An Exploration of Trainees’ Perception of Clinical Psychology Training in India: A Qualitative Analysis

Counseling psychology doctoral trainees' satisfaction with clinical methods training

“…Participants also described their expectations about developing clinical skills, learning theoretical approaches to psychotherapy, and receiving training in multicultural competence. These findings are consistent with the extant literature, which thematically describes psychology graduate trainees' expectations for coursework, supervision, practical exposure, and theoretical knowledge in doctoral programs (Braxton et al, 2004;Malik & Grover, 2014;McIlvried, Wall, Kohout, Keys, & Goreczny, 2010;O'Donovan, Dyck, & Bain, 2001;Walfish, Stenmark, Shealy, & Shealy, 1989). Interestingly, of the three participants who identified their expectation to learn about theoretical approaches to therapy, only one identified a specific theory she was hoping to learn.…”

“…All but one participant in the current sample endorsed unclear expectations for training. This finding has been corroborated by other research (Delaney & Moore, 1966;Hansen, 1965;Heppner & Roehlke, 1984;Malik & Grover, 2014;Swanson & O'Saben, 1993). Because participants in this sample cited insufficient information from which to develop expectations, training programs may find it useful to consider how prospective students become informed about training and assess the detail and clarity of information being distributed.…”

“…Participants in this sample also expressed their expectations and values for learning theoretical approaches to therapy in their counseling psychology programs, which has been substantiated by a number of studies (Braxton et al, 2004;Malik & Grover, 2014;McIlvried et al, 2010;O'Donovan et al, 2001;Walfish et al, 1989). Half of the sample expressed their desire for programs to add additional courses in psychotherapy theories.…”