From Police Officer to Trainee Clinical Psychologist at Age 47

Is it too late to become a clinical psychologist in your 40s or 50s? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Claire, a former police officer who medically retired, studied psychology with the Open University, and secured her first NHS Assistant Psychologist role at age 45. At 47, she was offered a place on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) — on her first application. Claire’s journey offers hope and insight for mature students, career changers, and anyone wondering if clinical psychology is still a realistic goal later in life. From overcoming imposter syndrome to balancing parenting and NHS experience, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouragement. Whether you’re early in your journey or returning to education later in life, this episode will remind you: it’s never too late to become a psychologist. 🎧 Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction 02:02 – Claire’s career in the police and what led to change 06:34 – Studying psychology with the Open University 09:11 – Challenges of being a mature student 13:28 – First Assistant Psychologist post at 45 15:40 – Working in acute mental health and CAMHS 18:55 – Parenting while studying and working in psychology 22:46 – Building confidence and self-belief 26:19 – Applying for DClinPsy and the interview process 29:02 – Reflections on age, readiness, and encouragement 32:17 – Claire’s hopes for the future 35:05 – Final thoughts: You’re never too late #CareerChangePsychology #MatureStudentJourney #AspiringPsychologist #DClinPsyApplication #NeverTooLate Links: 🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support 📚 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.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested 🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses ✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision 📱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. If you'd like to learn how to record and submit your own audio testimonial to be included in future shows head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/podcast and click the blue request info button at the top of the page. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp Tap to Pay This episode is sponsored by WriteUpp. Their Tap to Pay app turns your smartphone into a card reader, helping private practitioners take secure payments without additional hardware. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336