Our People In CAMHS Services

5 Minutes With Kate McMahon, Counselling Psychologist

 

How does your day start? 

I come in a little early to set up my desk and get my files ready for the day. I feel like this helps me land into work and then when my colleagues start to filter in I have time for morning catch-ups before getting stuck into reports writing, admin tasks or client facing work.

Tell us about the team you work with. 

I work as part of a team of 15 other clinicians from various different disciplines (Social Work; Speech and Language; Occupational Therapy; Nursing; Psychology; Doctors; and Psychiatrists). It’s a team that works quite well together in terms of supporting one another with the work. We also organise meet ups outside of work so that helps with the friendly atmosphere in the office!

What does your typical working day involve? 

My day can vary depending on what I have planned. In CAMHS there is a great mix of work. For example carrying out assessments; therapeutic intervention; systems working e.g. linking in with/meetings with other services involved with the young person; multidisciplinary working such as consultation with other disciplines or meetings with the whole team; and providing psychology consultation and formulation formally through meetings and case presentations and informally through debriefs.

What motivates you in your work? 

I really enjoy working therapeutically with young people and families. Supporting young people and their families through difficult times when there are so many developmental tasks and milestones to navigate creates energy for me in the work. It also helps when you work with a team who can make hard days more manageable and celebrate all gains together.

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I think I probably most enjoy seeing how resilient the young people and families that we work with are. It also helps that there are many different types of work to get involved in to diversify my day. In addition, I really enjoy the developmental lens that working with this age group brings.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in CAMHS? 

It can be difficult at times due to the level of emotional pain I’m engaging with on a daily basis. I find it’s important to keep on top of self-care in practical meaningful ways like knowing how to leave work at work and recognise when I’ve given enough for one day. For me after a tough day, a debrief with my colleagues; exercise and getting out of my head; or connecting with loved ones can be so helpful. Knowing what works for you is an important starting place. Despite the hard days it is a very rewarding place to work!