What is the difference between Clinical Psychology Doctorates and Counselling Psychology Doctorates?

In this video Dr. Becky Spelman provides her career advice for those interested in becoming a Psychologist and the difference and similarities between Clinical Psychology Doctorate and Counselling Psychology Doctorate.

Both Clinical and Counselling Psychology Doctorates lead to HCPC registration in order to become a fully qualified Psychologist in the UK. The Clinical Psychology Doctorate is funded for UK and EU citizens and you receive a salary whilst training. The Counselling Psychology Doctorate is self funded only.

Clinical Psychology also includes a Neuro Psychology module, whereas some Counselling Psychology courses may not. Both Doctorates are very similar and both courses are very competitive to get onto.

Dr. Becky Spelman is a top Psychologist in London, Becky is the Clinic Director for Private Therapy Clinic which has clinic's based all around central London including; Harley Street, Wigmore Street, Bank, Earls Court & Canary Wharf. Becky uses Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness to treat a range of difficulties with a particular interest in Borderline Personality Disorder and the difficulties that go with this condition such as relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, low-self esteem, social anxiety, fear of public speaking, fear of intimacy, interpersonal difficulties, anger, body image issues, eating disorders and addictions.

For further help with this topic you can contact us here:

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Dr Becky Spelman c/o Private Therapy Clinic
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[brandenhidalgo]

American student here. Thanks so much for this video. It was very helpful. I was surprised to hear that UK students get their psychology programs paid for and actually earn income while doing the program! I wish this was the case here in the US. I'm looking at $100, 000+ debt once I'm done with the program. I also have to work while I do my program in order to afford to support myself. Maybe one day the US will catch up with the rich education systems overseas. Thanks again!

[DarrenJamesNI]

What a fantastically informative video - thank you. I’m currently finishing off an open degree with The Open University with modules in technology, social science, social psychology and mental health. Upon completion I plan on reading a conversion MSc in psychology science at Queens Belfast and THEN consider their DClinPsych programme 🤞

[saskiahuntley]

This was really helpful! I think the focus on applications being a numbers game was particularly helpful - I know many stress over whether it’s ‘either/or’ when it comes to applying for clinical or counselling doctorates so it’s good to have the advice that you can apply to both!

[jules]

Thanks very much for this video. I really appreciate you clarifying the difference. I’ve been confused for weeks! 😂

[RachelLow]

👋Malaysia psychology student here, thank you very much for the explanation the different between counseling and clinical psychology courses. It’s so helpful for my postgraduate courses I planned to pursue. ❤

[amatwa]

Thank you so much, Becky, for this video it provides such re-assurance, I applied for both routes and was starting to feel like I should be more focused and know which route I needed to get on to straight away. I have also been a bit nervous about my psychology conversion MSc course which is a pass, just missed out on a Merit. Also, a bit concerned about potentially losing significant income If I get on the counselling route, currently have a young family but really feel like this is the time to go for it. I have been a Mental health nurse for 13 years and have been really passionate about becoming a psychologist for several years.

[amirbatayi]

Had been looking for this video for ages, thank you so much for sharing these good tips

[emonie]

This is such a helpful video especially for an international student from the states that was offered a spot for a MSc Psychology course in which I'll apply for a counseling psychology course starting September 2022!

[Smiithrz]

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Do you think there's a possibility that Counselling Psychology doctorates will become funded as are the Clinical courses? Given the similarities, I am struggling to understand why the very slight differences are remotely worth spending £30k and not earning anything over 3 years. Is it simply that you have a better chance of getting onto the counselling courses, and really you're paying a premium for that benefit?

[NadishaC]

I understand that to become a neuropsychologist, you have to either take the path of educational or clinical doctorate, if the clinical and counselling training is very similar, why don’t they accept counselling doctorate as a route to become a neuropsychologist- if the counselling doctorate includes modules on neuropsychology, are you aware if it would it be possible to become a neuropsychologist through the counselling doctorate route?

[peterh]

Amazing video, thank you for taking the time to record and post it

[ngunyianitafondeck]

Great your explanation has given me a lot of directions thanks so much doctor Becky spelman texting from Cameroon Bamenda.

[sk.]

Thank you for this video! It was really helpful

[ReeM-wzbs]

as a Counselling Psychology student you also have to evidence 60 hours personal therapy

[user_]

Incredibly helpful. What advice would you have for those who aren't sure whether a career in clinical/counseling psychology is right for them?

[DoNotBeABullyUseYourWordWisly]

HCPC . Thanks you for clearing things up here. Very useful suggestion.

[CarysiahBeautyandWellness]

is it hard to get into counselling psychology doctorate?

[BLaQz]

Can you please do a video on advice for potential Sports Psychology students, please?

[fatimanasri]

Thanks for your helpful video
I have a question
If a person has a master's degree in clinical psychology and intends to continue her studies in England at the doctorate level.
What fields of psychology is better to apply for?

[christopherwood]

Can I apply for a counseling or clinical doctorate with a forensic psychology bps accredited Degree?