of difference and diversity upon their lives;
 * The skills, knowledge and values to work effectively with systems relevant to clients, including for example statutory and voluntary services, self-help and advocacy groups, user-led systems and other elements of the wider community;
 * The skills, knowledge and values to work in a range of indirect ways to improve psychological aspects of health and healthcare ;
 * The skills, knowledge and values to conduct research that enables the profession to develop its knowledge base and to monitor and improve the effectiveness of its work; and
 * High level skills in managing a personal learning agenda and selfcare, and in critical reflection and self-awareness that enable transfer of knowledge and skills to new settings and problems.


 * In order to achieve these goals trainees should acquire:
 * Knowledge and understanding of psychological theory and evidence, encompassing specialist client group knowledge across the profession of Clinical Psychology and the knowledge required to underpin clinical and research practice.
 * A professional and ethical value base, being aware of all relevant ethical and practice guidelines..