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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
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.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
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.
How did you go about getting your current job?
Describe a typical day?
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.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
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.
I participate in wider service quality initiatives such as participating in committees.What are the main challenges?
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.
What do you like most?
Is there anything that isn't great?
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
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.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
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.
I have done a number of psychotherapy trainings to support psychological intervention competencies, as I was interested to develop more this area.What is your education to date?
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
Schema therapy certification trainingWhat aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
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.
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
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.
What is your dream job?
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
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).
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
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.
Follow policies and procedures to keep work safe and be accountable.What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
What is your pet hate at work?
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
- Career Development?
- Current Job?
- Education and Training?
- Personal Qualities?
- Advice for Others?