Assistant Psychologist Roles: What the BPS Says You Should and Shouldn't Do

The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast

Show Notes for The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast Episode 149: Assistant Psychologist Roles: What the BPS Says You Should and Shouldn't Do

In this episode of the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent and assistant psychologist Luke Meakin dive into the British Psychological Society's latest guidance on recruiting and supporting assistant psychologists. They explore what assistant psychologists should and shouldn't be doing, the accessibility of the guidance, and how it aims to standardise the role across the profession. This engaging conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring psychologists, supervisors, and services employing assistant psychologists.

Whether you're an aspiring psychologist, a supervisor, or just curious about the evolving landscape of assistant psychologist roles, this episode provides a clear and detailed understanding of the latest BPS recommendations.

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Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the BPS guidance on assistant psychologist roles and responsibilities.

• Challenges with the accessibility and inclusivity of the guidance.

• Insights into voluntary roles, supervision, and ethical considerations for assistant psychologists.

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Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of the Episode
• 00:31 - Host Welcome and Introduction to BPS Guidance
• 01:19 - Welcoming Back Guest: Luke Meakin, Assistant Psychologist
• 02:58 - Discussion on BPS Guidance Accessibility Issues
• 03:16 - Comparing BPS and ACP Guidance on Assistant Psychologists
• 04:58 - Challenges of Accessing the BPS Website and Resources
• 05:35 - Luke’s Experience with BPS Membership and Access
• 06:40 - The Restrictive Nature of BPS Resources
• 07:48 - First Impressions of the BPS Guidance Document
• 09:14 - Clearer Job Titles for Assistant Psychologists
• 10:16 - Addressing the Ambiguity of Assistant Roles
• 11:00 - The Controversial Honorary (Voluntary) Roles in Psychology
• 12:45 - Minimum Requirements for Assistant Psychologist Roles
• 15:49 - Exploitation Concerns for Voluntary Assistant Roles
• 18:23 - Ethical Considerations and the Call for Paid Positions
• 21:28 - The BPS’s Recommendations on Assistant Psychologist Responsibilities
• 25:17 - The Use of Supervision and Reflective Practice
• 28:08 - Balancing Contracts, Fixed-Term Roles, and Job Security

Links:

📲 Connect with Luke here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-meakin/

🖥️ Check out my brand new 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

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

✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision

📱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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