The Counselling Psychology Lens

In this episode, the conversation delves into the intersection of spirituality and mental health, exploring how spiritual experiences are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed within mental health services. The discussion highlights the biases present in clinical settings, the importance of cultural humility, and the need for spiritual diversity training for clinicians. It emphasizes the necessity of listening to clients and advocating for their experiences, as well as the importance of trauma-informed care. The conversation also touches on the potential for decolonizing psychology to create a more inclusive understanding of spirituality in mental health.
Detail for Dr Nikita
LinkedIn: Dr Nikita Fofie
Instagram: @therapyish_uk
TikTok: @dr.niknaks
YouTube: @therapyish

This episode marks the beginning of season two, focusing on the foundations and frameworks of counseling psychology. Mary discusses the essence of counseling psychology, its core values, the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and ethical considerations. A case example illustrates the practical application of these principles in addressing social anxiety.

In this reflective episode, Mary explores the profound connections between personal experiences, historical trauma, and clinical practice. Through her visit to the Imperial War Museum, she delves into themes of intergenerational trauma, social identity, and the importance of understanding the historical context of mental health. She emphasizes the need for psychologists to consider the ancestral and collective experiences of their clients, advocating for a more holistic approach to healing that incorporates diverse cultural perspectives.

In this episode, Mary discusses how to build a psychology CVover time, focusing on various roles that provide relevant experience for aspiring counselling psychologists. She emphasizes the importance of clinical experience, reflexivity, and the skills gained from different positions, including support worker, occupational therapy assistant, assistantpsychologist, and IAPT roles. The conversation highlights the competitive nature of these roles and the value of unpaid charity work and research assistant positions in enhancing one's CV.

Chapters
 
00:00 Building a Psychology CV: An Introduction
02:38 Understanding Clinical Experience Requirements
05:18 The Role of Support Workers in Psychology
10:15 Occupational Therapy Assistant: A Valuable Experience
15:54 The Competitive Landscape of Assistant PsychologistRoles
20:27 IAPT Roles: Bridging Theory and Practice
24:31 Enhancing Experience with Charity Roles
28:09 The Importance of Research Assistant Roles
31:25 Reflexivity: The Golden Thread in Building Your CV

In this episode, Mary shares her insights and preparations for starting her Counseling Psychology Doctorate. She discusses the emotional and practical aspects of this transformative journey, emphasizing the importance of support systems, self-care, and maintaining a balance between academic and personal life. Mary also highlights the significance of reflective practices, effective study techniques, and the necessity of rest and compassion throughout the process.