Rebecca O’Sullivan

Current Employer/Organisation Name

CPSL Mind, UEL

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I have worked as a PWP in both full time work and agency work. I am now currently in my final year of the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Working with people. I think I’m good at it and it’s satisfying to do something you’re good at.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

Surf, horse riding, rock climbing.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

Getting the PWP training. This really helped my employment prospects and in getting on the doctorate programme.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The array of sports and the people.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

One of very few clinical psychology undergrad programmes. Location was also a massive bonus to me.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Clinical skills and experience. CBT competencies. Reflective practice skills.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Get as much experience as you can in the clinical field. Having a PWP qualification is beneficial because it allows you to work in agency and get a lot of experience quickly. Network – everyone knows everyone in applied psychology! Finally, be proactive. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.

What are your plans for the future?

Graduate, first and foremost. Then I would like to pursue a mixture of private work and furthering my learning in PTSD/CPTSD, autism, and children work. I would like to be able to offer free therapy to those that need it the most. Potentially starting my own business to reflect these values, but after a bit of a break!