I won’t change my accent; you’ll just have to get used to it

I gave a presentation once as a psychology undergraduate. My professor provided the obligatory feedback: 'Excellent pace, great subject knowledge, a few too many slides'. And, of course, 'Maybe tone down the accent next time'.

Ella Rhodes' article in the July/August issue of The Psychologist spoke eloquently and knowledgeably of the striking social divide still evident within our profession, education system and society at large. Coming from a working-class family I know well the struggle of trying to get a foothold within psychology, and I am not alone.

I sound more like Rob Beckett than Rob Pattinson, and I'm proud of that.

Although educational institutions have provided easier access to training via grants and bursaries, most future psychologists are still expected to work many hours in unpaid voluntary roles before being considered for clinical training. The majority can't afford to be an 'Honorary Assistant Psychologist' two days a week and still pay the rent, and I believe that we as a professional community need to collectively speak louder on the issue. We are losing so many brilliant minds to other occupations due to the enduring middle-class perception of our own (See Dr Debra Malpass' and Dr Will Curtis' brilliant comments in the same article).

But these barriers to social class diversity within psychology also have a direct impact on our service users. I have been lucky to find junior roles within talking therapy at CAMHS, neuroimaging research and rehabilitative care for those with acquired brain injury. I have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in these positions, however time and time again one of the greatest assets in my vocational toolbox is my accent.

We are losing so many brilliant minds to other occupations due to the enduring middle-class perception of our own.

Many of my clients are from lower socio-economic backgrounds and have expressed feeling intimidated, worried and untrusting of a service they cannot relate to. I have found that something as simple as a shared accent and similar life experiences can bridge the gap between an apprehensive client and positive future engagement with structured therapeutic work. Too often, we forget that it is our responsibility as practitioners to connect with service users on their level. To ensure our clients feel heard and comfortable within the clinical environment. And part of our ability to do this arises from us as a service being legitimately diverse, adaptable and representative of the UK population.

We have placed our own barriers to social class diversity within our profession and I fear it is to the detriment of our service users. We not only have a moral obligation to ensure diversity in our ranks, but a professional responsibility to ensure our clients receive ease of access to the best service possible.

I sound more like Rob Beckett than Rob Pattinson, and I'm proud of that. So, to the professor who told me three years ago that I needed to tone down my accent, I say no. You'll just have to get used to it.

Roger Atkins,
London