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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:25 pm

Notes from AP Group Workshop on 9th March 2007
facilitated by Dr N North and Dr K Jenkins

Research

1) Firstly we were given 6 abstracts (given to So’ton interviewees a couple of years back), and 5 mins to read them.

Questions:

What were the similarities/differences between them? What other therapies could have been tested (all the abstracts were on CBT)?

Advice:

- Get used to reading these quickly, have a structure in your mind (e.g. what's the IV/DV, method, findings).
- Know your terminology: if you say 'CBT', 'DSM' etc. be prepared to be asked questions on them.
- If they want more, they will ask for it so don't waffle.
- If you don't know be honest, it'll look better than trying to ‘blag’ your way through an answer, although be sure to explain how you could find out the answer.

2) Secondly we were given a research vignette, and 10 minutes to read it.

Advice:

- Again, have a structure in mind (i.e. what is the research aim / question, design, assessment tools, results/stats, conclusions, clinical relevance, problems/weaknesses). Nigel likened this to having a ‘transparency’ or overlay sheet in your mind that you can put over the vignette.
- As before, be prepared to back up any of your own comments (refer to the paper).

Questions: expect to be asked about anything in the vignette (especially the sturture above).

3) Extra research tips:

- Be prepared to answer questions on your undergraduate programme, even if you've had a research post since. Revise your dissertation!

Clinical

You will be expected to talk about an example of a client you’ve worked with, it is good to have two in mind, one which went well and another where you could have done something differently.
As this can't be 'taught' we focused on ways to get your clinical example across in a succinct and clear manner. So, shave your example right down so you can demonstrate how you put theory into practice (you can talk about 'what you learnt/what went wrong' in a different question) and give it a structure (i.e. why client was referred, assessment, formulation, intervention, evaluation / reflection).

NHS

The interview is paradoxical in that; you will be expected to sound like a clinical psychologist in order to get onto the course that will teach you how to be a clinical psychologist. So:

- Be able to talk in clinical language (e.g. CBT = you're talking about schema, thinking errors etc.)

- You will need to demonstrate loyalty to the NHS so know the 'hot topics' (Foundation trusts, Agenda for Change, Mental Capacity Act, NICE, ethics).

Past questions (advice given):

1) Tell me about a paper you’ve read (something relevant to your current job maybe)?
2) What are the strengths/weakness of qualitative/quantitative research?
3) Can you describe an interpersonal problem, what you did and what you learnt from it? (this can be personal or professional)
4) Tell us about a client you've worked with (aka your clinical example)
5) What is supervision? (don't forget to mention 'you time')
6) Tell us about an ethical dilemma, what you did and what you learnt from it (aka your ability to reflect)
7) Tell us about your strengths and weakness. (relate your answer to how it will help you on the course)
Cool

What personal experiences have you had that have shaped you becoming a CP? (choose something to talk about you are desensitised to!)
9) What are the strengths of CP when compared to other therapies? (diversity, formulation etc and also mention that fact that CPs conduct research and teach).