From Detours to Doctorate: Ruthie's Path at Queen's

“Inside Clinical” Series, Episode 1

By Dr. John W. Lee (Clinical Psychologist; University of Waterloo alum) With Ruthie Stanley-Blackwell, Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology (Queens University)

Breaking into a Clinical Psychology PhD is no small feat- and it’s only gotten tougher. When I applied back in 1999, while in the midst of my Honours Thesis at the University of Waterloo, the path looked very different. I applied to five schools, wrote the Psychology and General GREs, and while I had no publications to my name, I’d volunteered in three research labs and secured some solid references. That was enough to land three offers and an eventual spot at Waterloo, where I stayed to continue my work on self-esteem. Today, though, the bar has shifted dramatically. Expectations for research, publications, and experience are higher than ever, leaving many students feeling anxious and questioning whether they even stand a chance.

This is why I created the Inside Clinical blog series: to cut through the myths and provide real insight (and insider tips) into how successful students navigated the process now, persevered, and ultimately were successful in getting into this coveted program. Each episode highlights a different person’s path, detours included, to show that there is no single formula for success.

Meet Ruthie

Our first guest is Ruthie Stanley-Blackwell, a 24-year old incoming PhD student in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University. Ruthie is a Maritime kid at heart, raised in Nova Scotia, and a Chinese-Canadian adoptee whose early attachment experiences sparked a lifelong interest in relationships and resilience.

Ruthie’s academic path has been anything but straightforward. After completing a double major in Art History and Psychology at Mount Allison, she pursued a Master’s in Social Psychology at Queen’s. She then transitioned into the Clinical Psychology PhD program under the supervision of Dr. Tara MacDonald, who values the intersection of social and clinical psychology.

Ruthie’s research focuses on relationships and attachment, especially the ways early bonds can protect against psychopathology and how social science findings can be translated into clinical populations. Outside of the lab, Ruthie maintains balance through painting, sewing, and outdoor activities, creative outlets that support her well-being alongside academic pursuits.

“I grew up in the Maritimes and I still really identify with that part of myself. I feel like being from Nova Scotia shaped how I see relationships and community.”

The (Un)Linear Path: Why Social First, Then Clinical?

Like many students, Ruthie initially assumed her trajectory would be direct: undergraduate psychology, then straight into graduate school. However, she had limited knowledge regarding the broad range of careers in the field, with the exception of clinical psychology. When it came time to apply, however, she realized she had not observed a clinician at work and could not yet articulate how her interests fit within clinical training.

“I didn’t actually know what a clinical psychologist did day-to-day. I hadn’t seen it up close, and I didn’t want to apply without knowing if it was the right fit.”

Instead of forcing the fit, she applied to Social Psychology, where she could strengthen her research skills while staying close to the subject areas she cared deeply about.

This choice proved invaluable. Once at Queen’s, Ruthie thrived under the supportive mentorship of her supervisor and had the opportunity to observe firsthand, clinical students, their courses, practicums, and career paths. With that exposure, she gained clarity about how her own research interests aligned with clinical training.

“Being around clinical students was eye-opening. Seeing their courses, their placements, their trajectory made me realize that was where I wanted to be.”

With the encouragement of Dr. Tara MacDonald, she successfully made the transition into the Clinical PhD.

Ruthie’s Insider Lessons

Ruthie’s journey underscores the importance of curiosity over imitation. She cautions against trying to copy another applicant’s CV, emphasizing that following one’s genuine interests leads to stronger experiences and more compelling applications.

“If you’re just trying to recreate someone else’s CV, you’re going to feel lost. The best thing you can do is ask yourself what you’re genuinely interested in and let that lead.”

Ruthie also stresses the value of learning the landscape. Understanding the differences between Clinical and Counselling Psychology, PhD and PsyD programs, as well as related professions such as Speech Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy, is essential. If it’s a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. you really want, you must also be able to explain the scientist–practitioner model and how your interests connect to both research and practice.

Another insider tip is the role graduate students play. They often have input on admissions decisions, particularly when committees are discussing fit and lab culture. Ruthie encourages applicants to reach out to them directly.

“Graduate students are honestly a gold mine. They’ll tell you what the lab is really like, what the supervisor values, and sometimes they even influence who makes the shortlist.”

Applying for scholarships, even when optional, is another move that signals seriousness, dedication and initiative. It shows committees that you can compete for external funding and that you are prepared to write proposals. And frankly, some committees will only consider those with funding. 

"Even when it’s optional, applying for scholarships shows you’re serious. It signals to the program that you can bring in funding and that you know how to write proposals.”

Mentorship also plays a central role in Ruthie’s story. She credits her Interpersonal Relations professor at Mount Allison University, Dr. Louise Wasylkiw, for introducing her to connections that ultimately shaped her trajectory, demonstrating how professors can open doors that students may not even know exist.

“My Interpersonal Relations professor really changed my path. She introduced me to people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, including the PI who ended up being such a good fit.”

Finally, she stresses that your supervisor is your graduate experience. While the reputation of the institution matters, it is especially important to find a supervisor whose values, feedback style, and mentorship approach are aligned with your own.

“Your supervisor is your grad experience. You’re with them for six years or more. Their style, their lab, their feedback… that’s what’s going to shape your career, not just the name of the school.”

Rapid Fire Secrets: What Really Matters

Ruthie’s most surprising takes from our discussion

Rapid Fire with Ruthie

What Ruthie Would Do Again (and What She Would Skip)

Looking back, Ruthie is clear about what she would repeat. She would continue to pursue opportunities based on genuine curiosity rather than strategy, trusting that authentic engagement creates stronger experiences than box-ticking. She would also keep attending program open houses and contacting faculty, as these small actions helped her gain valuable insights into program culture and expectations. Mentorship would remain central as well, since both professors and graduate students provided advice and encouragement that guided her through the process.

“I learned the most from experiences I actually cared about. The ones I did just because I thought they ‘looked good’ never mattered as much.”

There are also areas where Ruthie would adjust her approach. She would avoid presenting a fully developed thesis topic in her statement of purpose, recognizing now that doing so can signal rigidity. She would also resist the temptation to apply everywhere without a clear alignment story. Instead, she would focus her applications on programs and supervisors that were a true fit, understanding that quality of alignment matters more than quantity of applications.

“I thought I had to present this fully-baked thesis idea, and honestly, that can backfire. It makes you look rigid. They want to see curiosity and openness.”

“It’s tempting to apply everywhere, but it’s not worth it. You’re better off applying to fewer places and really tailoring your story.”

Parting Encouragement

Ruthie is the first to admit that the path to a Clinical Psychology PhD is rarely straightforward and often full of uncertainty. Yet she sees value in every step, even those that feel like detours at the time.

“It’s a hard process, and sometimes it feels discouraging, but every step counts.” 

 For her, the key is resisting the urge to copy others and instead grounding yourself in your own curiosity. As she puts it, 

“Don’t try to copy someone else’s path. Focus on what lights you up, because that’s what will carry you through the tough parts.”

As a clinical psychologist who has been on the other side of this journey, I found myself struck by Ruthie’s openness to detours. When I applied, the path felt more linear, and the expectations less daunting. Hearing her perspective reminded me that today’s applicants need both grit and flexibility, as well as mentors who can demystify the process. What I learned from Ruthie is that success does not come from having a flawless CV, but from building a story that reflects who you are and where you want to go.

That is the purpose of this series: to highlight the human stories behind clinical training and to offer students real strategies, encouragement, and insight. If Ruthie’s path shows us anything, it is that there are many ways to arrive at the same destination - and that the right path is the one that keeps you curious, committed, and authentic.