oakwood_house Three types of people in the world: those who make things happen, those who watch what happens and those who say "what happened?"
12 days ago via web
oakwood_house "Independence? That's middle class blasphemy. We are all dependent on one another, every soul of us on earth." George Bernard Shaw
14 days ago via web
oakwood_house "Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom." T.J. Rubin
16 days ago via web
Trainee Stories
Wonder what it's like working on placement at Oakwood House?
Counselling Psychologist in Training LIZ LAWSON describes her 2009 - 2011 placement:
"I began my training to become a counselling psychologist in October 2009 when I enrolled on the D Phil at Teesside University. Having always had a professional interest in eating disorders, I researched available placements in the field and was impressed by the service offered by Oakwood House. I attended a thorough interview which included a role play and was delighted to be offered a position as a trainee counselling psychologist. Throughout my placement, I was mentored via fortnightly case consultation with a senior therapist, which I feel has greatly shaped my clinical practice. I was provided with training in one of the psychological models utilised by the service, Fairburn's CBT-E. This study further increased my confidence and skills. Along with working with clients with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, I was also able to work therapeutically with clients who had been referred by a weight management service therefore was able to develop my knowledge of the full range of eating disorders. For a trainee, Oakwood House is a fantastic experience with opportunities to become involved in a variety of work areas. I facilitated a 16- week guided CBT self-help group which has developed my confidence in delivering group interventions. Additionally, there are opportunities to provide meal support to clients, run a drop-in service for family members and carers of individuals with eating disorders and much more. I was expected to undertake my own client assessments and communicate with a range of healthcare professionals which is excellent experience for a trainee psychologist to gain since many placements do not give such responsibility to trainees. My manager was also very supportive of my research proposal and she offered valuable insight and input, as well as ethical approval and access to participants. Most importantly, my colleagues were extremely supportive and I very quickly felt like a valued member of the team. Although I intended to undertake a one year placement at Oakwood House, I ended up staying for two years due to the excellent training and experience that I was gaining. Since leaving Oakwood House, I have acquired another placement at a well-respected inpatient eating disorders ward and I have no doubt that the fantastic training and opportunities that I was given at Oakwood House supported my application. I am now in my final year of training and I believe that my experience at Oakwood House has provided me with skills which will stand me in good stead when applying for psychologist positions upon qualification."