gaining experience as an ‘aspiring psychologist’ cassie addai 11 th november 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Gaining experience as an
‘aspiring psychologist’
Cassie Addai11th November 2015
Overview 1. How I gained experience during my
degree
2. What I’ve been up to since graduating
3. Information about ESPAG (East of
Scotland Psychology Assistants Group)
4. Questions
Gaining experience
Before my degree
• Young Leader Girlguiding UK – once a week for 4 years
• Volunteer in day centre for adults with cerebral palsy - once a week for 2 years
Gaining experience
First year
• Children’s Holiday Venture- once a week• Lothian Autistic Society – Easter
holidays• Toby Henderson Trust- Summer holidays• Kickstart Summer School – one week in
summer
Gaining experience
Second year• Kickstart Summer School• The Action Group – Easter and summer
holidays
Third year • Kickstart Summer School• Voluntary Research Assistant – term time• The Action Group – weekends and holidays
Gaining experience
Fourth year
• Voluntary Research Assistant – term time• The Action Group – weekends and holidays• President of Psychology Society • PsychPALS
Tips
1. Do your research2. Network 3. Reflect on your journey4. Be patient 5. Practice self-care
Since Graduating
Action on Depression - CBT Self Help Volunteer
April 2013-March 2014 Guiding adults with mild-moderate
depression and anxiety through online computerised CBT and self-help materials
Weekly phonecalls to a caseload of six clients Talking them through their materials and any
issues Using screening tools PHQ9 and GAD7
Since Graduating
Action Group – Sessional Support Worker May 2013-Sept 2013 Working with children and young people with
additional needs Offering support with activities and personal
care
Health in Mind – Sessional Support Worker May 2013-Sept 2013 Practical and emotional support for adults
with severe and enduring mental health problems
Since Graduating
Health in Mind – Guided Self Help worker Sept 2013-Sept 2014 Delivering low-intensity CBT-based support to
adults with mild-moderate depression and anxiety
CBT principles Based at local health centres Liaising with GPs and signposting to other
agencies Regular individual and peer supervision Outcome measures Related administration
At present…
NHS Lothian – Assistant Psychologist October 2014 - present Co-facilitating pain management groups Individual assessments and progress reviews Mindfulness, relaxation, CBT, ACT, stress
management, pacing MDT team working Regular supervision Training Research
ESPAGEast of Scotland Psychology Assistants Group
Informal group for aspiring psychologists which meets one evening a month at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside.
The topic of each meeting varies but there is a usually speaker. This may be someone with a career in Psychology who shares their experiences or offers some helpful suggestions on how to gain more experience.
ESPAGThe group is also a great way to meet others with similar interests and goals.
Next meeting:
Tuesday 17th November, 6.30-7.30pmBoardroom in Mackinnon House, Royal Edinburgh HospitalMorningside
Helpful resources
Careers Service University Jobs Site
Goodmoves Clinpsy
British Psychology Society- The Psychologist, Alternative Handbook
Clearing House
And remember…
Questions?