--- - |2+ Objective Contemporary‐training of clinical‐psychologists in Australia is competency‐based, aiming to develop highly‐skilled scientist–practitioners. Little is known, however, about their experiences of personal–professional development over time, as they are faced with the challenges of a life as therapists. This study aims to explore personal–professional development and the role played by clinical training programs. Method The present study employed a narrative inquiry research design to investigate the personal–professional development and identity‐transformation experiences of 11‐clinical psychologists from four Australian Universities, who had graduated between 3 and 10 years prior to interview. Results The majority of participants developed skills‐based professional identities as trainees, adhering to the structure of the cognitive‐behavioural‐model. Some struggled, however, to manage the emotional‐impact of therapeutic‐work, given training programs focussed little on personal development or reflective practice. Over time three main processes occurred in terms of the interplay between the personal and professional. Clinicians learned to use models of practice that were congruent with their personal values, they developed a quality of genuineness in the therapy room, and they learned to listen to their own internal experiences during therapy. Clinicians were dissatisfied with the limited role of training programs in terms of personal development. Conclusion Further research is required on the personal–professional development of clinical psychologists, including the exploration of pedagogical reform related to personal development. - Australian Psychologist, EarlyView.