Pathways to Psychology, a journey with many possibilities at your fingertips

Hi everyone and welcome to the next instalment of the Pathways to psychology blog. Today we hear from Dr Natalie Gil, Research Fellow in Health inequalities. Natalie shares a pathway which was a little different from others, but ultimately it suited her needs and contributed to the excellent clinician and researcher she was today.       Dr Natalie Gil, PhD, MSc, BSc                             (Hons) Taking the Long Way Round: Becoming a Research-Practitioner in Health Psychology For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to understand why people think, feel and behave as they do, but I also wanted to apply that understanding in ways that could improve people's lives. I have always been fascinated by the idea that psychology could both generate knowledge and create change. When I started my psychology degree, I already knew what I wanted to be. Not a researcher, not a practitioner, bu...

Hi everyone and welcome to the Pathways to Psychology blog. This time we hear from James Fellows, Trainee Counselling Psychologist and Integrative Psychotherapist– Third year doctoral trainee at Metanoia Institute. James' journey is one of reflection, growth, and commitment. He has experienced some disappointments along the way, but had since found his calling and was flourishing. Happy reading!                    James Fellows Trainee Counselling Psychologist   and Integrative Psychotherapist                   Balancing Act  So I’m sitting down to write this blog post, urging myself to find the time amongst working within the NHS, seeing clients for therapy on placement, writing university assignments, completing research interviews, juggling social connections with friends and family, being in the process of moving house, trying to be present for my girlfriend, and...

Hi everyone and welcome to the next instalment of the Pathways to Psychology blog. Today we hear from Bettina Bonello Ghio, Occupational Psychologist. Bettina shares a deeply personal and reflective account of finding her way to Occupational Psychology through planning, pausing and adapting to change. Her success is truly inspiring. Happy reading!     From curiosity to Occupational      Psychology: my journey into the                               field             Bettina Bonello Ghio If you asked me when my interest in psychology started, I would probably say it began long before university. I am a fraternal quadruplet, and growing up surrounded by siblings who shared the same environment yet developed entirely different personalities, strengths, and ways of thinking made me naturally curious about human behaviour. I became fascinated by wh...

Hi everyone and welcome to the next edition of the Pathways to Psychology blog. Today we hear from Jamie Smokler, Trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist. Jamie highlights the importance of growth and development throughout his training, and how conversations with athletes, away from the podium, were making necessary change possible. We hope you find Jamie's journey inspirational food for thought.  Success Beyond the Scoreboard: Reflections as a Trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist    Jamie Smokler – Trainee Sport           and Exercise Psychologist       DPsych Sport and Exercise                Psychology at Glasgow                     Caledonian University When most people think about success in sport, they often think about winning. Medals, trophies, rankings, contracts, personal bests – these are the things we tend ...

Hello everyone and welcome to the next edition of the Pathways to Psychology blog. Today we hear from Louis Ross, HCPC Registered Sport Psychologist. Louis reflects on the complexity in this burgeoning field of Psychology and how he had found his way to success. He also shares excellent ideas to start up and thrive as a Practitioner. Happy reading!                  Louis Ross             HCPC Registered Sport                         Psychologist “Make sure that you love it” is what I remember vividly from my MSc, “because it’s a long road”… and the course lecturers that reminded us of that several times weren’t wrong! My journey was a little different due to a BSc in the states + an Open University conversion course, but however you choose to pursue your accreditation just know it certainly is a long and demanding route. I’ll keep it sho...

Hi everyone and welcome to the Pathways to Psychology blog. Today we hear from Pavla Visnievska, Msc Health Psychology student at Liverpool John Moores University. Pavla shares pivotal moments which slowly revealed the way forward. Her commitment and openmindedness to learn shine through. Happy reading!                Pavla Visnievska    Msc Health Psychology student My interest in psychology didn’t begin in a classroom. It started much earlier, shaped quietly by personal experiences that pushed me to question and reflect on human behaviour. When situations or relationships didn’t make sense, I found myself observing more closely, trying to understand what sat beneath the surface. Over time, the instinct to ‘figure people out’ grew into a deeper curiosity about how we think, cope, and relate to one another. For a long time, it felt like there was only one ‘right’ path after school – go to university, get a degree, and everyth...