Challenges of Psychotherapists Transitioning into Professional Identity

In relation to obtaining employment, which alternative best describe your expectations: a. I believe there are plenty of opportunities for new graduates. b. I am not sure: I have not analysed the future job prospects yet c. I am planning to establish my own practice d. I am planning to establish a practice with other graduates from my course e. I am planning to work in the public sector

 

What would you believe to be the major challenges in starting your career as a psychotherapist?

 

In relation to the question 2, how are you planning to overcome these challenges?

 

How important would you rate continuing your own personal therapy after graduating?

 

What would you consider self-care practices?

 

 Which you consider to be your strongest skills as psychotherapist?

The proposed research will endeavour to identify the challenges of psychotherapists during the transition from the role of graduate student to that of working professional. Considering this as complex process, present in the emotional results of graduate student life, and involving the development of new goals and priorities. The impact of developmental transformation of identity on the adaptation to professional identity is discussed, with a focus on conflicts related to internalized expectations, external influences and the specific demands of psychotherapy, combined with the anticipation new opportunities, career prospects and aspirations which require changes in self-perception and attitudes. Moreover, the key requirements of the field in maintain a high degree of professionalism, ethics, competence and skills development. 

Reference will be made to data analysis, limitations, findings, conclusions and acknowledgments of the proposed study. 

Quantitative research conducted via online questionnaire.

Nine third year students of BSc Counselling and Psychotherapy programme will be asked to answer the online questionnaire. 

1). In relation to obtaining employment, which alternative best describe your expectations: 

a. I believe there are plenty of opportunities for new graduates.

b. I am not sure: I have not analysed the future job prospects yet

c. I am planning to establish my own practice 

d. I am planning to establish a practice with other graduates from my course

e. I am planning to work in the public sector 

 

2). What would you believe to be the major challenges in starting your career as a psychotherapist? 

3). In relation to the question 2, how are you planning to overcome these challenges? 

 

4). How important would you rate continuing your own personal therapy after graduating? 

a. Very important 

b. Somehow important

c. Not important 

d. I am not sure

  yes       No      

1. Does your proposed research involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or unable to give informed consent? (e.g. children, people with learning disabilities)    
            
2. Does your proposed research require permission from someone,  other than your participants, to take part in the research?  (e.g. parents, school principal?)                                                               
                                                     
3. Will your proposed research involve data collection relating to  sensitive topics?  

                                                            

4. Does your proposed research involve deception of any kind? 

                                                              
5. Could your proposed research induce psychological stress or anxiety  or cause harm or negative consequences beyond the risks taken in normal  everyday life

                              

 6. Will it be necessary for participants to take part in your proposed  research without their knowledge and consent at the time? 

 

7. Will your proposed research require the gathering of information  about unlawful activity?    

 

8. Does your proposed research involve access to, or the collection of,  Sensitive/confidential data from other organisations?