It will sound a cliché, but I love helping people. When I am asked ‘why psychology?’ I find it difficult to answer without it sounding like a typecast response. But, I am a helpful, empathic, and compassionate person. So what better way to implement help and support to others, than via evidence-based practice.
During my years of study and getting into employment, I received little to no assistance on how to become a Clinical Psychologist or even where to start the journey of working towards becoming one.
Although I am not yet qualified, I am going to share my experiences within the field thus far from my education, work experience placements, getting my first Assistant Psychologist post and finding my way as an aspiring Clinical Psychologist. By sharing these experiences and providing some advice, I can hopefully shed some light of getting into the world of Psychology and potentially help others in some way.
CREDENTIALS
BA (Hons) Psychology - Bangor University 2011
MSc Foundations of Clinical Psychology - Bangor University 2012
Mind Mental Health Charity - 3 months
Independently evaluating the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE) looking for trends within the data, in relation to referral dates, assessment dates and completion of therapy dates. Showing motivation and confidence to work individually with minimal supervision.
Substance Misuse Detoxification Unit - 8 months
Observing and working with a Clinical Psychologist delivering psycho-social interventions to substance misuse service users gaining awareness and practice, of the application of clinical psychology.
Honourary Assistant Psychologist - Inpatient Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit - 4 months
Working alongside an Assistant Psychologist I experienced observing, collating and scoring data of neuro-psychological assessments of patients with mental health issues.
Assessment, clinical formulation and delivery of a series of therapeutic interventions, supporting individual drug and alcohol service users with variety of mental health issues, to promote health and social care improvements within a variety of primary care settings.
Soup Kitchen - 8 months
Packing and serving hot meals to homeless/roofless adults with substance misuse and mental health difficulties.
Therapeutic Intervention Worker - 5 years
Assessment, clinical formulation and delivery of a series of therapeutic interventions, supporting individual drug and alcohol service users with variety of mental health issues, to promote health and social care improvements within a variety of primary care settings.
Assistant Psychologist - 2 years
Supporting psychological assessments for the court by summarising legal bundles and administering psychometric tests. Also, supporting the psychological consultation pathway for looked after children.
CONTACT ME
If you feel inspired, are interested in connecting, or have any questions regarding my journey so far, please contact me below.