Preparation

[crazypsychstudent]

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Since I now know I will definitely be starting my PsyD in clinical psychology in the fall, I would like to know if there is anything that would be wise to brush up on over the summer? I'm coming straight from undergrad btw. I just want to be as prepared as possible. Thank you!

 

[adsekhon]

Just be flexible, know about self-care and coping techniques to deal with stress. 😛

I would assume the PsyD program will be teaching you the basics in the first year and building upon your foundation. You could look, if you have access at the syllabus of the classes you'll be taking if you really wanted to get a head start.

I'd recommend enjoying your summer though!!!

 

[BuckeyeLove]

If you've got a break, take full advantage of it. You likely won't have one for awhile, potentially.

 

[crazypsychstudent]

What about stats? 😛

 

[smalltownpsych]

+1 Self-care and enjoying the summer. You will have plenty of work to do soon enough.

 

[CheetahGirl]

Most program directors arrange a visit with you over the summer to discuss your interests and recommended reading. (At least mine did.)

Congrats and have fun over the summer! Pick up some smut like "50 shades of grey" or the squeals (ha, ha). Read for pleasure to prepare b/c you'll be reading for professional development over next 5+ years!

P.S. They will 'retrain' you in Stats as it will apply to your unique research designs. First, you learn the models, then you come up with your ideas and apply them to the models (usually stats are in conjunction with research design courses).

 

[crazypsychstudent]

Most program directors arrange a visit with you over the summer to discuss your interests and recommended reading. (At least mine did.)

Congrats and have fun over the summer! Pick up some smut like "50 shades of grey" or the squeals (ha, ha). Read for pleasure to prepare b/c you'll be reading for professional development over next 5+ years!

P.S. They will 'retrain' you in Stats as it will apply to your unique research designs. First, you learn the models, then you come up with your ideas and apply them to the models (usually stats are in conjunction with research design courses).

So if I don't remember anything I learned in my one stats class I took I should be fine?

 

[CheetahGirl]

So if I don't remember anything I learned in my one stats class I took I should be fine?

Yes.

It's like riding a bike. It'll all come back to you. You'll be 'retrained,' provided you had the knowledge base in the first place....which i'm sure you did.

You know? That analytic/executive-functioning/planning/organizing skill-set- which is what math and statistics are all about, right?

Just relax and relish in your career accomplishment and (most likely) personal goal ...of acceptance to a training program. 😉

Go forth and be proud.

 

[Childdoconeday]

Rest. Relax. Rest. Relax. What I would do to have that summer before grad school...You really don't get to experience that again for a while so travel, relax, sleep, buy professional clothes, and enjoy yourself.

 

[Fan_of_Meehl]

I dunno, If you're really just raring to go, may want to check out Judith Beck's Cognitive Behavior Therapy book (or Aaron T. Beck's Cognitive Therapy for Depression book). There's also a good one titled 'Making Cognitive Therapy Work' that is geared toward beginning therapists.

 

[CheetahGirl]

I dunno, If you're really just raring to go, may want to check out Judith Beck's Cognitive Behavior Therapy book (or Aaron T. Beck's Cognitive Therapy for Depression book). There's also a good one titled 'Making Cognitive Therapy Work' that is geared toward beginning therapists.

Ahhh...but that's assuming crazypsychstudent is going to a CBT-focused program. In my 'balanced psychodynamic/cognitive-behavioral program, we were given suggestions, like

Psychoanalytic Diagnosis: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process by Nancy McWilliams PhD
‎

However, both Beck and McWilliams texts are good reads. I'd still wait to see what the specific program recommends...and just enjoy the summer with frivolous, pleasurable reading...IMO

 

[smalltownpsych]

Johnathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels are a good read. Fun with a little psychology stuff thrown in the mix. 🙂

 

[crazypsychstudent]

Ahhh...but that's assuming crazypsychstudent is going to a CBT-focused program. In my 'balanced psychodynamic/cognitive-behavioral program, we were given suggestions, like

Psychoanalytic Diagnosis: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process by Nancy McWilliams PhD
‎

However, both Beck and McWilliams texts are good reads. I'd still wait to see what the specific program recommends...and just enjoy the summer with frivolous, pleasurable reading...IMO

Do you know if there is a significant difference between the first and second edition?

 

[473912]

My mole in my future program recommended you get in your relaxation while you can because grad school ages you. lol

It was mentioned that self-care and mindfulness is a big part of it, so reading up on those will probably save you some time.

 

[CheetahGirl]

I'll be attended Indianapolis's PsyD program and I expressed to them I am very psychodynamic... In fact, I emailed Dr. Downing and asked him what I should read to prepare for my future training as a psychoanalyst and he recommended that book! Do you know if there is a significant difference between the first and second edition?

I do not know about the differences between editions. I've been in school so long, that I have the first edition & didn't know about the second edition. I've read a couple of McWilliams' books (and she has lectured at my program). She's no nonsensical, and an outstanding professor/clinician/author so I can imagine any edition would be a good read (but would opt for the second edition if all things were equal).

 

[MiniLop]

I spent the summer before I started grad school travelling. I did not do a single thing work/school-related and it was absolutely glorious. I highly recommend it.

I also had forgotten everything I ever learned about stats by the time I started grad school and it was completely fine.