Is it too late to become a clinical psychologist?In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I’m joined by trainee clinical psychologist Claire Dunn, who started her journey at 40 and secured a place on the doctorate at 47.Together, we break down what retraining in psychology actually looks like practically, emotionally, and strategically.

Using real-life style examples of older applicants navigating career change, family life, and self-doubt.We explore pathways into clinical psychology, including conversion courses, assistant psychologist roles, NHS experience, and how to stay competitive when you feel “behind”.If you’re an aspiring psychologist wondering whether you’ve left it too late - this episode offers a grounded, honest roadmap.

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 Is it too late to retrain in psychology?
• 01:13 Claire’s journey to training at 47
• 02:23 Case study: Sarah (career change from teaching)
• 04:30 Transferable skills and real-world experience
• 05:41 How much do you need to want this?
• 06:39 Studying later in life (Open University + flexibility)
• 08:56 Balancing study, work and parenting
• 10:35 When is the “right” time to retrain?
• 12:20 Should you focus on study or experience first?
• 14:32 Testing whether psychology is right for you
• 15:25 Making the most of academic support
• 16:19 Case study: Mark (NHS admin to psychology)
• 18:10 Feeling “behind” and imposter syndrome
• 19:05 Does a 2:2 limit your chances?
• 20:31 Strengthening applications with a master’s
• 21:51 Assistant psychologist vs further study
• 23:02 Why academic references matter
• 24:06 Staying connected with referees
• 25:27 Avoiding generic references
• 26:35 Gaining relevant clinical experience
• 28:21 Alternative pathways (CAP / PWP roles)
• 30:18 Is it really too late? Final thoughts

Links:

📲 Connect with Claire Dunn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-dunn-037480244/

🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join

📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0

📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97

💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership

🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses

Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page)

✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources

📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity

Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:

If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.

Hashtags:

#aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing