Case studies : Counselling psychologist: Haroula

Dr Haroula Stathopoulou has a BSc in Psychology with Media Studies, as well as an MSc Computer Based Information Systems, both from the University of Sunderland. She then obtained a PGDip and Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from the University of Teesside. She completed a PGCert in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, and she is currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Senior Psychologist in the NHS.

Following the completion of my doctorate I worked mostly for the NHS. While working as a clinician I developed an interest in teaching and training and pursued an academic post relevant to my counselling psychology qualifications. Becoming a Chartered Counselling Psychologist (CPsychol, BPS) at the time was essential in order to gain employment in the NHS. The chartership status is equivalent to full registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC). The doctorate was crucial in accessing an academic career.

A typical clinical work day would include offering clinical supervision to non-psychology staff, offering psychological assessments for suitability for therapy, having formal and informal case discussions about clients, attending meetings and keeping up with administration duties.

A typical academic work day would include classroom based teaching, offering research supervision, personal tutorials, doing research, attending meetings and undertaking academic administration responsibilities.
 
Working in two different settings allows me to combine the advantages of an academic and a clinical job. There is plenty of variety, academic and clinical stimulation, and opportunities to expand creative thinking and develop via lifelong learning.

However, managing two part-time jobs with different demands and responsibilities can sometimes be challenging. This inevitably requires changing ‘hats’ and operating in different modes. But it is rewarding to help people to achieve their potential through learning or psychological interventions.

For any students or graduates wanting to get in to the role, you should think of where you would like to be in five years time. Assess the current socio-economic climate, your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that emerge from them. The training will be challenging, but it is extremely worthwhile.