Pebbles in Palms : Sustaining ourselves through training

Abstract

Completing clinical psychology training can be both daunting and rewarding. This chapter provides an overview of some of the challenges trainees may face on their journey, whilst offering the reader ideas of how to consolidate their academic, clinical and research skills to support their own personal and professional development. As well as providing some practical advice, this chapter utilises a number of reflexive exercises. These aim to help the trainee consider ways in which to hold onto hope and sustain themselves through training through the use of self-care strategies, seeking the support of those around them and giving them permission to uphold some of their values.