I am a clinician, but I'm also a service user... Navigating doctoral training as a trainee clinical psychologist (TCP) with lived mental health experience (LMHE)

Bamber,Grace; Caygill,Lisa; Craven-Staines,Sarah

I am a clinician, but I'm also a service user... Navigating doctoral training as a trainee clinical psychologist (TCP) with lived mental health experience (LMHE)

All Authors

Bamber,Grace

Caygill,Lisa

Craven-Staines,Sarah

LTHT Author

Bamber, Grace

Non Medic

Clinical Psychologist

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Article

Abstract

Purpose: Lived mental health experience (LMHE) is a term describing the direct impact of a mental health problem or being a mental health carer. This study aims to qualitatively explore how UK-based trainee clinical psychologists with LMHE navigate doctoral training. Design/methodology/approach: Trainee clinical psychologists (TCPs; N = 12) who self-reported LMHE completed a semi-structured interview which was analysed using constructivist grounded theory (CGT). Findings: The end model had six main categories: the pressured system; narratives about LMHE within the profession; developing trainee identity and sense of self; disclosing LMHE within the professional context; building safe, balanced and reciprocal relationships with other professionals; drawing upon LMHE within clinical practice. The end model is visually depicted as an hourglass to represent receiving and internalising external information which influences identity development and bidirectionally filters outwards to shape interactions and relationships. Social implications: Findings have implications for TCPs, course centres and using trusts. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first CGT study to qualitatively explore how TCPs with LMHE navigate the holistic trajectory of doctoral clinical psychology training.