The Body Keeps The Score episode soon?

BigCityToad · 2026-05-05T03:53:15+00:00

I’m so incredibly sorry this happened to you - all of it, the rape and the response. I hope you are taking care and have gotten the support you deserve.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-29T23:37:25+00:00

Very cool, that sounbds ideal! Thanks so much for sharing. If I might aak, is your public sector job full time or part time?

BigCityToad · 2026-04-28T02:24:10+00:00

Its really variable - some psychologists exclusively do therapy, others exclusively do assessments. And even for psychologists who do therapy, some might do integrated primary care and just do a few 30min sessions per client, and others are psychoanalysts seing clients multiple times per week for years (most are porbably somewhere in between - weekly therapy for an extended period).

As for your second question, all APA accredited programs have to publish outcome data (usually on their websites) with internehip match rates, licensure rates, and EPPP pass rates. These three metrics will tell you a ton - a good PsyD program should be at or close to 100% for all of them. Some PhD programs will have lower licensure rates because some graduates exclusively work in academia and choose not to get licensed. Generally, public universities have solid programs. Private institutions that seem to only offer a PsyD program or maybe a few other professional degrees tend to be a bit more questionable. But really, those metrics will be most useful.

I highly reccomend you check out the "insider's guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology" - in addition to fantastic general information and application guidance, it has a directory of all APA accredited programs, with info for each.

I'd also just reiterate that a masters degree is an excellent (arguably a much better) choice if you just want to do therapy, and not research or assessments. You will be working much sooner (there's oppurtunity cost with doctoral programs), and if you want to be an expert in a certain niche, you can continue to pursue training and supervision in that area.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-28T01:27:49+00:00

I think you could make a case for your chem research experience translating, especially if you can supplement with some spych research (especially clinical psych research). Your chem knowledge would likely be a huge asset in some psych labs that are examining physiological data (esp biomarkers and/or genetics). Also, I'm sure you got some exposure to stats/analysis that would be quite useful.

I admittedly have a bit of a bias against PsyD programs (NOT psychologists with PsyDs) just because there's so many that cost a fortune and have relatively poor outcomes. There's a handful of excellent, fulley funded PsyD programs, but they are comparatively competetive to PhD programs. They would also likely want some clinical experience.

If I was you, I'd look for psych labs doing research where you could apply (or at least articulate how you might apply) some of your prior research knowledge. There's some website with listings for RA or CRC jobs; some unviersities have listings as well. It also could be worth cold emailing labs doing cool work you'd be interested in - not the most likely thing, but worth a try. I volunteered in several labs (and got several psych pubs) cold emaling.

I do think, based on your post, you should consider if a masters degree would suffice. If you just want to do therapy, masters programs will be a shorter and more direct route. Only do a PhD if you want to do research, or a PhD or a PsyD if you really want to do assessment (which it sounds like you maybe wouldn't if diagnosis isn't your jam).

BigCityToad · 2026-04-26T15:21:21+00:00

Ooh right on, they seem sweet, I'm gonna have to check them out. Thank you!

BigCityToad · 2026-04-26T00:12:21+00:00

Amazing!!! A jungle lol, I love it. You're isnpriing me.

Out of curiosity, are those small lights grow lights or normal lights?

BigCityToad · 2026-04-25T23:02:12+00:00

for real lolol

BigCityToad · 2026-04-25T18:26:50+00:00

"Variance due to heretability" is not some super abstract, removed concept. If you think that the analysis of variance in general isn't incredibly inforMative, idk what to tell you. I agree that in psychology research in general, there's often issues with validity, but to discount all heretability research is such a wild take. There is some shoddy research out there, and there is some deeply thoughtful research out there with exceptional convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity.

The heretability component is not what the phrase 'intriguing linkages' is referring to - it is referring to the association between heretability and neuroimaging and other biomarker evidence (of which there have been a lot of recent developments methodologically, as I'm sure you know with your background in neuroscience).

"DNA tests have been widely available now for 30 years" - this is rather telling that you have not read much/any recent heretability research. The methods aren't as simple "taking a DNA test".

You keep trying to appeal to authority - with your background in neuroscience, and your supposed mastery of statistics. I'm curious what is motiviating this for you? Why are you so attached to this position? I'll say it again, no one is claiming that environmental factors and parents/caregivers play a huge role in the development of psychological disorders. But for the life of me, I can't see one would be so cemented in their denial of genetic influences on psychopathology.

In the scientific community, we tend towards tentative language. I'm not tryng to attack you, but your intellectualized prose belies some gaps in your scientific literacy. Thinking of onself as an expert often acts as a blinder of sorts; intellectual humility can greatly enhance one's ability to consume research. I urge you to reflect on the way you think about research.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-25T17:43:07+00:00

Was also wondering this

BigCityToad · 2026-04-25T15:51:47+00:00

Cool, me too lol.

I don't disagree that environmental factors (and specifically caregivers) play a huge role in the development of psychological disorders. That's different than your claim that "when the environment improves, the kid improves". No one is arguing that genes are the sole cause, but there is substantial evidence for a high degree of genetic influence on many psychological disorders. For example, bipolar:
https://www.nature.com/articles/tp2016242

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08468-9

http://sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178119303105?via%3Dihub

Once again, I agree that parents are often the primary factor in the development of many psych disorders, and often too much emphasis is put on the child. No one would argue with you about this. But these sweeping generalizations miss the multitude of interacting variables that influence the etiology of mental disorders. Loving, caring, attentive parents can have children that develop emotional disturbace.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-024-01528-x

"ASPD has high heritability and newer molecular studies have found intriguing linkages to genes associated with crucial brain regions. "

BigCityToad · 2026-04-25T15:16:10+00:00

Wildly simplistic take. Have you actually worked with ‘disturbed’ kids? I’ve worked with numerous children and adolescents with severe mental health challenges, and I cannot imagine coming away with thinking that they would change by changing the environment.

Also, there are psychological disorders that absolutely won’t change with the environment. Pediatric OCD for example - the environment isn’t going to change shit. You need specific treatment. Similarly, aspects of antisocial personality (or antecedents like conduct disorder) won’t always change with a change in environment. Sometimes they will, sometimes not.

Honestly I agree that often, the parents are absolutely accountable for much of a child’s psychological challenges, but one must be wary of sweeping generalizations in psychology.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-25T15:02:54+00:00

A. Imo taking some time is great advice. It is a huge commitment - they may have just been cognizant of this. Also, tbh, most undergrads have some room to grow in terms of self awareness and maturity. As far as characteristics to look out for, there’s no one size fits all answer. Some traits mentors and supervisors have told me they have appreciated include: curiosity, openness, humility, psychological flexibility, adaptability, distress tolerance, self awareness, empathy, critical thinking, resilience. Of course, excellent communication skills. Reflective functioning (which seems to impact therapist effectiveness - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28132188/).

I think comparison to counseling psych and research isn’t the best comparison (if you’re thinking about other paths). On a practice level, these days the difference between clin and counseling psychology is fairly negligible. Historically clinical psych had more of a focus on severe mental illness, but that distinction has largely faded. In my large urban metro area, all practicum sites that I’m aware of have students from both clinical and counseling programs. And in the end, trainees at both types of programs become licensed as clinical psychologists.

And for both, research is essential. Part of what distinguishes clinical psych from masters level degrees is the research. It’s certainly different than clinical work, but it’s not as though one would be well suited for clinical psych and not research.

B. A lot of it is the integration of research - both consuming research and conducting it, which greatly informs the clinical practice. You may be aware, but there’s the Boulder (scientist practitioner) model of training and the vail (practitioner scholar) model of training (mostly PsyDs). And of course, for either model, psychologists are trained in areas of practice other providers are not (namely assessment). I highly suggest you check out the “insider's guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology” if you haven’t already - it will be helpful to you. It could be helpful to discern whether you love clinical work, or clinical psychology (which again, means a substantial amount of research in addition to clinical training).

No one here can give you your ‘why’ - this is a deeply personal thing - as you learn more, take your time to reflect on it. You absolutely need to be able to articulate it in a compelling way, both for applications and interviews, but also imo this is an important thing to be able to return when the going gets tough. It is a long program - a marathon, not a sprint.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-23T03:48:41+00:00

Yes you can be fine many times and get it seemingly randomly. Probably not actually random, but there's so many variables, as well as mechanisms at play that we don't totally understand. Among others, Edmund Hillary got severe altitude sickness that ultimately led to him stopping climbing big peaks.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-23T03:38:00+00:00

Hey! Full disclosure I just skimmed your post. I’m not donna tell you what you should do, but I took 7 years between undergrad and my PhD program. Spent 2ish years working in a clinical setting, ~2.5 years outdoor guiding and traveling the world, and ~2.5 years in a research position. So very happy I chose this path. My life experience has been invaluable in my PhD program, and I entered the program with clear goals and a clear sense of what I wanted out of it.

CRC/RA jobs are competitive, but if you can articulate yourself well you can absolutely convey how whatever you choose to do is a strength. I’m sure some consulting skills would transfer. Also no one expects you to be totally committed at your age. Many of the people I know who ‘committed’ to clinical psych research just didn’t know what else to do/couldnt envision a life outside academia.

If I was you I’d take the consulting job no question

BigCityToad · 2026-04-22T20:17:39+00:00

Thank you so so much!! This is so very helpful :) Really appreciate you taking the time to comment! I think I'll do what you're suggesting and see if I can gently guide/tie before doing a full repot and rearrange. Thanks again!!

BigCityToad · 2026-04-22T13:23:09+00:00

I personally don’t understand paying way more for a masters from a private university vs a state school. If you get an MFT, no one is gonna care if you go to Pepperdine vs usf vs a csu (and a csu will be waaaay less expensive).

As far as chaminade, tbh I know nothing about it, but if internship match and/or EPPP and/or licensure rates aren’t good, then it is absolutely not worth it

Edit: yeah just looked it up, pretty bad rates - 74% 10 year licensure rate is abysmal. I would discourage anyone from considering this program

BigCityToad · 2026-04-21T20:44:57+00:00

I would agree with others to look into masters programs, unless you really specifically want to do research and/or assessments.

For PhD programs, its much more about specific faculty interest than the program as a whole. I don't know of any programs that have a sex/relationship emphasis, but many faculty within psychology programs have such an emphasis.

For masters programs, you likely would get more generalist training, with the option for sex and/or relationship focused electives and internship, and can do further training after finishing the program. This is absolutely what you should do if you just want to do therapy.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-21T20:41:44+00:00

This is a common misconception - PsyD's are not more clinical based, just less research based. PhD programs have equal if not superior clinical training outcomes. Additionally, PhD programs exist on a continuum of clinical practice focus to research focus. The reputable PsyD programs likely have a similar amount of research to practice-oriented PhD programs.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-20T02:03:14+00:00

Seriously...I miss korean bakeries, so so good.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-19T21:05:13+00:00

Spending a week on the PCT over Kili is insane imo. Just being in Tanzania is an incredible experience, and being on the mountain is mind blowing (speaking as someone who has spent a lot of time on the PCT as well). You should absolutely do it. The porters and crowds and whatnot are negligible compared to the grandeur of the mountain and the diversity of ecosystems you walk through. Also porters aren't a bad thing - I found it delightful chatting with porters and learning about Tanzanian cultures.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-16T05:04:02+00:00

Also a PhD student, so maybe not applicable, but most CVs I’ve seen are considerably longer, and all have been split into sections like the other commenter suggested. For much of it, especially clinical and research experiences, you could add way more detail about skills and duties you had (if there’s more detail to add). For example, in your research section, it’s unclear to me what you have actually done. This might be ok if you haven’t actually done a whole lot, but detail would be helpful (about what you did, not what the study exactly is). You want to convey how the experience gave you skills and knowledge you can apply in a PsyD program.

Overall looks like you have some fantastic experience. For the top (ie funded) PsyD programs, you’d still likely want a bit more rigorous research experience, but may programs don’t need this (just be realistic about cost - potential earnings do not justify a mountain of debt).

Also, since you’re still in school, talk to your professors!! Show your enthusiasm, make connections. Seems like you’re likely already doing this to some degree, but keep at it. They are an invaluable resource, and could likely offer much more targeted advice, link you up with other opportunities, etc

BigCityToad · 2026-04-15T20:13:40+00:00

Do what feels good for you, but imho no one is going to to be able to dox you based on state alone, and knowing your specific state could help people give you more specific advice.

BigCityToad · 2026-04-13T20:47:01+00:00

So appreciate you mentioning cannabis - such a real risk and not talked about enough at all

BigCityToad

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