During my secondary school I chose an optional subject Psychology as it seemed interesting. From then on I worked to fulfil criteria to be eligible to apply for an undergraduate psychology degree. I completed combined undergraduate/postgraduate psychology course (5 years) in Slovakia where I came from. Then I progressed building experience in a psychology full-time job and completed my clinical psychology training, placements and exam. I moved to Ireland and worked in a forensic mental health services. For the last number of years I am working in adult mental health settings, both outpatient and inpatient.

My psychology teacher in secondary school inspired me to look at option of becoming a psychologist. Later during my undergraduate degree I was attracted to applied psychology – counselling and clinical field. I pursue work experience in these fields to be able to progress with career choice of clinical psychologist.

For my current job, I applied to an ad in the Irish Psychologist, the Psychological Society of Ireland’s publication for members, and went for an interview. I was told in a few days about being successful.

My typical day would consist of catching up on work emails, communicating with my colleagues in multidisciplinary team (psychiatrists, psychiatry nursing staff, occupational therapist, social worker, other psychologists) about any updates and planning my day. I would see some clients for individual, family or group work. This could be an assessment or psychological intervention such as psychotherapy. I host training placement, so I would meet with a psychologist in training for a supervision. I would attend an MDT meeting where we develop and review integrated care plans for our clients. I write healthcare notes and check emails again. I may make some phone calls if needed.

Important part of my job is clinical work, helping clients to understand their difficulties and strengths, and improve their psychological wellbeing.

As a senior psychologist I am involved in professional development of psychologists through supervision, reflective practice and teaching.

I am also leading on a service based research study evaluating psychological intervention.

To keep my skills and competencies, I am participating in continuous professional development, attending. My own supervision, training courses and conferences.

The challenges in my work can relate to clinical work such as difficulties in client’s presentation or failure to benefit from treatment, sustainability of group intervention due to facilitators leaving while recognising the need for professional to move in their career, staying on top of study related tasks and duties. Administrative tasks can also stretch when there is need for statistics, notes and reports to be done on top of everyday work.

I really like that we make difference in peoples’ lives and helping communities to stay well. We can prevent deterioration in quality of life an mental health by intervening proactively. We can also learn from each other about effective ways to deliver the services.

As I already said administrative side of work can be tedious, however still very important and necessary. When combined with more stimulating activities and organised effectively, it can be managed well.

To do my work, I am bringing clinical skills such as evaluation of information and judging situations, assessment, formulation and intervention skills for various mental health issues, neurodiversity and disability in lifespan. I am also using reflective skills, and analytical skills to evaluate our service. Team work skills and effective communication skills are needed both in working with clients as well as colleagues.

In my secondary school I did psychology subject as an option. Biology, maths and English language were helpful in applying for undergraduate. In Ireland you do not have to apply, you need your points and usually no specific subject from the secondary school.

In undergraduate and postgraduate course I chose subject related to counselling psychology and clinical psychology – psychoanalysis, couple therapy, gestalt therapy, group interventions, psychodiagnostics, working with children, adults, older adults, people with disabilities. Research form the are relevant to clinical psychology is an advantage.

In training for clinical psychology qualification I have followed prescribed learning goals and objectives in academic area and on training placements.

Grammar secondary school (focus on higher levels)

Combined Master’s degree (5 years – 3 undergraduate + 2 postgraduate) in Psychology, with research relevant to clinical psychology

Psychotherapeutic intensive training (over 4 years part-time) – person centred therapy

4 year specialisation degree in clinical psychology, with placements

Doctorate by research, clinical psychology topic, supervised by Clinical psychologist

Emotion focused certification training

All mentioned learning activities contributed to my current post. As I value variety in my job, I am trying to apply all competencies developed through the studies and working experience.

Moving to another country and working in English as a second language would be always a big achievement for me, as I would never imagine this back in Slovakia while studying.

Developing psychological role and service in areas where there were no psychologists prior to me arriving was also very meaningful.

Organising of a number of conferences bringing together experts by experience, researchers and professionals on a chosen topic was rewarding.

I am very proud of many assistant psychologists and trainee psychologists I have supervised over the years, some of which are now my colleagues.

Volunteering with the Psychological Society of Ireland’s groups (being elected as a member of Council, a member of the Expert Validation Committee, and a member of the Division of Clinical Psychology) enable me to contribute to progress of psychology in Ireland.

I am grateful for my level of energy and enthusiasm, that helps me to learn and apply what I learn in my career. Connecting with people is most valued part of my work and enjoying being around people helps with this. I feel a lot of compassion for people and believe they are innately good. This helps me to work in various situations. I am naturally calm and kind person, and can be more outgoing and loud around people I feel comfortable with.

I am enjoying my work and would like to continue keeping all aspects of this work alive.

My job makes me very happy as it is a great mix of clinical work, practice development, research, teaching and learning. My children are grown up so I can give time back to psychological community through work in PSI. My lifestyle enables me to pursue love for leisure (sea swimming, cycling, meeting people, travelling).

First of all, I would start with a comment from my friend who did not get on the psychology course, saying “you should not be a psychologist”. I would say, if you would like to be a psychologist and have reasons for this, try to find a mentor to help you to guide you on the way. There are many ways how different personalities can contribute in psychology discipline.

To become a clinical psychologist working in clinical practice, you may want to be interested to talk to people, care about other person’s distress and want to alleviate this, have ability to critically evaluate evidence so you can choose the best approach to address the difficulty or to highlight and enhance strengths.

To be interested and open to cooperation with others in helping people and communicate effectively.

Compassion, care, courage.

Administrative work and mandatory trainings. They both are important and can be sometimes enjoyable, but for me these would be the least exciting.

Continual professional development ensures that I stay connected to constantly evolving field, sharpen my tools and stay grounded. Currently, my focus is on developing competencies needed for supporting others.

Working in mental health or disability settings as a support worker, healthcare worker or a peer support, research assistant, behavioural support worker, and eventually secure job as an assistant psychologist in similar settings.