The Psychology Society recently welcomed David Fong back to the school, who spoke to them via Zoom.  David attended Hymers College from 1981 to 1991 before studying for a Special Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Clinical Psychology (B.Sc Hons) at Hull University.  He then continued his studies to gain a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Through his work, he has also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Children and Young People at UCL and a Post Graduate Certificate in Transformational Leadership at Northumbria University.

He now runs a private practice which involves working with people therapeutically using CBT, psychotherapeutic, narrative and attachment focussed strategies. He also works for Mind Over Mountains as a wellbeing co-lead providing psychological input and support to groups of walkers in national parks on day walks and retreats and also for 6 Feet From the Spotlight, providing some short term psychological input to members of the entertainment industry. He is training as a Hill and Moorland Leader so that he can combine his love of the outdoors with providing meaningful and innovative psychological support away from the therapy room.

I talked a bit about career progression from A level to undergraduate, undergrad to assistant, assistant to trainee and from there to a qualified post; a bit about current pay scales; the variety of jobs that a clinical psychologist could involve themselves in, from the classic NHS posts to more 'portfolio' careers, often in the private/independent sector.

I also talked about some of the things I've really enjoyed about the work; the prospect of change underpinning it all, the fact I've never been bored working with clients/patients and the fact that it can be incredibly rewarding to be a part of someone's recovery.

People are welcome to look me up on Linkedin if they'd like to!

Thank you, David. We really appreciate you volunteering your time to talk to our students.