Josh completed his Bachelor degree and also an MSc in Forensic Psychology at the University of Kent. Here is a quick update on what he is doing now.
Where are you currently working? What is your current job title?
I currently work for Steps 2 Wellbeing which is the Dorset IAPT service (primary care mental health). My current job title is “Assessment and Low Intensity Team Lead”. My current role is 50% managerial – supporting trainee psychological wellbeing practitioners, running clinical skills sessions, supervising therapists, keeping on top of targets and forecasting for the service. The other 50% of my role is clinical and involves assessing individuals mental health needs and treating them using CBT. Oh I should also add that I’m seconded one day per week to Southampton University where I teach on the Low Intensity CBT interventions course.
Can you tell us a little about your current role? What do you enjoy about your work?
I love my role because every day is different, I get to help people, and it’s just genuinely interesting working in mental health.
Why did you choose to study Psychology at Kent?
I chose Kent because I loved the Canterbury campus and got a good impression from the School of Psychology at Open Days.
How do you feel your studies have prepared you for your role and career in general?
I feel that whilst my BSc in Psychology and MSc in Forensic Psychology aren’t directly related to my current role and the CBT I practise day-to-day, it was an invaluable experience to learn the basics of psychology in order to have a rounded knowledge of the area. I imagine if I was to go into something like the clinical or forensic psychology doctorates in the future then the knowledge gained from my psychology courses would prove more relevant.
What was the highlight of your time at Kent?
So many highlights at Kent, what to choose? Using the EEG labs with Zara Bergstrom in my final year dissertation, corresponding with female sexual offenders in a prison in America with Theresa Gannon in my master’s dissertation, being involved in a range of societies including setting up my own scuba society, living in wonderful Canterbury (which I miss greatly), just attending interesting lectures I miss quite a lot too.
Josh is running the distance of a Marathon (26.2 miles) over the course of July to raise money for the Freedom Programme, an organisation that supports victims of domestic violence. For more information and to donate please see his JustGiving page.