About my current job
I work as an academic clinical psychologist, focusing on developing enhanced treatments for clinical depression. I lead an NHS commissioned specialist clinic that develops new treatments for mood disorders in Devon and work with other local NHS partners (IAPT) to train and supervise clinicians. My research is currently focusing on developing Augmented Depression Therapy (ADepT) to build well-being in depression and adapting Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to help people with treatment resistant depression. I also serve as a training advocate for psychology for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), helping the next generation develop clinical-academic careers. I also increasingly focus on well-being and mental health in the workplace, including being academic advisor to University of Exeter on this issue.
Something important I learned during my time at EP
EP gave me a solid grounding in psychology, but more important the capacity to think for myself and critically evaluate work (including the translational relevance of basic science experimental psychology). I also learnt how to have a good time, how to enjoy and benefit from (rather than be intimidated by) my amazingly talented peers, how to manage my time efficiently, and how to bluff my way through things on the odd occasion when I was out of my depth or ill prepared.
How did my education influence my career path?
I had a somewhat accidental path into academia. I had always meant to be a practicing NHS clinical psychologist but during my time at Oxford and in the early years after graduating realized a hybrid career of doing research in real world NHS settings was for me the best of all worlds. Oxford gave me the skills and opportunities to navigate this path.
Fond memories of my time at EP
A memory of Oxford more generally: a break from final revisions for three nights of little sleep as we celebrated May morning, election night when Tony Blair came to power, and our college ball. An EP memory: cycling past the Rad-Cam every morning on the way to work at the department - the most scenic commute I have ever had.
How did friends made during your time at EP influence your life?
My friends from EP (and Oxford more generally) were the best thing about university. I met and eventually married my wife. I formed a core group of friends that still goes on holiday every couple of years (beginning by cramming 10 of us into a house for 4 in the Lake District after finals). Some of my year continue to be colleagues as well as friends (for example, I work with Luke Clark now at University of British Columbia on gambling research).
Do you have a lesson or advice that you'd give to current students/researchers at EP?
Remember to enjoy your time at Oxford outside of work. You will do your best work when you have nourished your spirit and also its important to develop good work-life balance for the remainder of your career.
With the benefit of hindsight, do you have any advice you'd give your younger self?
Worry less about what others think of me and be willing to give all the amazing opportunities in Oxford a go (both in and out of work). I say this now as the proud winner of our local village disco 'embarrassing dad dancer' award - something that would have mortified me as an undergraduate.
