What does your role entail?
"I am currently working for the NHS, researching how spirituality plays a role in recovery from mental illness. The majority of my work consists of discussing religion and spirituality with patients suffering with schizophrenia, depression and other conditions such as eating disorders and personality disorders. Additionally, I liaise with various faith communities in Birmingham to understand how their religious views of how mental illness is caused and treated."
How did studying at the University help prepare you for your career?
"My degree in Theology and Religious studies provided an excellent theoretical understanding of faith and religion, which has enabled me to knowledgeably converse with patients from a range of faith backgrounds. Further, an understanding of different expressions of faith from modules such as Pentecostal and Charismatic studies, Black Theology and Women’s Weekly have enable me to challenge the view of the clinical team that the patients presentation is actually part of their religious/spiritual tradition (e.g. speaking in tongues, practicing Wiccan rituals) and not a symptom of their psychosis. Additionally, being able to talk realistically (but with a philosophical foundation) about reconciling belief in a benevolent God with periods of severe illness and distress has been invaluable in my work on the wards."
"Also, the research methods taught in the dissertation module provided a framework that I have built upon through further training in clinical research methodology. Additionally, spending many hours trying to organise bibliographies and references into the correct format, whilst a bit of a chore, is now second nature and a useful skill to enlist as I write papers for journal publication."
How did you get to where you are today?
"In the placement module I shadowed a female vicar and had my first experience of hospital chaplaincy – an experience I still draw on today as I routinely visit patients on different wards. The most useful lessons in my degree were the most informal - drinking coffee in the Mason lounge with my peers. The conversations we had about how own spirituality was unfolding and being challenged through what we were hearing in lectures are conversations I draw upon daily in my work."
"I hope to continue researching spirituality as a component of holistic mental health care. Interest in the field is currently increasing, with my research being presented at international conferences and in journals. Although I have received training in clinical research that can often be reductionist in its approach, my theology degree has taught me to value the person and their experiences without viewing them as a statistic."