Working Life: It's a real privilege to work with people who place their trust in you
There's something incredibly powerful about being part of a student's journey, supporting them not just academically, but in building their confidence, curiosity, and sense of self.
Working closely with students, I noticed that many were struggling not just academically, but also emotionally and psychologically. That same drive to assist others is what ultimately led me to psychology.
Being a psychologist allowed me to step further into that supportive role, working alongside people through some of their most vulnerable moments, and helping them to understand the situation, develop coping strategies, and find a way forward.
Knowing that you have helped someone through a challenging time, and seeing the progress they've made is deeply rewarding. It's a real privilege to work with people who place their trust in you.
Just as important as 1:1 therapy are the universal psychology intervention strategies — like the HSE Balancing Stress Programme — which are vital in promoting wellbeing on a broader scale.
Dr Niamh Clarke: "It's a real privilege working alongside people through some of their most vulnerable moments, and helping them to understand the situation, develop coping strategies, and find a way forward." Picture: Ger Rogers
The programme focuses on helping people understand and balance their stress to enhance their wellbeing, something that is increasingly vital in today's climate. These proactive, preventative approaches help build resilience, emotional regulation, and coping skills across communities.
Our office is in Mullingar. My daily work varies, but it's always centred on improving HSE services for children, adults and their families. Right now, I'm heavily involved in the reconfiguration of children's services in my HSE area.
This necessitates working closely with a range of stakeholders to design a children's service that provides a single point of entry, prompt communication, ensuring a seamless transition between services and timely diagnostics. It's a varied and challenging role, but incredibly rewarding.
Spending time outdoors is really important to me, especially walking and running with my golden retriever, Jesse, and my family. It's a great way to keep active and unwind. I have a real love of nature and animals and find both incredibly grounding and restorative.
I'm someone who likes to stay busy, whether it's gardening, reading, community activities or just catching up with friends over a coffee.'
The HSE Balancing Stress Programme is a free programme to manage stress, worry, anxiety, low mood and relationship difficulties.
For more, see www2.hse.ie/mental-health/self-help/balancing-stress/
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