Ruth Simms-Ellis

Prior to my BSc, I was a training consultant in the Financial Services Industry and had received specialist training to support staff following armed robberies. Although I had completed counselling qualifications, I wanted to achieve a much broader, more critical and scientific understanding of mental health and treatment approaches.

The range of modules available on the BSc was outstanding. I studied abnormal psychology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy research, psychoanalysis, clinical psychology and qualitative research methods. My supervisor was a great mentor, helping me publish my final year qualitative research project. After graduating I worked as a Research Assistant in the Psychological Therapies Research Centre (Leeds), followed by work as an Assistant Clinical Psychologist in a military hospital for the Ministry of Defence. Following a short break to have a baby, I completed a teaching qualification and taught in Further Education (Psychological Perspectives & Research Methods; The Nature and Treatment of Psychological Disorders; Study Skills).

I also facilitated a 12-month “Communicate with Confidence” programme for adults recovering from mental health issues. I began freelancing by supporting staff in different organisations with stress-related difficulties, moderate depression, panic attacks when doing presentations. I now also facilitate ethical leadership programmes, stress management workshops and advise Human Resource teams on mental health issues, mental health-related absences and returns to work. I completed an MSc Occupational Psychology at Leicester University specialising in occupational health psychology. I’m now working towards my Stage 2 training to become a Chartered Occupational Psychologist. My BSc at Leeds was a great turning point in my career, and set me on the path to becoming a scientist-practitioner. I love applying psychology to real life. Helping people improve their lives and being able to help organisations to create motivating, supportive work environments is very rewarding.