Dr Katie Louise Minnett

Please tell us about your current role and employer

I’m a Principle Forensic Psychologist and I work in a high security male prison, working with men who have complex trauma histories and have committed serious offences in order to help reduce risk and improve well-being.

What was the journey to getting a job after graduation?

I completed my first placement in an OPD service in a different high security male prison. When I came to the end of my third year a job became available and I was encouraged to apply. I obtained this role, where I stayed for 18 months prior to getting a promotion to band 8A. I then stayed in this role for 2 years prior to getting a promotion to my current job role (band 8B in a different service).

What does a typical day in your current role look like?

• Service is relational and based on attachment theory, primary goal is to model pro-social relationships, repair ruptures and be consistent
• Caseload of prisoners that I work individually with, this is firstly developing a formulation and then individual schema therapy
• Facilitate groups in addition to the above, this includes schema therapy and relational groups
• Work as part of an MDT (joint clinical and operational staff) to support the running of the unit, decision making, risk management and support plans
• Clinical supervision of clinicians (ranging from assistant psychologists to senior psychologists) and operational members of the team (supporting them to think about the impact of the work on them, support them with facilitating groups) alongside running group supervision where I support the team to think about dynamics and help understand prisoners on the unit
• Liaising with other teams including the mental health team (which is separate to our unit), working with people with complex difficulties such as extremism and supporting with referrals that have complexities
• Running training on a variety of topics, both to staff on the unit and staff in the prison
• Clinical staff in the service are also involved in research to ensure best practice and development in the field

Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?

I applied to the doctorate to understand the process of application whilst I was applying for masters courses and before I felt ‘ready’ – but then I got on! It was unexpected but on reflection, I don’t think you ever feel ‘ready’.

I was drawn to Birmingham due to fact that lectures are taught by practitioners from the field, this gave a real life application to all of the learning which was different to my peers on other courses and really bought the theory to life.

The support I received from the university is unmatched … the weekly teaching meant that you had opportunities to see the teaching team in person, the trainee supervision supported me to navigate the journey with others and I experienced some personal difficulties along the way where the university took the approach of how they could support me through it!

How do you feel the learning experience on your course helped to prepare you for your career?

The practice element was key – I got such a variety of experience under a range of supervisors. I was exposed to different settings and client groups and had so many opportunities across my placements that I had a real wealth of experience by the time I finished! It also helped me narrow down the specific field I wanted to go into, as I got to experience this on a placement prior to applying for jobs upon completion.

What are your top tips for students graduating today?

• I had a bit of a different journey into the field (i.e., I had never been in a psychology role prior to the doctorate) however this difference in background has been priceless and it has helped me across my training and career – don’t be nervous to play on your strengths and differences!
• Take all the opportunities that you can – I was lucky within my relevant services that leadership opportunities came up and I am now working in my literal dream role!
• Networking is key – the world of forensic psychology is small and it can be confusing to navigate, so take up as many opportunities as you can – visit different services and try to get to know people within these services
• After graduating, be kind to yourself – training is hard and it takes some time to process this!