Working with Long-Term Health Conditions and Health Behaviours

Abstract

This portfolio details work completed for the purpose of fulfilling the five competencies that form the Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology. The competencies are research; assessed via a systematic review and two research papers, behaviour change intervention (BCI); assessed by two case studies, consultancy; assessed via the contract/report and a case study, teaching and training; assessed via a case study and diary, and professional competence; assessed by a log of activities and reflective case study. At the start of training, the trainee worked as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner within one NHS trust, alongside volunteering as a trainee Health Psychologist in another. However, the voluntary role was short-lived. The trainee progressed to the role of a senior therapist within the first organisation after some time, and subsequently to the official role of a Health Psychologist in Training. The professional competence was fulfilled throughout training by working in accordance with the BPS/HCPC guidelines and codes of conduct. A copy of the trainee’s log of training, signed by the trainee’s supervisor, is included in this portfolio alongside a reflective case study and separate reflection on adhering to the BPS/HCPC guidelines. For the research competence, a systematic review was undertaken, focussed on exploring the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioural therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Furthermore, a research paper was completed outlining the effectiveness of graded exposure therapy for an eating phobia and a second paper evaluating a series of group therapy pilots for CFS. The work included in the two empirical research papers were initially developed and delivered as part of the BCI competence and case studies were submitted on these for the fulfilment of this competence. Additionally, links were developed with a university tutor for the purpose of consultancy, and subsequently developed and delivered a teaching lecture to a large group of BSc and MSc Psychology students. A training series was developed on ‘working with long-term health conditions’ to NHS health staff for the teaching and training competence.