I worked within a secure forensic hospital within the forensic psychiatry service. My role as an assistant psychologist involved working as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and supporting the MDT via psychology teaching/case formulation meetings and weekly reflective practice as well as supporting clients with their mental health and insight into offending work.The main aspect of my role involved working with clients in a non-judgemental manner either individually or in groups. Groups I facilitate include: psychology based skills groups, emotional regulation and addiction awareness. Individual psychological interventions were tailored to individual need and engagement abilities, and focus on offending behaviour and how mental health can impact this and vise versa. I typically used a DBT, CBT for psychosis and CBT for offending approaches, though I have used aspects of CAT and Schema therapy within my work, under clinical supervision.An element of my role also included research and I am currently working on a research project alongside clinical psychology colleges. Additionally, working within a forensic setting requires that I conduct regular risk-assessments, specifically the HCR-20 v3.

While studying my MSc, I worked as a bank support worker at The Huntercombe to cover course fees and commuting expenses. The Huntercombe was a secure unit for young people aged 12-18. My role included engaging with the clients and assisting the nursing team. For example, promoting structure, independence and recovery while maintaining boundaries and safety. I also assisted with activities on and off the wards while supporting patients and staff during periods of unsettled mood and behaviour. The hospital closed in January 2018.

I worked on two psychiatric wards: Glaven (all male) and Thurne (assessment). My role involved co-facilitating a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy based skills group and an anxiety management group, open to the four acute wards across the site. My work on Glaven and Thurne involved attending medical reviews, working as part of a multiple-disciplinary and one to one work with inpatients.Through this role, I gained a better understanding of working to the Cognitive Analytic Therapy model, as I was supervised by a clinical psychologist who used this approach predominately in their own work.

My fist assistant psychologist role involved working for a Flexible Assertive Community Treatment Team, within an Adult Community Mental Health team. My role involved working with service users, with a range of diagnoses, in their homes to provide goal orientated and time specific interventions to help them achieve a specific goal (or overcome an obstacle) that was identified by the client. I also worked in a multi-disciplinary team including psychiatrists, nurses, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, psychological therapists and support workers. Additionally to individual based work, I also co-facilitated an anxiety management group and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy education group. This experience helped me to practice and refine my presentation skills and adapt to presenting to groups of people with different abilities and strengths. For the last part of my post, I also supported the Dementia and Complexity in Later Life team with co-facilitating a Post Diagnosis group. I was also trained in how to conduct ACE III cognitive and memory assessments.

During my first paid position, I decided to volunteer for Samaritans as I had been interested in volunteering with this charity for some time. Following a period of training and induction, my role included offering time and support to callers who had phoned the helpline or who visited the Samaritans premises. At times, phone calls and conversations face to face could be emotionally demanding and distressing and I feel that my time with the Samaritans taught me how to conduct myself appropriately in highly emotionally charged situations.I enjoyed my time volunteering for Samaritans and have the utmost respect for those who continue to do so.

I volunteered for West Norfolk Mind during academic vacations while I was completing my BSc (Hons) Psychology. I mostly assisted with the running of a day centre for older adults in Heacham, Norfolk. During my time, I learned the importance of company for the elderly clients who used the service and gained the opportunity to refine my communication skills.