Psychology Chartered to Launch Assistant Group
11th October 2017
Hello! I’m Elliot, the new Assistant Psychologist here at Psychology Chartered. We are an independent clinical psychology service, providing specialist assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for adults with a neuropsychological condition. I am launching an Assistant Psychologist Group to be held at our office in Havant. But before I tell you about the group, I thought I would share my journey to becoming an Assistant Psychologist.
I haven’t always had aspirations of pursuing a career in psychology. For a long time, I wanted to be a veterinarian and this largely influenced my A-level choices. I decided to take Biology, Chemistry, Maths – essential subjects to study veterinary science at university – and Psychology. Ever since I started learning about Psychology, however, I realised I wanted help people and become a psychologist.
In 2013, I moved from Portsmouth to study BSc Psychology with Clinical Psychology – reflecting my particular interest within the field – at Goldsmiths, University of London. The main difference between Psychology and Psychology with Clinical Psychology was that in the final year, I specialised on key issues in mental health. In addition, I completed a research project with a clinical focus; specifically, I examined whether the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 – a self-report measure of maladaptive personality traits – could predict problematic alcohol and cannabis use.
I took the opportunity to gain some clinical experience while studying. I did voluntary work for a drug service in Camden, supporting service users seeking to obtain recovery from substance misuse issues. I also worked in mental health, homelessness and young people services across London as a Personal Support Assistant, helping to meet the individual support needs of these client groups.
I graduated from university one year ago with a 1st class honours degree. After completion, I continued to live in London where I became a Support Worker in a mental health service, providing support to individuals with severe and enduring mental health needs. I worked as a Support Worker for 7 months before moving back to Hampshire in July, when I was offered the opportunity to work as an Assistant Psychologist for Psychology Chartered.
I am starting the group to provide an opportunity to:
- Learn about the working life of an Assistant Psychologist within the private sector.
- Discuss the application process for the clinical doctorate, with the chance to have your questions answered by Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist and Director of Psychology Chartered, Dr Richard Maddicks (who has previously taught on the Southampton clinical doctorate).
- Hear guest speakers from relevant areas within clinical psychology.
- Receive peer support in a friendly and relaxed environment.
- Network and socialise with other Assistant Psychologists.
The group is free and will aim to meet bi-monthly, with the first session taking place on Tuesday, 30th January 2018, 11:00am–12:30pm at Psychology Chartered, 19 South Street, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1BU.
If you are an Assistant Psychologist and would like to come along, please email me on elliot@psychologychartered.co.uk