So You Want To Be A Psychologist PODNOTES

Affiniti+
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  • Mental Health

Why Podnotes? In clinical practice, notes are how we make sense of what we hear — turning conversation into insight and insight into action. Podnotes work the same way. Part podcast, part educational resource. A conversation designed to leave you with something you can actually use. This is our first Podnotes series. It will not be our last. Affiniti+ Podnotes is where evidence-based psychology meets the conversations that actually matter — honest, rigorous, and free. Our debut series, So You Want To Be A Psychologist, is for anyone considering or navigating the clinical psychology pathway — from A-levels to qualified. 700 applicants for 45 doctorate places. Over 100 applicants for a single assistant psychologist post. Years of unpaid work and advice that amounts to: just get more experience. This series cuts through that. Most advice focuses on what to know. This series focuses on how to be — which, in our experience, matters more. Hosted by Dr Anindita Sarkar — Consultant Clinical Psychologist, 26 years’ experience, former NHS Head of Clinical Services, doctorate supervisor — and Zara Tandy, Assistant Psychologist at Affiniti+, who was one of 104 applicants for her current role and got it. Five episodes. CVs, interviews, rejection, the reality of training, and the career beyond. Everything your university tutor didn’t tell you. No gatekeeping. No paywall. Every episode free, delivered straight to your inbox. Series launches Tuesday 5th May 2026. affinitiplus.substack.com

Episodes

  1. So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 5

    Jun 2

    So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 5

    You’ve qualified. Now what? This final episode looks at career paths in both the NHS and private practice, drawing on Dr Anindita Sarkar’s 26 years of experience across both. We discuss the long-term impact clinical psychologists can have, the realities of leadership and service development, and the emerging questions around AI and the future of the profession. We also answer the question the whole series has been building toward: is this worth it? Want support navigating your next step? Our full application package offers comprehensive guidance at https://www.affinitiplus.com/podnotes. Or with our resource guide (£10) — CV templates, interview checklists, application timelines and reading lists, available now. Have a question about this episode? Join the conversation in our Substack community — ask Dr Anindita and Zara directly. We read everything: https://affinitiplus.substack.com/publish/chat?utm_source=chat-checklist We built this series for you and we want to keep improving it. Tell us what you need more of, what questions you still have, and what would make this resource more useful for aspiring psychologists:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-FLJhzVXUGiJcpdhcpDWEIvf64TJScpypt5Y4IMTtd3HXwA/viewform Timestamps 0:00 - 0:31 → Introduction to Episode 5 0:31 - 7:00 → Life after qualifying; what has Dr Anindita learnt in her roles post doctorate? 7:00 - 10:43 → The creation of Affiniti+ 10:43 - 16:00 → Thoughts on the present and future of the field of clinical psychology 16:00 → Episode and series wrap-up This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit affinitiplus.substack.com

    17 min
  2. So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 4

    May 26

    So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 4

    Over 100 applicants for one assistant psychologist post. That is not exceptional. That is normal. This episode is about what you do about it. We cover how to structure a CV and cover letter that gets read, how to prepare for interviews when everyone in the room is equally qualified on paper, and the most common mistakes candidates make — and don’t realise they’re making. We also talk honestly about rejection: how to handle it, how to keep going, and what it does to your sense of agency when the system is designed to filter you out. Resource pack and other personalised information for you available at https://www.affinitiplus.com/podnotes. Have a question about this episode? Join the conversation in our Substack community — ask Dr Anindita and Zara directly. We read everything: https://affinitiplus.substack.com/publish/chat?utm_source=chat-checklist We built this series for you and we want to keep improving it. Tell us what you need more of, what questions you still have, and what would make this resource more useful for aspiring psychologists:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-FLJhzVXUGiJcpdhcpDWEIvf64TJScpypt5Y4IMTtd3HXwA/viewform Timestamps 0:00 - 0:35 → Introduction to Episode 4 0:35 - 3:06 → Dr Anindita’s application tips for aspiring assistant psychologists 3:06 - 6:33 → Tips for interviewing for assistant psychologist roles 6:33 - 8:33 → How to handle rejection 8:33 - 9:15 → Episode wrap-up This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit affinitiplus.substack.com

    9 min
  3. So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 3

    May 19

    So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 3

    The prospectus version of a clinical psychology doctorate sounds manageable. The reality is different. This episode covers what doctoral training is actually like — the clinical work, the research, the pressures, the support, and what a viva involves. More importantly, it covers what you need to do before you apply: the experience that matters, the experience that doesn’t, and how to position yourself as a credible candidate when competition is this fierce. Want personalised guidance on your own pathway and timeline? Our career strategy session (£120) offers one-to-one advice on exactly this. Book at https://www.affinitiplus.com/podnotes. Have a question about this episode? Join the conversation in our Substack community — ask Dr Anindita and Zara directly. We read everything: https://affinitiplus.substack.com/publish/chat?utm_source=chat-checklist We built this series for you and we want to keep improving it. Tell us what you need more of, what questions you still have, and what would make this resource more useful for aspiring psychologists:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-FLJhzVXUGiJcpdhcpDWEIvf64TJScpypt5Y4IMTtd3HXwA/viewform If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review takes 30 seconds and makes a real difference to who finds this series next. Timestamps 0:00 - 0:33 → Introduction to Episode 3 0:33 - 1:40 → Life as a DClinPsy student 1:40 - 5:30 → Dr Anindita’s experience of teaching and placements on the DClinPsy course at Salomon’s 5:30 - 7:33 → Mapping out a career: is Psychology A level important? 7:33 - 8:11 → Mapping out a career: is an undergraduate degree in psychology essential? 8:11 - 9:05 → Mapping out a career: are Master’s degrees in psychology useful? 9:05 - 11:33 → Mapping out a career: how to gain clinical experience? 11:33 - 12:17 → Episode wrap-up This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit affinitiplus.substack.com

    12 min
  4. So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 2

    May 12

    So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 2

    Clinical psychologist. Psychotherapist. Psychiatrist. Counselling psychologist. Most people use these terms interchangeably. They are not the same — and confusing them costs you time, money, and sometimes years of experience in the wrong direction. This episode clarifies the differences, maps the range of psychology specialisms available, and answers the questions nobody tells you early enough: when should you apply for a doctorate, and what experience actually makes you a strong candidate?  Want to get started right away? Our Resource Pack (£10) includes: a checklist for assistant psychologist applications, a CV template, a UK DClinPsy application timeline, and additional reading; a perfect first step in your journey. Available now at https://www.affinitiplus.com/podnotes. Have a question about this episode? Join the conversation in our Substack community — ask Dr Anindita and Zara directly. We read everything: https://affinitiplus.substack.com/publish/chat?utm_source=chat-checklist We built this series for you and we want to keep improving it. Tell us what you need more of, what questions you still have, and what would make this resource more useful for aspiring psychologists:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-FLJhzVXUGiJcpdhcpDWEIvf64TJScpypt5Y4IMTtd3HXwA/viewform If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review takes 30 seconds and makes a real difference to who finds this series next. Timestamps 0:00 - 0:32 → Introduction to Episode 2 0:32 - 3:18 → What actually is a clinical psychologist?  3:18 - 3:59 → How does a clinical psychologist differ from a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist? 3:59 - 8:04 → Dr Anindita Sarkar’s route to the doctorate in clinical psychology 8:04 - 9:22 → The experience of applying to a doctorate in clinical psychology 9:22 - 10:23 → Advice for those at the beginning of the journey to the doctorate 10:23 - 11:04 → Episode wrap-up This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit affinitiplus.substack.com

    11 min
  5. So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 1

    May 5

    So You Want To Be A Psychologist Episode 1

    Most people who want to be clinical psychologists don't fully understand what the role involves until they're already years into trying to get there. This episode fixes that. Dr Anindita speaks with Zara about what drew her to the field, what the reality of the profession looks like from the inside, and what aspiring psychologists need to understand before they invest years in this path. If you're wondering whether clinical psychology is right for you — and what it actually takes to succeed — start here.  Want to get started right away? Our Resource Pack (£10) includes: a checklist for assistant psychologist applications, a CV template, a UK DClinPsy application timeline, and additional reading; a perfect first step in your journey. Available now at https://www.affinitiplus.com/podnotes. Have a question about this episode? Join the conversation in our Substack community — ask Dr Anindita and Zara directly. We read everything: https://affinitiplus.substack.com/publish/chat?utm_source=chat-checklistWe built this series for you and we want to keep improving it. Tell us what you need more of, what questions you still have, and what would make this resource more useful for aspiring psychologists:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-FLJhzVXUGiJcpdhcpDWEIvf64TJScpypt5Y4IMTtd3HXwA/viewform  Timestamps 0:00 - 2:29 → Introduction to So You Want To Be A Psychologist 2:29 - 6:01 → Introducing Dr Anindita Sarkar and her reasons for pursuing clinical psychology 6:01 - 7:30 → Tips for facing the level of competition in the field 7:30 - 8:16 → Episode wrap-up This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit affinitiplus.substack.com

    8 min
  6. Introducing So You Want To Be A Psychologist

    Apr 30

    Introducing So You Want To Be A Psychologist

    So You Want To Be A Psychologist is a free five-episode podcast series for anyone interested in or preparing for a career in clinical psychology. The series explores what the pathway actually looks like in practice, from building experience, to applying for assistant psychologist roles, to getting onto the doctorate in clinical psychology. Hosted by Dr Anindita Sarkar, Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 26 years’ experience, and Zara Tandy, Assistant Psychologist at Affiniti+. Full series launches 5th May 3pm, available here on Substack, as well as on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit affinitiplus.substack.com

    3 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Why Podnotes? In clinical practice, notes are how we make sense of what we hear — turning conversation into insight and insight into action. Podnotes work the same way. Part podcast, part educational resource. A conversation designed to leave you with something you can actually use. This is our first Podnotes series. It will not be our last. Affiniti+ Podnotes is where evidence-based psychology meets the conversations that actually matter — honest, rigorous, and free. Our debut series, So You Want To Be A Psychologist, is for anyone considering or navigating the clinical psychology pathway — from A-levels to qualified. 700 applicants for 45 doctorate places. Over 100 applicants for a single assistant psychologist post. Years of unpaid work and advice that amounts to: just get more experience. This series cuts through that. Most advice focuses on what to know. This series focuses on how to be — which, in our experience, matters more. Hosted by Dr Anindita Sarkar — Consultant Clinical Psychologist, 26 years’ experience, former NHS Head of Clinical Services, doctorate supervisor — and Zara Tandy, Assistant Psychologist at Affiniti+, who was one of 104 applicants for her current role and got it. Five episodes. CVs, interviews, rejection, the reality of training, and the career beyond. Everything your university tutor didn’t tell you. No gatekeeping. No paywall. Every episode free, delivered straight to your inbox. Series launches Tuesday 5th May 2026. affinitiplus.substack.com

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