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

Hi everyone and welcome to another chapter of the Pathways to Psychology blog. Today we hear from Fabbiha Tarafdar, trainee Counselling Psychologist. Fabbiha talks of the lack of equity and representation, often finding others had constructed an understanding of her in an ill-informed way, by racialising and limiting her potential. Despite these misgivings Fabbiha is succeeding. She has found her strength in being congruent, being compassionate, and being determined to walk her own path. Happy reading!         Becoming Dr Fabbiha: The             Psychologist I Needed to See Hi! I'm Fabbiha, a final-year trainee Counselling Psychologist. I wanted to share a little about who I am so that you can get a sense of the experiences that have shaped my journey. In doing so, I hope to inspire those considering a career in psychology and reassure you that there is no one way of being and relating to as a psychologist. I am 30 year...

Hi everyone and welcome to another inspiring blog post. Today we hear from Kate Hicks, Existential Psychotherapist, Counselling Psychologist in training, and Psychology lecturer.  Kate talks of the trials and tribulations of pursuing a new career during midlife, but she has found her home in psychotherapy and psychology. Happy reading!                      Kate Hicks     Existential Psychotherapist     Counselling Psychologist in                        training            Psychology lecturer Midlife Reassessment of Goals:           Finding a Path to Meaning Through Counselling Psychology The lotus flower is often associated with growth emerging from difficult conditions. I don’t think personal or professional change is ever quite as pretty as that metaphor suggests, but looking ...

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 ...