‘It’s a real privilege to work with people in crisis’

I first interviewed Sophie as part of The Psychologist's featured job programme; recruitment is a key issue for all clinical psychology. Sophie raises the issue again in our chat, and takes the opportunity to encourage any new potential applicants to join her expanding team. But I also wanted to investigate her passion and enthusiasm for acute inpatient work, which has required face-to-face interactions throughout the last two years of lockdowns.

Time was of the essence – another theme in psychology roles, particularly in the NHS – and we initially agreed to take time for Sophie's essential cup of tea: 'Basically my fuel is tea'. Sophie is a genuinely funny conversationalist, expressing considered opinions in an East End accent: she grew up in Barking, but her family moved to Essex when she was 14. Her route into psychology reflects the experience of a number of other people I've interviewed. 'My brother had severe learning disabilities and behaviours which challenge, and I was therefore a young carer. People who have that sort of experience are often drawn to the caring professions. It was important to me that my career contributed to the world's solutions, not the problems. It's helpful to also be clear about your motives before going into a profession like psychology.'

Wonderfully and fearfully made

Sophie studied psychology at A-level and was intrigued that all aspects of human beings can be studied, with pioneers like John Bowlby influencing her thinking. 'I became fascinated by all the intricacies of being human. At university I was drawn to social psychology and what was then unfortunately called "abnormal" psychology, but what we understand today more as the field of clinical psychology. My dissertation was on conformity and I did a mini dissertation on what is now known as dissociative identity disorder. These drew together my interests.'

I've always managed people alongside clinical work, which I enjoy. It's wonderful, that as supervisors, we too are always learning from our supervisees.

Although a lot of Sophie's work since then has been in applied areas, she says she was and is fascinated by research. 'My initial jobs were research-based. They introduced me to the world of academia.' Sophie worked for five years on research projects at the Institute of Psychology (IOP). 'The first explored carers in mental health settings and was an influential piece of work. It affects what I do now, having given me an understanding of the paramount importance of information-sharing, as well as the roles of multiple stakeholders. The other project evaluated Capital Volunteering, a forward-thinking programme designed to create social inclusion through volunteering. Eleven London boroughs received funding and statutory/voluntary agencies worked together to develop locally-led social inclusion opportunities for service users. In a sense the scheme was a forerunner of many of the initiatives seen in community psychology. I loved it. Participation was encouraged and it has always been important to me to be part of the work I do, so as well as evaluating the scheme you could have found me playing an instrument in one of the Samba bands or gardening in one of the therapy garden projects!'

The IOP suggested some PhD options but Sophie wanted to work within the NHS, which she holds in high regard. 'I preferred to do voluntary work as an assistant psychologist within wards to gain experience, and this is where my interest in inpatient work was sparked.' Sophie did take a DclinPsych at the University of East London. 'What a privilege that was. The course at UEL was exactly in line with my views on the critical issue of paying attention to the service users' voices and thinking about what has happened to someone, not what diagnosis they have.'

After this, Sophie did a number of part time jobs in various settings, including community dementia care and probation services. 'In addition, I worked in five acute services at Camden and Islington: crisis houses, a day hospital, assessment unit, PICU and acute wards. Here my work covered areas from group therapy and individual assessment to supervision of trainees and working with other professionals.' Why did you do these part time roles? 'For me it was important when I was newly qualified to get a range of experience, to consolidate my skills and to think about where I wanted to be. This prevented me deciding too early where I wanted to specialise or focus. You can do this after you've worked in different fields. My experience gave me a real passion for short term acute roles and the importance of psychology in these settings. I later took two further roles in Essex which extended my acute work to include a mother and baby unit. Now, as with all consultant roles, I still have an active clinical caseload which I highly value.'

I wondered if Sophie's job had changed as she moved into more senior leadership. 'I've always managed people alongside clinical work, which I enjoy. It's wonderful, that as supervisors, we too are always learning from our supervisees, and I am constantly struck with my team's dedication and commitment.

I've had a lot of experience evaluating aspects of the health service and looking at the role of different professions in care. These are all parts of my present job today. I suppose what does change is that as you become more senior you begin to look outside your immediate area of operation more to the wider aspects of your Trust, the needs of the community and how psychological services can make a difference.

Recruitment, improved access, and diversity

'Recruitment is our number one concern. One aspect of this is the simple number of applicants. There is an increase in the number of jobs being created and also in the number of training places available which is fantastic, but there's a lag between the two at present, meaning it can be difficult to fill jobs. This will of course change over time and we are already delighted to be welcoming some newly qualified staff into post!'

Has Covid created a greater need? 'In the inpatient setting Covid appears to have increased the level of acuteness we see and of course has impacted the workforce themselves. Our Trust has been excellent in supporting staff and this is a top priority to me too. I will always be thankful to our inpatient staff who continued to work face-to-face during the pandemic to ensure our service users received the very best care. But there is another issue beyond simple number of applicants. We need a diverse range of people offering clinical psychology which reflect the populations and community we serve. I am mindful of social class; I come from a working-class background and have a very identifiable accent of which I am proud of! I have given lectures to university undergraduates encouraging all who are interested in clinical psychology to give it a go and take part in the excellent schemes which are now available.'

I will always be thankful to our inpatient staff who continued to work face-to-face during the pandemic to ensure our service users received the very best care

As head of adult inpatient psychological services, Sophie now works with people who are in crisis and hospitalised. 'It's a real privilege. Sometimes we are among the first people to listen to a client; make sense of their circumstances and hear what has happened. I love the fact that you work with people on the ward when this sort of communication happens. Although one-to-one sessions are important, group work can help people understand they're not alone, that others may have similar experiences: groups are particularly powerful in an in-patient setting. We have successfully piloted a project which provides psychological groups on all our inpatient wards in the evenings and at weekends for these very reasons. I also like the short-term nature of the area: you work with someone to help stabilise their mental health, to ensure a purposeful admission and then help them move on from the hospital. Sometimes this means you don't always know how individuals progress once they leave hospital; other times you receive messages, sometimes years later, that suggest your work has played a part in recovery. There are great opportunities for indirect work: training staff and running workshops and developing new initiatives. In the end no one day is the same.'

What does the future hold? 'I've been in the head role for a year and I'm looking forward to this continuing. I am super proud to be part EPUT's Psychological Services Directorate; it is a great place to work emphasising placed on staff development such as individualised training initiatives.'

And one thing Sophie enjoys outside work is trampolining. 'It's a wonderful way to keep healthy and fit. I'd recommend everyone to get a trampoline or go to bounce classes! Best time of your life! Now for another cup of tea!'

A last point. Many psychologists I interview stress how influential other practitioners have been on their career. Psychology often seems to work informally on a mentoring – almost apprenticeship – system. Sophie was particularly keen to take this opportunity to thank 'those who have inspired and mentored me along my psychology adventures so far; Dr Vanessa Pinfold, Joanna Murray, Professor Dave Harper, Dr Alison Fell and Dr Greg Wood to name a few. I hope to invest in others just as these folk invested in me.'