Reflections on the benefits of challenges of transitioning from being a trainee to a qualified health psychologist

Abstract

I was previously employed as a trainee health psychologist by NHS Education for Scotland to complete the BPS Stage 2 Qualification in Health Psychology. Having qualified, I was employed initially as a NHS-based practitioner health psychologist, and subsequently as a university-based Senior Research Associate. This has afforded me the fortunate position of being able to reflect upon the transition from being a trainee to qualified health psychologist. The article provides a reflective account my experience of the transition between preparing to submit the portfolio to one-year post-qualification, with a particular focus on the main benefits and challenges experienced.