Our People In CAMHS Services
5 Minutes With Aoibhinn Bannigan, Speech and Language Therapist
How does your day start?
I usually arrive in the office around 08:45, make myself a coffee and start reading through my emails and any administration work I need to catch up on. I have a look at my appointments that I have in for the day and plan my sessions and any resources accordingly. I have discussions with my MDT if required regarding any updates on service users from a mental health perspective before I head into my first appointment around 09:30/10:00.
Tell us about the team you work with.
I work with an incredibly hard-working, caring and supportive multi-disciplinary team that consists of a Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychiatry Registrar, Psychologist, Clinical Nurse Manager and Speech and Language Therapy. Despite being a small team, we work cohesively and effectively, with the same shared goal of providing evidence based, person centred care to every service user. My team are great at providing support and guidance to each other, as well as engaging in collaborative assessment, diagnosis and intervention for a range of mental health difficulties.
What does your typical working day involve?
One of the many positives about working in CAMHS, is that no two days are the same. My typical working day involves preparing resources for sessions, meeting young people for speech & language therapy, and mental health interventions, completing documentation and reports as well as multi-disciplinary discussions and collaborative goal-setting/formulation. My clinical sessions vary between assessment and intervention for a variety of speech, language and communication needs, as well as advocating for the service user’s needs and preferences. My sessions also involve providing psychoeducation to families around language and communication difficulties and the link between communication and mental health. I also have joint sessions with other members of the MDT to help support the young person in accessing and engaging in other mental health interventions.
What motivates you in your work?
Seeing the impact that your work can have on the lives of young people and their families is what motivates me in my work. The nature of the work in CAMHS, especially within the current climate of the health system can be challenging, however knowing that you are contributing to the young person’s recovery journey with regards to their mental health, and helping them to reach their full potential in all aspects of their life, provides motivation and satisfaction in my work.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The most enjoyable part of my job is working with the young people and being able to support them in the recovery journey. As a speech and language therapist, I am able to build rapport with the service users and their family, and aim to support their language and communication to aid them in accessing other mental health interventions. Being able to support young people to express their narratives and their emotions is extremely rewarding and motivating. Working as part of MDT is also an extremely enjoyable part of my job as I am able to learn and grow both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in CAMHS?
I would advise someone considering a career in CAMHS to remember the core qualities that brought you into a career in healthcare- your empathy, patience and motivation to make a difference in people’s lives. I think it is important to maintain a consistent self-care routine for yourself also. The work in CAMHS is extremely rewarding and fulfilling however like any job, there are challenging days. Ensuring you have something to look forward to at the end of your working day, whether it’s a walk with a friend or watching your favourite movie.