The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast Do You Have to Drive to Be a Psychologist? Hidden Discrimination in Mental Health Employment?
Is a driving licence an essential requirement to become a psychologist, or is it a hidden barrier that excludes talented individuals from progressing in their careers? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Jake, an aspiring psychologist, to unpack the real-world challenges of not being able to drive in a profession where mobility is often assumed. They explore the rising costs of driving, generational differences, privilege, and what the profession needs to consider to become more inclusive. This episode is especially relevant for aspiring psychologists, DClinPsy applicants, and anyone interested in widening access to psychology careers.
Free 5-Day Challenge for Aspiring Psychologists
In today’s pre-roll, I share an exciting opportunity: a completely free 5-Day Challenge designed to boost your confidence, clarity, and career direction as an aspiring psychologist. Starting Monday 12th May, each day you'll receive a short, live training session (15–20 minutes) with a practical activity that helps you take actionable steps toward your goals—whether you’re applying for Assistant Psychologist or DClinPsy roles or looking to get unstuck.
What to Expect:
- Daily expert-led sessions with clear, practical steps
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- Flexible live sessions with replays available, so you never miss out
Complimentary Space: Ready to take charge of your psychology career? Sign up Now via this link: https://gtps.kartra.com/page/5DC-Dr-Marianne Join us and let’s move forward together!
🎙️ Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:01 – Meet Jake & Episode Background
- 02:34 – Driving & Privilege: Generational Perspectives
- 05:27 – How Marianne Passed Her Driving Test
- 06:25 – Barriers to Driving Today
- 08:01 – Entry-Level Psychology Salaries & the Impact of Driving
- 10:47 – Reliable vs Flashy Cars: Reframing the Expectation
- 13:36 – Financial Burdens of Driving for Young People
- 16:13 – Comparing the Costs: Then vs Now
- 17:18 – The Gap Between Motivation & Opportunity
- 18:22 – The Licence Requirement: Discrimination in Disguise?
- 20:13 – Jake’s Journey Through University & Setbacks
- 23:48 – The Moment He Realised Driving Was a Barrier
- 26:36 – Uber as a Solution & Placement Accessibility
- 28:45 – Could NHS Offer Pool Cars?
- 30:33 – The Need for Realistic Job Expectations
- 34:18 – Thoughts on Kirstie Allsopp’s Infamous Comments
- 36:43 – Pandemic’s Lasting Impact on Young Adults
- 38:00 – Final Reflections & Call to Action
#PsychologyCareers #AspiringPsychologist #DrivingInPsychology #DClinPsy
Links:
🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support
📚 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.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested
🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses
✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision
📱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
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