Carrie Hayward

Psychologist - Headspace and Private Practive

Graduated in:

2008

Course completed:

Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in psychology (honours)
Doctor of Psychology

Currently working for:

I am a Psychologist currently working at two workplaces:

• Private practice - 4thought Psychology. Work alongside 6 other psychologists.
• Headspace - health service for young people (12-25 yrs) with mental health issues and/or drug and alcohol issues.

How long have you been working for this organisation?

1 year at each.

Position title and short job description:

Psychologist - working with adolescents and adults with a range of mental health issues.

Working highlight so far:

Completing my doctorate! The everyday highlights - observing clients progress towards improved health and wellbeing. I also enjoy the various workshops / seminars that I have been involved in, including training other health professionals. For example, I am regularly involved in the Baker-IDI conferences, educating allied health professionals about psychological factors of diabetes.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

The variety and diversity in being a psychologist. I have the opportunity to work with people from many different backgrounds and who present with a wide range of difficulties. I enjoy working alongside other psychologists and other health professionals as this provides collaborative care for clients and also a brilliant opportunity for continual professional development.

An area in which you have needed assistance:

Continuing professional supervision is imperative, particularly when setting up private practice, for both the business and clinical side. Assistance in dealing with high risk clients and / or complex cases. I have also appreciated assistance in managing my case load - that is, identifying what is a workable balance.

What do you intend to do in the future?

Continue to build my practice, become further involved in other opportunities in the field such as teaching and training.

#1 tip for current students studying your course:

Maximise your experience at clinical placements and choose carefully, as they provide a brilliant opportunity for learning, networking and building insight into different workplace settings. Make sure you have good personal supports, appropriate study environments and some time for recreation / relaxation particularly during the final stages of thesis as this can be intense at times - focus on what’s ahead including the amazing feeling of submitting your thesis and graduating, and the exciting career path ahead.