Training to be a PWP - Rhiannon's story of grit and determination

Hello everyone and welcome to our next instalment of the Pathways to Psychology blog.

Today we have the pleasure to learn from Rhiannon Chapman, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP). We hope you will find lots of inspiration from Rhiannon's experiences and maybe they could support you on your own venture into the field of Psychology.

Rhiannon Chapman

My Journey to becoming a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

The human mind has always fascinated me and this curiosity led me to complete my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Leeds and then pursue a Master’s degree in Mental Health Research in my hometown at the University of Nottingham. While these academic pursuits deepened my understanding of mental health, my personal experiences reinforced my passion for this field of work.

I’ve had my own battles with mental health, and these struggles ignited a desire to help others navigate their challenges. This became the driving force behind my decision to work in mental health and apply for the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) course. My first application was unsuccessful, which was disheartening, but I refused to give up. A few years went by and with added experience of working as an emergency call handler and a neuro-rehabilitation therapy assistant, I was thrilled to secure a place, ready to take on the challenge.

And a challenge it was! I knew the PWP course would be rigorous, but nothing quite prepared me for the intensity of the experience. I trained at the University of Birmingham, a programme renowned for its high standards. Unlike some other universities, where trainees faced fewer assessments, no exams and weren’t removed from the course after two failed attempts, Birmingham trainees operated under immense pressure. If we were removed from the course we would also lose our job. The stakes were high—failure wasn’t an option.

Adding to the emotional toll, I had recently lost a close friend to suicide. Early in the course, I experienced a particularly difficult day that triggered deep grief, and I had to leave the classroom in tears. The kindness and support I received from my peers and tutors that day confirmed something: this was the field where I belonged, surrounded by compassionate, empathetic individuals.

While the university workload was challenging, my experience at my placement service pushed me to my limits. The caseload for trainees at my service was double, sometimes triple, that of other trainees on my course. Despite attending university two days a week and needing time to study, I was expected to manage a very high caseload. The workload was overwhelming, and by the middle of the course, I found myself completely burnt out.

I remember one particular day when I had just returned from a university day, emotionally drained and overwhelmed, and I felt I couldn't continue so considered resigning. I couldn’t see a way forward. However, after a conversation with my service about my struggles, I decided to persevere—and I’m so grateful I did.

Against all odds, I completed the PWP course, passing everything on the first attempt. As I wait for the results of my portfolio, despite the outcome, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. This journey has been the hardest thing I’ve ever undertaken—far more challenging than my undergraduate degree or Master’s program.

Reflecting on the experience, I recognize that the difficulties I faced were amplified by the extra demands placed on me by both my university and my service. It’s reassuring to hear that changes are being implemented to improve the experience for future trainees.

Becoming a PWP has been a transformative journey. It has taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of perseverance. I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my career, using my experiences to support others in their mental health journeys.

To anyone considering this path: it’s not an easy road, but it’s one of the most rewarding. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined and found a profound sense of purpose in the process.

Thank you so much Rhiannon for sharing your experiences. It is clear you have determination and grit to have withstood the challenges during your training. We wish you every success in your career!

We invite trainee and qualified PWPs, Practitioner Psychologists, Counsellors, and Psychotherapists to write for the blog. Maybe you could inspire the next generation of mental health professionals with your story- get in touch if you would like to add your own blog entry. 

Kind regards,

The Pathways team.