Learning to walk the tightrope: Navigating the scientist-practitioner model – An assistant psychologist’s perspective

A hallmark of doctorate training in clinical psychology is the reflective scientist practitioner model (British Psychological Society, 2019). This paper presents an assistant psychologist’s reflections on learning to incorporate the model into personal development and clinical practice, while working in an NHS clinical neuropsychology department. With reference to clinical examples and broader critiques, it explores the tensions inherent in the model and highlights challenges that can come when applying it to clinical practice – particularly for aspiring psychologists yet to complete doctorate training. Critically reflecting on the model can help prevent internalising its inconsistencies as shortcomings in personal competence. It concludes by discussing how a particular psychological theory helped to illuminate a clearer perspective and suggests how these reflections could be used in supervision to enhance the development of assistant psychologists.