Exploring the biopsychosocial influences, barriers and facilitators of multiple health issues: An eclectic perspective from interactions with service users, providers and commissioners
This portfolio evidences the trainee’s journey from a person that lacked self-confidence and was prone to imposter syndrome to becoming a Health Psychologist that exercises self-compassion. This portfolio also documents the development of the trainee’s skills in the delivery of Behaviour Change Interventions (one which was face-to-face and another which was telephone and online based) and Teaching and Training, as well as the discovery of their passion for these competencies. Research activities (including those conducted for Consultancy) addressed gaps in the literature and increased understanding of multiple health behaviours and issues as well as the mechanisms behind them, such as: smoking cessation; cervical cancer prevention and treatment for women living with HIV; the challenges faced by post-kidney transplant patients; and the role self-compassion plays in health and wellbeing in employees from non-profit organisations. The trainee’s work placements and research activities required them to liaise and work with varying health and wellbeing service users, providers and commissioners, as well as minority, underprivileged and underrepresented groups. Such varying experiences provided a deeper understanding of health inequalities and their biopsychosocial influences (including culture), and generated unique findings and recommendations with real-world application
