Things I Wish I Knew as a Provisional Psychologist

I was recently asked a question that stuck with me:

"What would you tell your younger self when she was a provisional psychologist?"

I started studying psychology 18 years ago and have been working clinically for over a decade. Throughout my career and provisional psychology internship, I faced many challenges, uncertainties, and lessons that shaped me into the psychologist I am today.

Looking back, there are several key insights I wish I had known during my provisional psychology journey. If you're an early-career psychologist, here’s my advice to help you navigate the start of your career with confidence.

1. Seek Out Diverse Experiences

Your provisional psychology internship is the perfect time to explore different areas of psychology and discover what kind of work resonates with you. Take the opportunity to:

✔ Work with diverse populations (e.g., children, older adults, neurodivergent individuals)

✔ Gain experience in varied settings (e.g., private practice, hospitals, schools, community mental health)

✔ Develop assessment and intervention skills across different presentations

One of the most formative experiences of my early career was working in aged care. It exposed me to a range of mental health conditions and introduced me to psychometric assessments. I didn’t realise it at the time, but this experience later led me to a role in the NHS in London, conducting comprehensive cognitive assessments—one of the highlights of my career.

💡 Remember: You don’t need to have everything figured out during your internship. The best training and growth often come after gaining registration as a psychologist.

2. Embrace the Learning Process

Being a provisional psychologist is a learning experience. You will make mistakes—and that’s okay! The key is to:

✔ Accept feedback from supervisors

✔ Engage in continuous learning through CPD training and workshops

✔ Stay motivated, even when juggling internship tasks and the National Psychology Exam (NPE)

At times, I struggled to stay engaged and confident during my provisional internship. Looking back, I wish I had reminded myself why I entered the field and embraced learning as an opportunity rather than a pressure.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, lean into your support system, supervision, and professional development resources to stay motivated.

3. Build Relationships and Network

Psychology can be an isolating profession, especially since we can’t simply vent about our work at the end of the day due to confidentiality. Having a professional support network is essential.

✔ Connect with other provisional psychologists

✔ Build strong relationships with supervisors and mentors

✔ Join peer support groups, supervision groups, and networking events

💡 Tip: I was lucky to form lasting friendships during my internship, but if I could go back, I would prioritise networking more. Now, my professional relationships provide me with mentorship, guidance, and opportunities I never would have anticipated early in my career.

4. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Many early-career psychologists feel pressure to know everything, but the reality is—you’re still in training.

✔ Acknowledge areas for growth and seek out training in those areas

✔ Set realistic expectations for your current skill level

✔ Challenge perfectionism—you don’t have to be an expert yet!

Instead of asking “Am I good enough?”, reframe your mindset:

➡ “What skills do I need to develop, and how can I improve?”

Recognising the difference between a genuine skills gap and unrealistic self-expectations is essential for building confidence as a psychologist.

5. Learning Is a Lifelong Process

As a provisional psychologist, I used to think that I needed to "know everything" before I was fully competent. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

✔ Psychology is always evolving, and learning never stops

✔ Staying up to date with research, CPD training, and new therapy approaches is key

✔ Professional growth doesn’t end with registration—it begins there

Now, nothing excites me more than picking up a fresh textbook or attending a new training. Psychology is a lifelong journey, and the best psychologists are those who continuously seek knowledge and refinement of their skills.

💡 Embrace ongoing learning through:

📌 Attending conferences

📌 Reading psychology journals

📌 Joining group supervision and CPD workshops

Final Thoughts: Advice for Provisional Psychologists

Starting your career as a provisional psychologist can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Seek diverse experiences to explore different career paths

✔ Embrace the learning process and accept that mistakes are part of growth

✔ Build relationships with colleagues and mentors for long-term support

✔ Recognise your strengths and weaknesses without self-criticism

✔ Commit to lifelong learning to become a well-rounded psychologist

💡 Looking for support? Join my community group for provisional and early-career psychologists to connect with peers and receive mentorship. I also have a range of on-demand CPD trainings for psychologists you can access online here.