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

espag@hotmail.co.uk

Helpful resources

Careers Service University Jobs Site

Goodmoves Clinpsy

British Psychology Society- The Psychologist, Alternative Handbook

Clearing House

And remember…

Questions?