Can you afford to get an Assistant Psychologist job in the NHS?

The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast

Show Notes for The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast Episode 150: Can you afford to get an Assistant Psychologist job in the NHS?

In this episode of the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent is joined by Sam Airey to discuss the pressing issue of affordability for Assistant Psychologists. They dive deep into the financial challenges faced by aspiring psychologists, the impact of low NHS pay scales, and the barriers that make the profession less accessible for many. Sam shares his personal experiences, offering practical advice for those trying to navigate a career in psychology despite financial constraints.

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Guest:

• Sam Airey – An experienced Counsellor with a passion for discussing affordability in the psychology profession.

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Key Takeaways:

• Assistant Psychologist roles are often financially inaccessible, particularly for those from diverse backgrounds or with fewer financial resources.

• NHS pay scales for AP roles are low, which can lead to burnout and create barriers to career progression.

• Financial privilege plays a large role in determining who can afford to stay in the psychology profession, with many having to rely on unpaid volunteer roles to build experience.

• Addressing these issues is key to improving workforce diversity and creating a more inclusive path for aspiring psychologists.

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Highlights:

• (00:00) – Dreaming of becoming an Assistant Psychologist
• (01:06) – Introduction of guest, Sam Airey
• (01:30) – Affordability challenges for Assistant Psychologists
• (02:47) – Current NHS pay scales for AP roles
• (05:23) – Comparing NHS roles with lower-paid jobs
• (06:43) – Impact of low pay on workforce diversity
• (08:36) – Financial barriers to entering psychology
• (09:40) – Burnout and the struggle for career progression
• (12:24) – Impact of pay freezes in the NHS
• (14:12) – Challenges for mature applicants
• (16:40) – Costs associated with training and equipment
• (17:51) – Car ownership requirements for AP roles
• (18:45) – Reflecting on privilege and staying in the profession
• (19:37) – Volunteer work and its financial implications
• (22:56) – Sam’s final thoughts and closing remarks

Links:

📲 Connect with Sam here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-airey-b84059171/

💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses

🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support

📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0

📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97

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📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity

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