Alan U.
About me
| Alan U. | |
| Psychology | |
| Applied Forensic Psychology | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Wentworth | |
| 2006 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| DClinPsy | |
| Clinical Psychology | |
| UCL | |
| United Kingdom | |
| 2011 | |
| 2014 |
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Clinical Psychologist working in Forensic Settings and teaching in IAPT. Passionate about supporting others and talking about anything that could be helpful
Why I continued studying
To develop more specialist knowledge of forensic psychology and to develop skills to become a clinical psychologist.
What my course is like
The MSc was more theroretical and my dissertation looked at areas such as assessment, personality disorder and risk. My Doctoral training was a mix of clinical placements across the life span, lectures and research thesis (a systematic review & empirical study)
How I have funded my studies
I funded my MSc through working prior to the course and my doctorate was funded through the NHS training scheme.
What I like most
Learning about different areas and the opportunity to develop clinical skills and knowledge of a diverse range of therapy models and research methods.
What I like least
The balance of work and home life. Work took over in the final 2 years of the doctorate.
What surprised me most
I found I really enjoyed working with Older Adults and love research, which I am carrying on with in my job.
My career goals when I graduated
Clinical Psychology
My career history
Probation Service Groups Facilitator
IAPT PWP
Team Coordinator/ Senior PWP
What has helped my career to progress
Relevant experience, perseverance and unwavering interest in people. Also having a balance to ensure I have things outside of work.
Courses taken since graduation
PG CERT Low intensity interventions
D Clin Psych Clinical Psychology
How my studies have helped my career
My further training post York taught me skills of a Clinical Psychologist as part of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. My MSc in applied psychology gave me a great grounding in the basic therapeutic skills and critically applying evidence to practice.
What surprised me about my career so far
The breath of working and the interagency working.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
To be still actively involved in research and to have moved into a more senior role which involves service development.
My advice to students considering further study
To make sure it is something you want to commit as 3 years is a long time. Think about if the course fits you and the location does too. The application process can be tough so use it as an opportunity to learn and develop.
Other advice
To make sure you have other interests and to use any experience to learn, even those that are difficult for us (e.g. not getting the job etc).
Contacting me
Training, Further Study, Work Experience, Clinical Psychology, Clinical Research, Psychology, Research.
Next steps...
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