Assistant Psychologist Training

If you have recently qualified with a degree in psychology, you may be interested in completing our specialist training course.

It provides practical experience in using and delivering assessment tools within clinical psychology, while also offering real-world experience in psychiatric step-down secure placements. Qualified teaching staff and psychologists present the training course which will equip you with the necessary knowledge and experience so valued when seeking placements as an Assistant psychologist.

The training course acknowledges and values the strengths and capabilities of each student from the outset. Supporting students through the course is key to positive learning outcomes. All structured training is learner centred and relevant to the daily role of those working within the field of psychology. Initially you will be invited to attend for an informal interview to establish whether the course will meet your needs in your pursuit of a career in psychology.

What will be covered in the course?

The course provides an experiential insight into the day-to-day work of the Assistant Psychologist, helping to bridge the gap between academic skills and practical experience.

The course itself is very hands on and based around action-oriented exercises, providing each course member with opportunity within a structured supervised training environment, to develop the ability to assess and work with individuals presenting complex needs.

Example workshops covered:

  • Cognitive and Structured Interviews
  • Supervision and reflective learning
  • Delivery of Psychological Assessment tools
  • The interpretation and analysis of results
  • Exploring family relations and attachment issues
  • Doctoral application support
  • Supervised shadowing experience

How does the Course combine the classroom setting with practical experience within a Psychiatric placement?

  • Following completion of the theory-based work within the classroom, students will then progress and gain practical observational/shadowing experience within a step-down psychiatric unit.

  • Students will have opportunity to see how their newly found understanding and psychological principles are applied in real time and to real-life challenges, supported and supervised at all times throughout.

  • Students will complete a written assignment of their experience and application of theoretical principles learnt and applied. Please note: Access to such placements is authorised following safe completion of full diligence and compliance by Oakfield compliance team.

Please note: Access to such placements is authorised following safe completion of full diligence and compliance by Oakfield compliance team.

Voices From the Course

Our graduates share their stories, insights, and successes from completing the course.

Course student

“Thank you for all the support in my application following the course.

It was a pleasure to spend time with you and your team and learn more about the career I’m so eager to pursue.”

Course student

“I haven’t learnt so much in such a short number of days. I can’t wait for my placement next week!”

“The course was a good mix of teaching and practical activities. This is something I haven’t come across before”

Course student

“The team were so friendly! I had never stepped foot in a step-down unit before and must admit was quite apprehensive!

However the entire team were so supportive and helped me throughout.”

Course student

“The course was much faster paced that I was expecting.

I really liked it though and was impressed with how the course was structured first in the classroom as a group and then actually having chance to utilise the skills we had learnt at placement.”

Course student

“What I enjoyed most about the course was the ability to sit and learn assessments with the clinicians before then implementing these in practise.

We then debriefed all together which only further built my understanding and confidence. Thanks for the opportunity”

Course student

“The work was better than I expected! I didn’t have any practical experience leading up to the course so it was great to actually gain this and then spend some time within an actual psychiatric unit with supervision. Recommend!”

“The trainers were brilliant and made me feel at ease straight away. I learnt so much and got to ask so many questions I haven’t had chance to before. Thanks to all the Oakfield team!”

Course detail

Where is the course held?

The course venue is located in Oakfield’s unique training centre, based in Manchester.

Shadowing opportunities within psychiatric specialist placement will be provided as part of the training programme.

How much is the Course?

The course is free to all specialist nursing staff and clinical team members working within Oakfield NHS hospital teams as part of their continual professional development programme.

A non-refundable deposit of 20% will be taken at the time of booking a place. 10 working days’ notice must be given in writing to cancel the place.

How do I book my place?

Please contact our head office to enquire more about training dates and what the course entails.