It is 2024, 5 years since I graduated from HELP University’s Bachelor of Psychology programme. I am a certified clinical psychologist registered under the _, which is the official _ that overlooks the practice of clinical psychology in Malaysia. I provide my service at a private therapy centre. At the same time, I supervise interns to nurture the next generation of ethical and competent clinical psychologists. This internship programme also benefits clients who are in need for mental health services but cannot afford it at the normal rate; the centre allows interns to provide therapy at a lower rate, hence increasing the affordability and accessibility of mental health services to the general public. As a strong believer in …show more content…
So, my working hours are rather flexible and is scheduled based on appointment with clients. While having such freedom to allocate my time, this requires discipline and time management skills to ensure that I keep on track and do not slack off.
My journey to become a clinical psychologist was neither full of ups and downs, nor it was a flat one; I would say it is a fruitful journey. After graduation, I decided to have a break from the academic setting to enter the workforce and apply the knowledge learned instead of diving straight into the Masters programme. There were several reasons for this. Firstly, I needed to earn my education funds as I did not want to rely on my parents anymore. I viewed that gaining independence financially would enable me to grow mentally, where I experience the real life by standing on my own two feet, experiencing the troubles and dilemmas every regular adult face, namely the debts, living expenses and dilemma between the wants and needs. Secondly, I felt that I should experience the real life beyond the academic setting that is rather protected and loving. I am aware that other sectors may have more workplace …show more content…
It took me two years to complete the programme. It was an amazing experience to gain knowledge specialized in clinical psychology, which was the reason that attracted me to psychology as a career. Besides learning the theoretical aspects such as assessment, diagnosis and intervention of psychological as well as behavioural disorders, the programme also focused on developing rigorous clinical research skills. Having the professional skills was not all, the programme prepared me with soft skills such as resilience, independence, versatility and flexibility to be a competent clinical psychologist. Besides that, the course made me face my own fears, so that I can manage them well and feel what the clients