As an aspiring psychologist, you will understand the value of continuous learning, connecting with other likeminded individuals and unlocking new skills to bring into practice.
At Elysium, we offer a tailored programme to give graduate and training psychologists a strong foundation for their careers in psychology. The Psychology Graduate Programme is a unique academic programme designed for psychology graduates recruited into newly created Psychology Support Assistant roles. It offers a structured pathway to build foundational skills, knowledge, and experience in preparation for a rewarding career in psychology. The Academy supports psychology graduates interested in careers within mental health psychology, nursing, or related professions. Its goal is to enhance your expertise, competencies, and readiness for a future in psychology and healthcare professions.
In this article, Graduate Academy students Luke, an Assistant Psychologist and Ruth a Psychology Support Assistant share how the academy positively influenced their personal and professional growth. Learn about the skills they both gained, how they applied them directly into their work and how the experience reignited their passion for psychology.
What was your favourite part of the psychology academy?
Luke “Honestly, I enjoyed every aspect of the experience. However, if I had to pinpoint one thing, it would be meeting like-minded individuals. Connecting with fellow assistant psychologists, psychology graduates, and everyone involved across the different sites was incredibly rewarding.
The clinical psychologists who delivered the sessions offered invaluable insights into their work, and it was fascinating to learn about the various facets of the field. As an assistant psychologist myself, I’m eager to expand my experiences across different areas of mental health, and age groups. The academy gave me a glimpse into all of that.
I had the chance to talk to many people about the services they work in, the challenges they face, and the aspects of their roles they find most fulfilling. Those conversations have directly influenced my research project. Reflecting on everything I learned, it’s helped me consider the directions I’d like to take as I move forward in my career.”
Ruth “The group discussions were incredibly valuable, as they gave me the opportunity to collaborate and connect with other aspiring psychologists. They also encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and share my ideas. I found the information on Personality Disorders, especially Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), particularly insightful. It deepened my understanding of the individuals I work with and support on the ward. I learned about the different types of dysregulations experienced by those with personality disorders and explored the three core philosophies: Behavioural Science, Zen Practice, and Dialectical Philosophy. Additionally, the open discussions with Phil and Rebecca were especially beneficial. These sessions allowed us to exchange experiences and perspectives while they applied their expertise to enrich our understanding of real-life applications and ward-based scenarios.”
How has the psychology academy helped you with your everyday role or future career?
Luke “The academy had a significant impact on my work, as I’ve incorporated many aspects of the sessions into my services. Since I work with individuals with learning disabilities and autism, I’ve adapted some suggestions to better suit their complex needs—like shorter attention spans or challenges with traditional talk therapy. This led me to introduce more interactive activities tailored to them.
The insights I gained weren’t just helpful for supporting residents but also for enhancing my training. For instance, I conduct positive behavioural support training for staff and have integrated various ideas and activities from the academy into those sessions, making them more engaging and effective.”
Ruth “Participating in the academy not only supports my goal of becoming a Forensic Psychologist but also provides valuable opportunities for career progression. Gaining hands-on experience in a Forensic Mental Health setting enables me to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. This dynamic role has strengthened my understanding of psychological principles while allowing me to build meaningful connections with service users, creating a strong foundation for my future in the field.”
Is there a memorable technique or lecture that stood out to you whilst at the psychology academy?
Luke “One memorable activity from the academy involved demonstrating positive reinforcement. A clinical psychologist led a clapping exercise where someone left the room while the group chose a task for them to perform—preferably something challenging or amusing. When the person returned, they began trying random actions, and the group clapped whenever they got closer to the desired task. Eventually, the person figured it out.
This activity effectively demonstrated how positive reinforcement works, as well as its potential pitfalls, like mixed signals when clapping for the wrong actions or unclear expectations. I’ve since incorporated this activity into my positive behaviour support training, where it’s been a valuable teaching tool.”
Ruth “We had session about a month into the academy that was filled with engaging activities that deeply immersed me in the learning experience. My favourite was an exercise where we stepped outside, partnered with two others, and formed a triangle—without using any verbal communication. This challenge pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me forge meaningful connections with fellow members of the Psychology Academy.
During the session, I gained valuable insights into various personality disorders and their effects on individuals. I also explored the profound benefits of mindfulness—not just for those with personality disorders, but for everyone. Mindfulness allows us to stay present and let go of judgment, fostering a sense of clarity and calm. Additionally, I learned about distress tolerance, which involves either actively addressing our problems or managing our emotional responses to them in a healthy way.
Overall, this session was incredibly enlightening, deepening my understanding of personality disorders and emphasising the vital role mindfulness plays in overall well-being.”
What is the next step in your career? Are you continuing with further education?
Luke “My primary career goal is to become a clinical psychologist. I aspire to work with a diverse range of individuals facing various psychological challenges, gaining extensive experience as an Assistant Psychologist. Currently, I am working with individuals with autism and learning disabilities, and I have previously supported young, vulnerable populations with different disorders, as well as elderly individuals.
I aim to continue broadening my experience by working within different Elysium services across the country, exposing myself to a variety of clinical settings. This will provide a strong foundation for pursuing a clinical doctorate. My next step is to apply for doctoral programs in both clinical and forensic psychology.
Beyond my own career progression, I am deeply passionate about increasing awareness of psychology in the United Arab Emirates. It is important to me to advocate for clinical psychology, promote diversification within the field, and highlight the various psychological experiences people go through.
For now, my focus remains on gaining qualifications and expanding my knowledge. I find immense value in learning from my lecturers, as their insights provide an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding, explore new perspectives, and reinforce what I have already learned.”
Ruth “My career aspirations revolve around gaining experience in the Forensic Psychology domain, supplemented by pursuing Level 2 BPS accreditation. I aiming to secure Assistant Psychology roles preferably within forensic institutions, leveraging my newfound expertise and passion for making a meaningful impact in this specialised field.”
If you are ready to take that next step, take a look on our careers page for all our live Psychology role opportunities, including the Psychology Graduate Programme.
Is a Career in Psychology Right for You?
If you have a deep interest in understanding human behaviour, enjoy helping others navigate challenges, and have strong listening and problem-solving skills, then psychology could be the perfect career path for you. From clinical and counselling psychology to research and organisational roles, there’s a psychology career that fits your passion.
As an Elysium Psychologist you’ll develop expertise in mental health, behaviour analysis, and therapeutic techniques while making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. A career in psychology is insightful, fulfilling, and ever-evolving. If you’re ready to support others in achieving mental well-being, we’d love to hear from you.