From university to talking therapy - my Psychology journey

Hey! My name is Hafsah, and I studied Psychology with Counselling at the University of Bradford from 2018 to 2021. It may be a few years ago now, but my university experience shaped who I am today.

I am currently working as a psychological wellbeing practitioner for the NHS Talking Therapies Service.

Beginning at the University of Bradford 

The University of Bradford was one of the main universities I picked when I applied due to it being convenient and local for me. I first applied to Diagnostic Radiography. But after doing work experience in the area, I found this was not my cup of tea. I was then unsure of what I should do next.

I knew I wanted to help people as I gain satisfaction from supporting others. In the end, I applied for Psychology with Counselling, as this course opened avenues to go into mental health support after graduation. But I decided to take a gap year and get some life experience first.

Reasons you should study at the University of Bradford

I didn't realise the amazing opportunities I’d get once I entered university!  

Before I’d even arrived, the lovely welcome team allowed a few of us who deferred their entries to come for a “Welcome Day”. We had an informal conversation with university staff to make sure we were ready, and asked if we had any questions or any specific areas of the university we would like to explore. 

This set the whole tone for me and really made me feel like this is where I belong. 

Life as a student 

My first year of university was one of the best years I had here! I joined societies and course-related groups but also became a student ambassador. This role involves providing university tours, answering questions and even working Clearing days to support prospective students. The role gave me great experience working as part of a team and allowed me to learn more about the university. 

At the start of my second year, I got the chance to be a peer leader, facilitating classes for first year Psychology students to help them access extra support. This gave me great leadership, teamwork and support experience. 

I completed my studies in 2021 and passed with a 2:1, which I was proud of! My graduation took place in 2022 - a massive thank you to the graduation and alumni teams for all their hard work in making it happen. 

I made great friends at university and am still in contact with people I met at university today. 

Jobs and applications 

Throughout my degree, I asked psychology graduates and fellow students what their biggest regret was in their studies. The majority mentioned not getting any experience in the field. 

Thankfully, I was advised by the Careers Service in my first year to take every opportunity to gain useful experience during my degree. Careers advisor Beverly Thomas supported and guided me throughout university, helping me write many job applications as my university career approached its end. 

I stuck to a simple quote throughout the process of applying for jobs: "rejection is redirection". 

My career in mental health support 

Eventually, I found a role as an independent mental health advocate for Advent Advocacy. This was an amazing role which I am so grateful for.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this role, it was just a stepping stone as I knew I wanted to progress further in the mental health field. So, I applied for a trainee psychological wellbeing practitioner role within the NHS.

Starting this role made me realise how much I missed being a student. I spent the first year in training delivered by the University of Bradford. I was so happy with the familiarity of this - the structure and the University of Bradford’s delivery style made the process so easy.

Again, the support provided again by the Careers Service, Alumni Team, library and lecturers confirmed that I made the right choice to go back into education! It was another rollercoaster of a year, but I was so grateful to be back studying at Bradford.

Life as a psychological wellbeing practitioner

I have now graduated and am a qualified psychological wellbeing practitioner (PWP), where I work with people with mild-to-moderate mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD. We use a model known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which works on the here-and-now. Our patients attend up to six sessions for 30 minutes every two weeks.

My day-to-day work routine consists of seeing up to seven clients a day with any of the conditions mentioned above. We see people either face-to-face, on a video call or over the phone. All interventions actively work on making a change in clients day-to-day to help improve what they're struggling with, and the delivery varies depending on what their condition is.

I have recently started co-facilitating a lecture-based stress and wellbeing course, which uses learning around stress, depression and anxiety to support clients. I have also joined the BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) special interest group — we meet every month to discuss ideas to improve access to our service for BAME communities. I have created, developed and delivered two workshops, one face-to-face and one online, to boost our efforts.

We can make a huge difference in the lives of the general public. I've received feedback from clients to support this and knowing you have made a special difference to someone’s life is very rewarding.

Although it’s a fast-paced, intense role, it's a great opportunity for someone with a Psychology degree to create a positive difference in the world.

I’ll be forever grateful to the University of Bradford for guiding me, supporting me and shaping the individual I am today.

Check out Psychology to see where it could take you.