From Care Assistant to Aspiring Psychologist - How My Early Roles Shaped My Values, Identity, and Practice

By Jasmine Iveson, Assistant Psychologist

Fuelled by Naivety and Ambition

When I was 18 I collected my A-level psychology certificates with pride.

I had my “wow” moment and firmly believed this marked the beginning of a straightforward and likely glittering path to becoming a qualified psychologist.

I naively assumed that three more years of undergraduate study would help me secure my first Assistant Psychologist role, and I’d be off and away from there.

With hindsight, I actually feel quite fond of this joyful, naïve version of myself and a little sad for her too.

Before long, that belief would be gently, but firmly, shaken.

Like many aspiring psychologists, the years that followed involved striving for relevant experience, applying for roles, and slowly realising that the path into psychology is rarely linear.

From Textbooks to the Real World

At that time, I viewed psychology as a discipline designed to save people.

Woman reading in a library

Armed with an understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, I believed I could ease emotional distress simply by knowing enough.

After learning about key psychological theories and influential figures, I began searching for ways to apply this knowledge in the real world. As an introverted young woman, my instinct was to learn through textbooks. But I quickly realised that reading alone would only take me so far.

To build my confidence in caring and connecting with others, I applied for my first role as a care assistant. Little did I know that this decision would mark the beginning of a transformative ten-year journey working in mental health.

Learning Compassion in Care Settings

Working in the care home brought both challenges and moments of deep learning.

With limited life experience, I often questioned how I could meaningfully support people three times my age.

Over time, I came to understand that this uncertainty was common and that learning often came not from doing, but from observing and bearing witness.

I saw families grieving the gradual loss of loved ones to dementia, and I witnessed the confusion and distress shaping residents’ daily lives. One moment has stayed with me ever since: an older woman brought to tears by the distress of personal care.

Nurse attending to a patient

Each evening, a nurse would enter her room and gently sing while providing care.

That simple act taught me more about compassion and dignity than any textbook ever could and would bring tears to my eyes too but for all the right reasons.

Ultimately, I learned that I must always be a human first.

I hold this time with great fondness and feel privileged to have done this work. I hope, in some small way, I helped.

Witnessing Adversity in Forensic Settings

By the age of 20, my journey led me to a forensic inpatient setting, where I began my first role as a healthcare assistant. I was often struck by the length of time patients had spent in hospital, and I found myself reflecting on their journeys from childhood through to adulthood.

A pattern began to emerge - one often shaped by significant adversity.

Despite this, I saw healthcare workers repeatedly go above and beyond their formal roles to help people feel seen, safe, and heard. One senior healthcare worker volunteered his own time to create a ward timetable, supporting those experiencing depression to reconnect with social interaction and a sense of purpose.

Witnessing this dedication reinforced for me the importance of building meaningful connections within mental health settings.

A Change in Perspective

Through these experiences, my view of psychology has shifted.

I no longer see it as a discipline that exists to save people, but as a way of understanding them.

I learned the value of being truly present with others and approaching distress with curiosity and compassion. The woman distressed by personal care, individuals experiencing depression, and those spending long periods in inpatient care all had stories to tell - if we can take the time to listen or to search for it.

In my current role, I now have the privilege of using formulation to look beyond the surface and understand the whole person, not just the presenting difficulty.

How My Early Experience Shapes My Practice Today

My early experiences of observing, listening, and learning through practice have given me confidence in how I communicate psychological ideas.

They allow me to:

·         integrate theory and practice during MDT discussions

·         present psychological perspectives with clarity and confidence

·         draw on lived examples to explain complex concepts

Having worked long hours on wards and in community settings, I also hold a deep awareness of how demanding these environments can be.

Now working in a forensic inpatient hospital, I try to remain mindful of burnout when engaging with ward staff, ensuring they are supported as well as the individuals in their care.

I have also learned the importance of looking after my own wellbeing and being honest and transparent in supervision to support both personal and professional growth.

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Earlier

Although I began working in care settings at a young age,

I wish someone had told me that becoming an Assistant Psychologist is a journey and that time spent developing is NOT time wasted.

The variety of roles I have held has helped me reflect on the kind of psychologist I hope to become one day. My early experiences supported my Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner training and two Assistant Psychologist posts, and the professionals I learned from early in my career continue to influence my practice today.

It is also important to acknowledge that working alongside studying is not possible for everyone, due to individual circumstances.

I hope this blog encourages readers to reflect on how their experiences - whatever they may be - can still shape future practice.

Looking Back - and Looking Forward

This journey has taught me that people rarely fit into neat textbook categories. Becoming an authentic clinician, shaped by values and experience, takes time and that time will look different for everyone.

Over the past six months in particular, I have begun to tune into what truly supports my development as an assistant psychologist. What I love about this career is that as I improve my skills as a clinician, I am also challenged daily to become more a curious and compassionate human too.

Woman in a forest

If I could whisper a few words to 18-year-old Jasmine, clutching her A-level certificates, they would be these: “Keep your chin up and your ‘why’ close to your heart. Keep striving, but don’t be afraid to ask for help - and be honest when things get tricky.”

Wishing you all the luck on the world - love Jasmine x

• Note from Marianne: Thank you so much to Jasmine and to you our dear readers for being part of my world. If you are interested in the stories of other aspiring psychologists, please do check out the Clinical Psychologist Collective and the Aspiring Psychologist Collective books.

  
  

• To check out Jasmine's podcast episode on public speaking click here.

  
  

• If you enjoyed this article and you’re an aspiring psychologist - or someone with an interest in mental health - you’re very welcome to get involved. We’re currently inviting blog proposals from our community. If you have a topic you’d like to write about, you can submit a proposal here.