The Counselling Psychology Lens

S1 E5: Applying for the Counselling Doctorate – Part 2

The Counselling Psychology Lens

Show Notes

In this insightful episode of "The Counselling Psychology Lens," host Mary Martiin continues her journey into the world of counselling psychology applications. Picking up from Part 1, Mary delves deeper into the intricacies of crafting a compelling personal statement and preparing for interviews. She shares personal anecdotes, reflective exercises, and practical tips that helped her navigate the challenging application process. Whether you're just starting your application or looking for ways to refine your approach, this episode offers valuable guidance and encouragement. Tune in to gain insights into the ethos of counselling psychology and learn how to align your experiences with the values of the programs you're applying to. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your application strategy!

More from The Counselling Psychology Lens

Oct 15, 2026

How do attachment, poverty, ableism, and surveillance shape parenting? Mary interviews Leila Harding, a newly qualified clinical psychologist, shares research on parents with learning disabilities and why families are often judged by diagnosis instead of context. They explore the theory, research design, and implications, showing how qualitative methods reveal lived experience, while attachment theory and the dynamic maturation model expose what checklist assessments miss in family life.

Oct 1, 2026

In this episode, Mary Martiin explores Carl Rogers' person-centered approach and why it remains such a powerful foundation in counselling psychology. From the six core conditions to self-concept, incongruence, and the actualizing tendency, she breaks down how people move toward growth when they feel genuinely understood.Mary also shares the strengths and criticisms of the model, including questions around culture, oppression, and whether some clients need more than a supportive space. This is a thoughtful, practical introduction to person-centered therapy for students, trainees, and anyone interested in how healing happens in the therapy room.

Sep 17, 2026

Finishing first year of doctoral training comes with more than just deadlines. In this episode, Mary reflect on self-advocacy, perfectionism, systems, and the emotional reality of training. If you’re on a doctorate or thinking about one, this honest conversation is for you.

May 14, 2026

In this episode, Mary addresses common myths surrounding counselling psychology, emphasizing the rigorous training, research involvement, and the wide range of mental health conditions that counselling psychologists can workwith. She debunks misconceptions about job opportunities, the nature of the work, and the motivations behind choosing this career path, highlighting the importance of understanding the true essence of counselling psychology.

Apr 30, 2026

In this episode, Mary reflects on her experiences at the Counselling Psychology Annual Conference, discussing the themes, sessions, and key takeaways that shaped her understanding of the field. She emphasizes the importance of networking, innovative approaches to mental health, and the role of advocacy and social justice in counselling psychology. Mary also shares her personal growth and future directions inspired by the conference.

See all episodes →