Forensic and Penitentiary Psychology MSc (University of Gdansk) is designed for students with a clinical or academic interest in the complex relationship between mental disorders and criminal behaviour. I learnt how psychology is applied in various forensic settings and was introduced to the role of the forensic psychologist in practice. I also gained knowledge of the legal aspects of forensic psychology, such as considerations for courts and sentencing, and examined the aetiology of criminal behaviour in depth.

The Psychological Therapies MSc (Queen Mary University of London) is suitable for those working with people with mental health problems, or with organisations that provide care, commissioning or policies on mental health care. This course equipped me with knowledge assessing mental health problems and understanding their origins and how to help recovery. I also learnt about psychological therapies including individual cognitive behaviour therapies, cognitive analytic therapies, psychodynamic therapies, as well as group and family therapies.

The course is accredited by Middlesex University. In the course I examined the biological, social and psychological factors in relation to psychiatric disorders, learning from theoretical, practical and experiential contexts. The emphasis was on equipping staff to use a therapeutic community approach informed by Lacanian thinking. This included gaining an understanding of the the Symbolic; of how a psychosis might be triggered and structured; of the role psychotic phenemena, including hearing voices, play in the life of the subject; developing an understanding of the nature of desire; and the reason why it is essential that practitioners are in their own analysis.

Dementia Care Mapping™ (University of Bradford) is an established approach to achieving and embedding person-centred care for people with dementia, recognised by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. DCM is an observational tool that is only used in ‘public’ areas of care environments. It usually involves one or two trained mappers sitting in areas such as a lounge or dining area and observing what happens to people with dementia over the course of a typical day. At the end of a period of observation the results are analysed and fed-back to the care team so that care can be developed.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Intervention (CBT), at the University of Surrey, is a well-established high quality training course, BABCP accredited and part of the Department of Health ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ programme (IAPT), which aims to improve access to evidence-based talking therapies in the NHS and any other qualified healthcare providers (AQP) through an expansion of the psychological therapy workforce and services. I learnt how to conduct CBT assessments, formulation and provide a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) service to clients with a range of complex problems for which CBT is demonstrated to be clinically effective.

ACT is a unique and creative model for coaching and therapy that is based on the innovative use of mindfulness and values. Over a 35 year period, evidence has mounted for ACT’s effectiveness in treating conditions including anxiety, chronic pain, depression, stress, smoking, weight loss and performance enhancement.

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition (ADOS-2), at the King’s College London, is a semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction, and play/imagination for individuals suspected of having autism or other pervasive developmental disorders. The Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) is considered to be one of the gold standard clinical diagnostic instruments for assessing autism in children and adults. The ADI-R provides a diagnostic algorithm for autism as described in both the ICD and DSM. This comprehensive interview focuses on behaviour in three main areas: qualities of reciprocal social interaction; communication and language; and restricted and repetitive, stereotyped interests and behaviours.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. One approach that has gained significant attention in recent years for treating ADHD is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on accepting one’s thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with personal values. ACT offers a valuable approach for individuals with ADHD to manage their symptoms and improve overall well-being. By cultivating acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action, individuals can develop psychological flexibility and enhance their ability to navigate the challenges associated with ADHD. ACT can be a complementary therapeutic tool, augmenting existing interventions and empowering individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, despite the ADHD-related obstacles they may face.