Could one badly judged email, social media post, or rough patch at work put your psychology career at risk before it even begins? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent joins Nicholas Stöckling to explore fitness-to-practice proceedings for trainee psychologists and other pre-qualified healthcare professionals.

They unpack what actually triggers FTP concerns, how the process differs across universities, why communication issues and unmanaged health conditions are common flashpoints, and how neurodivergent trainees can be disproportionately affected. Nicholas shares practical advice on social media conduct, self-disclosure, engaging with proceedings, and when to seek legal support. A must-listen for trainees, supervisors, and anyone supporting students through clinical training.

#FitnessToPractice #TraineePsychologist #ClinicalPsychology #FitnessToPractise

Highlights

00:00 Introduction
00:20 The pre-qualification "grey zone" explained
01:52 Why there's no standardised university FTP process
04:15 Juggling training, placements and personal life
05:34 Common examples of FTP issues for trainees
11:01 What kind of psychologist should training produce?
12:20 Cultural norms, swearing and miscommunication
15:44 The stress of undergoing an FTP investigation
16:51 Are universities there to support or to protect the public?
20:09 Why FTP processes vary so much between universities
22:01 Employer vs university: who's really accountable?
27:01 Can stage one concerns be resolved without escalating?
27:45 How careful do trainees need to be on social media?
29:31 Does a "views are my own" disclaimer protect you?
31:15 Do failed assignments lead to fitness to practise?
34:11 AI note-taking: help or new FTP risk?
36:16 Can a trainee refuse to engage with proceedings?
37:57 Should you self-disclose struggles early?
42:08 Advice for trainees facing FTP concerns
45:49 Where to find Nicholas Sterling

Links:

📲 Connect with Nicholas Stöckling https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-st%C3%B6ckling-94b23a137/

🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join

📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0

📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97

💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership

🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses

Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page)

✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources

📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity

Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:

If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.

Hashtags:

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.