London, England, United Kingdom
Award-winning, first-class Cardiff University psychology graduate and qualified PWP currently working as an Associate Lecturer. I am particularly interested in developing the psychological workforce, conducting research, and supporting the well-being of minority groups, especially those who identify as LGBT+.
Working to assist qualified clinical psychology and multidisciplinary team staff by: - undertaking psychological assessments, formulations, and interventions, including routine team screening and specialist neuropsychological assessments. - preparation of psycho educational materials, - assisting liaison and communication between psychology and other team members, - audit and service development activities, - working independently on a day-to–day basis, to meet goals and tasks set by the supervising clinical psychologist. Held additional roles as: Research Advocate; Carer Champion
Main job duties: - Assess and deliver, under supervision, outcome focused, evidence-based interventions to patients experiencing mild to moderate common mental health difficulties. - To deliver treatment to patients experiencing mild/moderate mental health difficulties. - To deliver a range of support for evidence-based treatments, including: telephone, media or typed. - Undertake accurate assessment of risk to self and others, in doing so to correctly manage and escalate any identified risk and/or safeguarding concerns. - Through supervision and case management to escalate cases where the level of need becomes beyond the scope of step 2 or more severe in presentation. - Adhere to the service referral protocols. - Under supervision signpost unsuitable referrals to the relevant service as necessary. - Keep coherent records of all activity in line with service protocols and use these records and outcome measures to inform decision making. - Complete all requirements relating to data collection. In addition, I volunteered to be part of the Patient Experience subgroup, and Under-represented Identities subgroup.
In this role, I worked alongside young people aged 13-25 to improve their health and wellbeing by advising, supporting, and coaching them to make positive changes. This involved initially interviewing and assessing young people to identify their needs and enabling them to set their own personal goals and objectives, followed by weekly wellbeing sessions to help the young people to develop their skills, broaden their mental toolbox, and improve their quality of life. For example, I supported a number of young people with low mood and anxiety by using self-help CBT techniques and workbooks, as well as ACT practises such as cognitive diffusion and mindfulness. I also provided more practical support and information, such as help with applying to colleges, updating CVs, and making onwards referrals. I worked closely with colleagues in the wellbeing team and liaised with external agencies such as schools and CAMHS to provide high-quality, consistent care to the young people. This job required a high standard of clear, concise communication with the young people, all staff members, and other agencies. Additionally, it required creativity with regards to developing engaging sessions for the young people, and flexibility in terms of when/where/how long the service was provided. As a result, I was able to further develop my communication skills especially within a 1-1 setting, as well as my organisation and delivery skills.
I completed an 8-week full-time research internship with Cardiff University’s School of Psychology. I assisted Dr Cerith Waters in looking at the prevalence and impact of PTSD and personality disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum, which provided me with experience of working as a research assistant. My role involved completing literature reviews, double-rating screenings for a systematic review, data extraction, and attending research network group meetings.