KATIE GRANT
PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
A CAREER TO THINK ABOUT
COULD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING BE YOUR FUTURE ?
Working in mental health support or counselling services can be so rewarding .
These services help people manage and improve their mental wellbeing through various forms of therapy and support .
Alliance Psychological Services has provided counselling and psychological therapy services for more than 20 years .
Based in Stockton but helping people across Teesside , it gives people access to high-quality interventions provided by a qualified and dedicated team .
Its range of specialist services supports children , young people and adults alike .
But what ’ s it like to work in psychological services , and for Alliance in particular ?
We asked four members of the Alliance team about their careers so far . Let ’ s meet them !
KATIE GRANT
Qualifications : Psychology , Biology and Geography A-Levels , Psychology degree at Northumbria University and , after employment at Alliance , I returned to Northumbria for a postgraduate certificate in Low Intensity Psychological Interventions .
Role : As a children ’ s wellbeing practitioner , I assess and support young people who are having difficulties with common mental health issues , such as anxiety and depression .
What I enjoy the most : Having the opportunity to support and make a difference , no matter how small , to the lives of children , young people and their families . It makes me proud to be able to help people make positive changes and feel more able to manage difficult emotions . Working in the mental health sector can be difficult , but feeling supported and cared for by those at working at Alliance makes such a difference .
Advice : Gain as much volunteering or work experience as you can relating to the role , even when you are still at school . Having experience with children , young people and adults through volunteering at different listening services gave me a head start , though any experience that allows you to communicate effectively , interact and work with individuals or groups is beneficial .
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