The document provides information about becoming a child and adolescent psychotherapist, including the required training and typical work activities. To enter the field, one needs an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate clinical psychology or psychotherapy degree, and a 4-year clinical training program. A typical work day involves assessing new patients, conducting therapy sessions with children and adolescents, and participating in team meetings. Common reasons for referrals include attachment issues, mental health problems, abuse effects, and loss or trauma. The work involves treating a variety of issues across different settings like schools, hospitals, and residential facilities. While emotionally draining at times, the career offers personal satisfaction in making a positive impact.

1. Caryn Onions Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist The Mulberry Bush School www.mulberrybush.org.uk OXPIP (Oxford parent-infant project) www.oxpip.org.uk

2. How did I get to do this job? Work experience before Brunel Clinical psychology or child psychotherapy? Post-grad work Post –grad training NHS & voluntary sector work

3. Training Courses The Association of Child Psychotherapists www.childpsychotherapy.org.uk Graduate entry Clinical doctorate level training Other non-NHS trainings Non-regulated profession HPC

4. Pre-training requirements 2 years Honours degree Pre-clinical MA based on 2 year infant observation Substantial work experience Personal suitability Personal analysis Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check

5. Clinical Training 4 Years 4 year NHS funded post Linked to a training school Personal analysis 4 x week

6. Day in the life – NHS 9.15 New patient assessment 11.00 Pre-school aged child plus mother 12.30-2.00 Team meeting over lunch 2.30 Admin 3.00 8 year old fostered boy in 2 x weekly therapy 4.00 14 year old self harmer 1 x weekly

7. Reasons for referral Separation difficulties Attachment disorders & relationship problems Depression & self harm Effects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse Eating problems PTSD Bereavement & loss The list is endless…………

8. Types of Work Children fostered or adopted Attachment difficulties Parent-infant psychotherapy Working in schools Working in hospitals (paeds, eating disorders, SCBU) Parent-child work Court work & expert witness work for LA Working in residential settings Consulting to other child professionals

9. What’s good and not so good NHS & job situation? Personal satisfaction Fascinating caseload Can be emotionally draining Huge variety of places to work – statutory and voluntary sector