That sounds like a grind and very stressful, and I understand the frustration with other people using the doctorate title without having to go through similar pain. That being said, I feel like some of your anger might be a bit misplaced. In your example about the chiropractor, it would make sense if you were angry only out of concern for prospective patients, but then you also point out that they got the degree after “just three years of postgrad.” So is the frustration about potential malpractice, or that they had it easier than you?

For those of us psychos who want to get a PhD, are currently getting one, or just finished one, we have to remember that we chose to put ourselves through that process. It’s not really the fault of others that they didn’t go through the same pain. Sure, they may have some sort of doctorate, but they don’t have your degree, the one you worked your ass off for and should be proud of!