Xiaowei Lu

Doctoral Respecialization Program (DRP) in Clinical Psychology
CSPP at Alliant International University, San Francisco

Q: What inspired you to go into the clinical psychology field? 

A: I had a social psychology PhD before this, and after I graduated, I worked for ten years. During that time, I realized that I wanted to switch to the mental health field because I saw people suffering from stress and so many other things that I wanted to do something to help them. That's what motivated me to make the career change.

Q: What made you choose Alliant over other schools? 

A: There aren’t many programs like this which let you pursue a respecialization doctorate. Most programs make you redo a PhD or a PsyD which would have been a huge burden for me both timewise and financially. I didn’t want to do another PhD, but I really wanted to get the clinical training in the field so that I can become a psychologist. When I found out Alliant had a DRP, I was very excited. This program has made things easier to access, provided me with a lot of practical experience in the field, and helped me build connections and navigate the system. I cannot imagine how I would do my practicum and get the supervision and professional field experiences without this program.

Q: What's been the most enjoyable part of the program for you so far? 

A: I’ve built a lot of connections with my peers, my professors, and with my supervisors in the field and that's laid a very strong foundation for me. Also, the people here are very nice and have given me a lot of support, both professionally and personally.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of the program? 

A: Doing the practicum and getting those real experiences is challenging because I didn't have much experience before I started to see my clients. But the quality of the practicum is very good. I get a lot of support from my supervisors and from my peers in the practicum and I’m learning by doing.

Q: Has there been anything surprising in the program so far? 

A: It's passed by so fast! I’m already in the third year and I feel like I just started. But I’ve learned a lot.

Q: Is there any advice you would give to someone who wants to enter the psychology field? 

A: This is not an easy job. You’re going to be in some difficult places with your clients together so make sure that you want to help people and be with them. After that, if you still want to get into the field, then don't wait. I feel everything is about timing and if you decide to just get into it, it will happen.