This dissertation is a narrative study of the professional developmental experiences of women who were becoming clinical psychologists in midlife. The role of gender in professional identity development as described in gender socialization, the social construction of gender and developmental theories formed the conceptual basis for the study. I interviewed 12 women who were between the ages of 38-53 and who were near completion of, or had completed their doctoral training in clinical psychology. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed using in-depth content and process analyses of core themes within cases and across cases. The findings revealed six principle elements of the process of professional identity development and personal change: (1) Desire and Motivation, (2) Coping and Adjustment, (3) Relationship and Connection, (4) Isolation and Difference, (5) Milestones and Transitions, and (6) Accounting and Integration. The textual content showed that these women encountered a complex and ongoing process that brought change to both their personal and professional lives and identities. The pursuit of the doctorate in midlife brought a unique set of challenges and all of the participants made sacrifices and adjustments within their personal life to accommodate the demands of doctoral training. Evidence of role conflict emerged from the narratives as the women told of their struggle to juggle family roles with the demands of doctoral training. As graduates and early career psychologists, the participants' professional identity was just beginning to emerge. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]