Justine's story- From young mum to Doctorate: finding my path in Psychology

 HI everyone

Welcome to the next instalment of our blog, focusing on trailblazers in the Psychology field. Today we hear from Justine Sheedy, Trainee Counselling Psychologist. Justine writes about humble beginnings and the role community and connection continue to play as she moves ever closer to qualifying. Justine's road to becoming a Psychologist is winding and multi-faceted, but she shows the determination and grit so evident in Psychology colleagues. We hope reading about Justine will tweak your curiosity in learning more about the variety of Psychology careers, and how you could pursue your own.  

Justine Sheedy

Trainee Counselling Psychologist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justine-s-1b54ba218

From Young Mum to Doctorate 🎓: Finding My Path in Psychology

If you’re considering psychology, I want you to know this: there’s no single “right” path. Some journeys are straight, others winding — and often, it’s the winding ones that shape us the most.

Early life and motivation

I was brought up mostly by my dad from a young age — he was very young himself when I came along. Life wasn’t always straightforward, and resources were often stretched thin, but what we didn’t have in money, we made up for in community. We lived in a block of maisonettes where everyone was your “auntie,” doors were always open, and there was always someone to play with. My step-mum was also part of my life during those years, and while family life had its ups and downs, it gave me an early sense of resilience. At school, I did well (despite most of my report cards saying I should talk less!).

When I left school, A-levels and sixth form were never suggested to me, and I never thought to ask. At 15, all I really wanted was to start a family of my own. By 17, I was living in a flat with my partner, expecting my first baby, and I couldn’t have been happier. By 21, I was married with another child on the way, and I felt my life was set.

Stepping into healthcare

I worked as a Band 2 Healthcare Support Worker at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport. I loved all things people — listening to their stories, showing compassion, and giving time and space when they needed it most. I honestly thought I’d do that job forever. But life, as it does, shifted. Wards closed, services changed, and I moved through roles in children’s nursing and continuing care. Each time, I found myself drawn not only to the medical side of care, but to the conversations — the listening, the understanding, the support.

When I joined a community mental health team as a Band 3, everything changed. I set up a gardening project for patients: planting, growing, harvesting, cooking, and sharing meals together. It was simple, but powerful. The project helped the community accept those with different mental health challenges, supported some members into work, and continued long-term wellness. To my surprise, I was honoured to receive the Royal College of Nursing’s “Nurse of the Year” award. Even more, I was offered a funded nursing degree place.

Discovering psychology

At the time, my marriage was ending, and although the nursing training was going well, I realised my heart wasn’t in it. I didn’t want to spend my days giving medications and writing notes — I wanted to sit with people, hear their stories, and walk alongside them.

Before graduating, I was invited to give a speech. I spoke about how I once believed being a Nurse would be everything, and how I’d come to realise that what truly matters isn’t the title or the qualification, but the difference you make in people’s lives. That moment was a turning point — the first time I allowed myself to consider psychology.

For a long time, I didn’t believe I could become a Psychologist. After all, I told myself, I was “just a mum,” a single one at that. But once I graduated, I retrained in counselling, which finally gave me the chance to listen all day — living the dream! I went on to work in NHS primary care and set up my own private practice offering counselling and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).

One day, I emailed a course lead at the University of South Wales, telling her what I wanted to do. She met with me, encouraged me, and suggested a Master’s conversion course first, since my Nursing degree didn’t have the science element. I took her advice. Along the way, I discovered a love of research and was even offered a place on a PhD. It was fascinating, but I missed people — so I stepped away after a year with a postgraduate diploma in Advanced Research Methods in my pocket, ready to return to what truly mattered.

The Doctorate journey

That’s how I arrived where I am today: back in my hometown in South Wales, in the final year of my Counselling Psychology Doctorate. I’m in the last cohort before the programme closes its doors — a reminder to seize opportunities when they come, and to keep going even when the path feels uncertain.

My family joke that with all my graduations, I just have a hat fetish — but truthfully, this one means everything. This is the “floppy hat” I’ve been working towards all along.

Now, life looks very different. I’m happily married, living with my two wonderful adult children and my stepson who all truly rock my world. These days we’re based in the countryside with goats, chickens, cats, and dogs — a very different setting to the maisonettes where I started out, but one that still holds the same sense of family, community, and chaos I’ve always loved. I also volunteer with MIND, a mental health charity, which feels like a way of giving back.

My heart feels full. For someone who claims to have little time, I certainly make sure to pack a lot in — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way

Your background can be your greatest strength. For a long time, I thought my working-class roots and non-traditional pathway might hold me back. Instead, they’ve become the very things that give me empathy and perspective.

You don’t need a “perfect” pathway. My route into psychology has been winding — Healthcare Support, Nursing, Counselling, research — and each stage gave me something valuable I carry into my work today.

Encouragement matters. At key points, one person’s belief in me made all the difference. Never underestimate the power of a nudge.

Most importantly: never stop listening. People’s stories matter. Listening allows people to feel seen, heard, and understood — and that’s often where healing begins. Psychology is about so much more than theory; it’s about honouring people’s stories. And your own.

A message to future Psychologists

If you take anything from my journey, let it be this: psychology isn’t about fitting into a mould. Your unique life experiences, challenges, and detours are not obstacles — they are what will shape you into the kind of Psychologist only you can be.

Training as a Counselling Psychologist involves juggling placements, academic assignments, personal therapy, and research all at once — it’s intense and at times overwhelming. But each element serves a purpose: placements teach you the craft, research sharpens your critical thinking, and personal therapy helps you grow alongside your clients. Understanding that it all weaves together makes the demands feel more meaningful.

The reality is, the journey isn’t easy. Money can be tight, placements demanding, and family life doesn’t pause while you study. There will be days you wonder how you’ll manage it all. But there will also be moments of joy, growth, and purpose, that make every challenge worthwhile.

Believe in your voice. Stay curious. And when the road feels long, remember — good things don’t just come to those who wait, they come to those who keep going too.

And yes, in the end, it’s absolutely worth it for the floppy hat. 🎓

Justine that floppy hat is in touching distance now! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, your reflections, and also your trust in that innate sense to move towards your passion. We wish you every success moving forward. 

Maybe reading about Justine reminded you of your own experiences on the career path in the Psychology field. We would love to hear from trainees and qualified colleagues working as Therapists, Counsellors, Psychotherapists, CBT Practitioners, PWPs (psychological wellbeing workers) and Practitioner Psychologists. Get in touch to add your own blog entry. 

Kind regards, 

The Pathways team.