At an interview...

[scienceisbeauty]

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I've heard that at Clinical Psych Grad Interviews they can ask you questions such as : Have you ever had therapy before...?
That's fine I suppose, but so I say 'yes' they say 'why' and I say...?

The real reason = I am so stressed about not getting into Clinical Psych grad school that it's making me ...do ...stupid things...and causing me ...serious grief. As in, I feel as though my entire self-worth is contingent on my acceptance and if I don't get in....God knows.... 🙁 (Silly, I know, but sometimes...arughh)

SOOOO If they ask, because I heard they can and do...what should I say? How much should I disclose?
I don't mind saying I've been to see a therapist, because it's goood I think to know what it's like "on the other side" but ... hmmmm...

Help here?

 

[psychplease]

.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I had a few interviews where the interviewers asked very personal questions ranging from my experiences in therapy to my family history, relationships, etc. Programs that do this are probably mainly psychodynamic (e.g., LIU), and not strictly cognitive-behavioral (in my experience).

That was my experience also. The more psychodynamic schools all had interviews that were much more personal than others. It was an interesting experience to say the least. I happen to subscribe to that orientation, and I can appreciate why they do it, but it was tough to go from a very 'job like' interview, to something like that.

-t

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

If you have some time, go check out the threads from last year's interview cycle....there are many people who have walked in your shoes and felt similar things.

-t

 

[blindblonde]

I personally didn't have any personal questions of that nature, and I disclosed in my personal statement that I had a close relative with a mental illness (which was a tough choice to make to include it, but it was honestly part of my reason for going into this field). Generally, questions are pretty basic about your research experience, your fit with the program, and so on.

If you are really anxious about it, ask your advisor or career services to do a mock interview prior to going. I did this, and it was the best thing for me. I learned how I reacted under pressure, and I felt prepared when I went through the actual interviews. Actually, I think that mock interview was worse than the real thing!

Just relax. If you don't get in, it will not be the end of the world. It does not always mean that you're a bad applicant or lack credentials. The odds are stacked against us, and it happens. As for me, I applied to 9 PhD., 1 PsyD., and 1 masters last year. I had 3 interviews with Ph.D. programs, which resulted in one wait list (and ultimately didn't get in). When things were looking bleak, I had a conversation with my advsior who basically told me the following: "Look, I reviewed your file and could not figure any real holes in your application. I know you hate to hear this, but it is just a situation of bad luck." However, I did get into a top masters program with a full ride, so things do work out if you don't get into a Ph.D. program. The process is stressful and makes you question your self-worth, but trust me--if you want this, you will eventually get it. Keep your chin up and good luck!

 

[Thor2211]

I went on 6 interviews last year and didn't get any personal questions

 

[irish80122]

I did not face any of those questions either and I had 6 interviews. I think it all depends on how you approach it, honestly. I don't know what your personal circumstances are but I think that it can actually show maturity if you noticed that you could use help and sought it out in order to improve yourself. Really, what are we doing all of this for if it isn't to improve ourselves? If it were true, I would answer it saying that I recognized a weakness which I wanted to work on. It depends on your situation though, and that has to be true for you, that is just how I would have approached it.