By Dr Melody Smith, Clinical Psychologist
With the DClinPsy application submission deadline looming, it’s easy to lose sight of self-care in the final stretch. This time can feel overwhelming, with pressure to perfect every detail and uncertainty about what comes next. Here are five nuanced and practical self-care strategies to help you navigate submission week with confidence and balance.
Create a Realistic Plan for the Final Prep Days Ahead of DClinPsy Application Submission
As the deadline approaches, it’s easy to feel like there’s too much left to do. Take a moment to map out your priorities for the remaining days. Break your tasks into manageable chunks, focus on one section at a time, and leave room for last-minute checks. A clear plan can reduce stress and help you work efficiently.
Remind Yourself Why You’re Doing This
Take a step back and reflect on why you’re applying for the DClinPsy. How does this step align with your broader personal and professional values? Writing down your motivations can help you reconnect with your “why” and shift your focus from the outcome to the journey itself. This reflection also reduces the tendency to compare yourself with others—a habit that can erode confidence during this process.
Celebrate Small Wins
Submission week is not just about the final product but the smaller victories along the way. Celebrate completing your final proofread, hitting “submit,” or even managing to cook a healthy meal amidst the chaos. These micro-achievements act as building blocks for resilience, reminding you that progress is made in small, intentional steps.
Be Kind to Yourself
Create a short ritual to ground yourself each day. This could be a 5-minute breathing exercise, writing down three things you’re grateful for, or reading an affirming quote. Self-compassion rituals can buffer against the inevitable moments of doubt and help you stay emotionally balanced as the deadline approaches.
Plan Something Fun for After Submission
Having something to look forward to post-submission can keep you motivated and add perspective to the process. Whether it’s dinner with friends, a day off to rest, or a creative project you’ve been putting on hold, this intentional planning helps you create a sense of closure and transition out of “application mode.”
Join Us for the DClinPsy Application Debrief Reflective Workshop
Once you’ve hit “submit,” take time to reflect on your journey with our November Reflective Workshop:
DClinPsy Application Debrief
🗓 Date: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: MS Teams
Facilitated by Angeline Christy, Trainee Clinical Psychologist, this workshop offers:
- A space to connect with fellow applicants and share experiences.
- Guided reflection on the application process and its alignment with your personal values.
- Insight into navigating next steps with resilience and optimism.
Join Our Pathfinder Membership Today!
Pathfinder members gain exclusive access to this workshop, along with:
- Access to 100+ pages of carefully curated resources in The Aspiring Clinical Psych Resource Library.
- Monthly Reflective Workshops
- Monthly Journal Club with feedback from Dr. Melody Smith.
- Exclusive discounts on ACPsych mini-courses and services (such as Interview Coaching).
- And more..
Join Pathfinder Membership Now
You’ve worked so hard to reach this point. Be kind to yourself, stay grounded, and remember—you’re so much more than an application.
Are you an aspiring clinical psychologist wondering how to prepare for DClinPsy? Click here to find out more about how we support aspiring clinical psychologists.
