Need for advice clinical psychology phd

[letsrollwithit]

Hi there, I’m writing with a sad dilemma I could use your help with navigating or making decisions about if you might be willing to offer help, advice, or perspective. I am a 5th year PhD student, encountering significant challenges at this time related to a medical condition that has required me to take a leave of absence from school due to the health impacts as a result of the condition. I’m terrified of taking this time in a leave of absence, because of how a gap in clinical work will be perceived by internship sites come applications season next year. However, I simply had no choice but to prioritize my health right now as I seek treatment. I perceive that all of my accomplishments and hard work will be diminished and I won’t match, even if I engage in continuing education, research, volunteer work etc. next semester due to the clinical gap, despite having ~700 hours of direct assessment and intervention work. I’m wondering if anyone has any perspective about how to navigate this situation effectively or address it on applications? My application is otherwise competitive, which makes this an even extremely heart-wrenching experience. Thank you so much for your perspective, I appreciate it immensely.

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[GregK]

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but your worry about a gap in clinical work is 100% unfounded and unnecessary.

Most students have gaps in their clinical work. It is common for the 4th year to not include clinical/practicum experience and to focus on research, dissertation, course work, etc. Even moreso in a 5th year.

I'm not sure who told you that this is something to worry about, but it isn't. Not in the least. In the event that someone asks you about it, which I doubt will happen, you can simply explain that you took time off because of some health issues (without specifics, unless you choose to provide them) and that you are now feeling better and ready for internship. There is no one who is going to hear you say that and count it against you.

At this point, I would focus on taking good care of yourself, which should include letting go of any worry about the impact on your education and career. It will be exactly zero.

If you want to discuss your situation, you are welcome to call me at 512-410-0002. Or you can request consultation via the APPIC web site - under "Informal Problem Consultation."

Greg


Greg Keilin, PhD
APPIC Match Coordinator

 

[letsrollwithit]

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but your worry about a gap in clinical work is 100% unfounded and unnecessary.

Most students have gaps in their clinical work. It is common for the 4th year to not include clinical/practicum experience and to focus on research, dissertation, course work, etc. Even moreso in a 5th year.

I'm not sure who told you that this is something to worry about, but it isn't. Not in the least. In the event that someone asks you about it, which I doubt will happen, you can simply explain that you took time off because of some health issues (without specifics, unless you choose to provide them) and that you are now feeling better and ready for internship. There is no one who is going to hear you say that and count it against you.

At this point, I would focus on taking good care of yourself, which should include letting go of any worry about the impact on your education and career. It will be exactly zero.

If you want to discuss your situation, you are welcome to call me at 512-410-0002. Or you can request consultation via the APPIC web site - under "Informal Problem Consultation."

Greg


Greg Keilin, PhD
APPIC Match Coordinator

Thank you so much Greg. I appreciate it so I much. You have put me at ease and I cannot express how much this means to me. Thank you so much for the contact info and the offer to discuss more. I will likely contact you to discuss more, when I’m back on my feet.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

This is a great example of why it’s important to reach out and get a direct answer, which is why we are very fortunate to still have Dr Keilin involved in this process.

FWIW, in the olden times, I took an unplanned gap year and everything turned out fine. It was scary at first, but I used the time to heal and strengthen my app for the next cycle. I even did a side quest (i.e. second area of research w a former mentor), which still informs my work today.