There can be great confusion about registration. In part this may result from the Psychology Board determining the rules for registration, while the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and other such bodies provide information on “how” the government or other organisations regulate psychology. In an ideal world these two systems would work together hand in hand, but in the real world we have found changes to the registration process can result in inconsistent messages for the psychology community, most particularly registrant psychologists and their supervisors. The APS has produced information on the new psychology board exam as well as the different pathways that will lead to the exam. Successful completion of the exam does lead to full registration. However, to sit the exam the registrant psychologists must 1) complete the 4 years of undergraduate study and 2) gain experience through a psychology position or postgraduate degree. Given that registration and the multiple pathways can be so confusing Dr Amanda White and Vivian Jarrett will be running a workshop for undergraduate psychology students and recent graduates who are interested in a career in psychology.

Workshop Title: Becoming a Psychologist

**Please note that our workshops often fill prior to us releasing the date and it is important to submit applications early to avoid disappointment.

Facilitators: Dr Amanda White and Vivian Jarrett

Date: Sunday 22 February 2015 (Limited to the first 20 applicants. Next workshop likely to be in April – May 2015.  If you send an application form we will call you once a new date has been organised).

Time: 9 am to 4 pm (Lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided)

Place: Suite 1, 16-18 Beenleigh Redland Bay Rd @ M1 Psychology

Cost: $295 BecomingaPsychologistApplicationFormFEB2015 (Please download and note that the location has been moved to M1 Psychology)

Conditions: Trainees must have been accepted in a psychology related degree pathway and have commenced tertiary education. Due to the content we also require applicants are over 18 years of age. Application requires sending a current CV, reading various materials sent the week prior to attending, and filling in a few questionnaires on yourself and your planned future in psychology.

Workshop Objective: To provide information on the pathways that lead to registration as a psychologist in Australia.

During the workshop: 

• Participants will work on self-reflective activities that promote identification within psychology as a profession.
• Be permitted to ask the difficult questions about “how” or “why” psychology might be the right pathway.
• Be provided with information on psychology related courses and activities that can lead to professional development to become a psychologist.
• Ask about the limitations and changes that have to be made personally to accommodate working in a psychotherapy role.
• Discuss ethics and applications in practice.
• Discuss how private practice differs from government roles, training or other roles in psychology.

Note: At the completion of the workshop some participants may wish to stay back and learn more about volunteering, working and internships at Vision Psychology. Please email training@visionpsychology.com to apply. As attendance numbers are limited, please be aware we will be running future dates depending on the availability of the facilitators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I gain provisional registration without a job position and supervisor?

No, you will need an employed position first and a supervisor that is usually located at the premises. This may prove frustrating, as some employers ask that provisional registration be obtained prior to applying for work.

Can I get Medicare with provisional psychology registration?

No, Medicare is reserved for psychologists with full registration.

Can I acquire a supervisor without a position as a provisional psychologist?

Most supervisors will require you provide information regarding your job title and the job description before contracting with you to provide supervision. Some organisations may require you to work with an in-house supervisor. Also, the Psychology Board may not approve a supervisor if they are not working at your premises.

What sort of roles are useful for employment as a psychologist?

Three to five years of volunteering in psychology related roles is helpful. Lifeline, for example, is a very respected organisation. Volunteering may be as valuable as paid work if completed in the right places.

Will I have to change the way I manage my privacy, working in a psychology related position?

Yes, most likely this is the case but the degree of change does depend upon your current behaviours. For example, Facebook and various social media may not convey the professionalism required and ethical standards set for psychologists. There are general principles of propriety and integrity, that include reputable behaviour, which must be maintained for ongoing registration.

I find my friends seek my advice and free counselling often. Will that change?

Yes, psychologists don’t provide psychotherapy to our friends as this reflects dual-role (multiple relationship). Our friends expect effective communication, but this is not therapy. Communication skills are different to “counselling” because counselling involves the inclusion of additional factors, e.g. privacy, confidentiality, therapeutic approach. Supervision and training can provide a forum to discuss these fine lines, however, in undergraduate programs this topic may not be covered in depth or with individual guidance. Our training workshop will provide discussions around such issues. We endeavour to provide you with our support to find your role within our profession.

Does your organisation need new staff, interns and volunteers?

Yes, we are a large organisation and growing quickly. We have our own system of training volunteers and our staff are often selected from our volunteers who demonstrate skills.