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

 Hi everyone, Welcome to our next instalment of the Pathways to Psychology blog. Today we hear from Chelsea Richards, Trainee Counselling Psychologist. Chelsea shares a journey which was full of adversity and challenge, but has drawn on her experiences to becoming a compassionate and reflective Counselling Psychologist. We hope reading about Chelsea will highlight how every person, regardless of their background, could find their path to a successful career in the Psychology field.  Chelsea Richards: Trainee Counselling Psychologist From Dole to Doctor: My Journey into Counselling Psychology Growing up in a maisonette on a deprived council estate in Newport, wasn’t exactly the idyllic start to life that many would hope for. Mum passed away when we were young, and my sisters and I relied on the benefits system and the support of neighbours and friends to get us by. My early life experiences of adversity very quickly taught me that my childhood was going to look a little differe...

 Hi everyone and welcome to the next instalment of the Pathways to Psychology blog. We invite trainees and registered practitioner colleagues to write about their experiences, to inspire and support the next generation of colleagues contemplating a career in the Psychology field. Todat we hear from Dr Grace  Trundle, Principal Forensic Psychologist. Grace suggests her journey was uneventful and straightforward, but when you read the blog you will see the authenticity and effort shining through, propelling her to the successful career she has built.  Dr Grace Trundle Principal Forensic Psychologist Staying true to yourself  When I was thinking about what I could share with aspiring psychologists for this blog, I realised my pathway is not something particularly moving or inspiring. If anything, it’s about as straight forward of a route as you could take: a degree with placement year, doctorate, then into working life. I did a Psychology BSc at Aston University with my...

Hi everyone and welcome to the next instalment of the Pathways to Psychology blog. Today we hear from Lucy Garrow, Trainee Health Psychologist (DHealthPsych). It is lovely to read about the work Lucy is doing in supporting people living with long-term health conditions. Working in the area of long-term health brings together the medical- and the psychological fields. As people face so many changes in their mental wellbeing alongside their physical symptoms, having psychological support is invaluable. Lucy brings a passion and compassion to her role, and we hope she can inspire others to follow in this specialist field.  Lucy Garrow Trainee Health Psychologist (DHealthPsych) My journey into Health Psychology (while it has felt uncertain and prolonged at times) has been unexpectedly linear.  During my final year of secondary school, I remained uncertain about which career path to pursue. I explored a wide range of possibilities—including veterinary medicine, marine biology, phar...